By: Ava Slinkard
All my life, I have had a deep love for God, country, and history. Growing up in Athens, Alabama, I was surrounded by a community that values its heritage, and during my fourteen years as a Girl Scout, my appreciation for local history has only grown stronger. From an early age, I understood the importance of preserving history and taking pride in my hometown. I was also taught to have the utmost respect for the men and women who have served our nation, and that admiration has continued to deepen over the years.
My love of history began with my great-grandfather, Francis Urhahn, who served as a military policeman during World War II. My grandfather and mother shared his stories with me, sparking a lifelong fascination with World War II and the generation that sacrificed so much to preserve freedom. When it came time to choose my Girl Scout Gold Award project, there was never any doubt that it would focus on World War II history.
As I began planning my project, I discovered something that deeply concerned me. Many people my age knew very little about World War II—not obscure facts, but basic historical knowledge. I met students with excellent grades and high ACT scores who could not identify when World War II took place, the countries involved, or major events that shaped the course of history. As I researched further, I found statistics that confirmed my concerns. Surveys showed that many young adults could not explain the significance of Pearl Harbor or D-Day, identify the Allied and Axis powers, or estimate how many lives were lost during the Holocaust. These findings convinced me that educating my generation about World War II was a meaningful and much-needed mission.
Through partnerships with the Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives, the Athens Historical Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Girl Scout Troop 11922, and Athens Bible School, I was able to create five audio tours highlighting the lives of local Limestone County veterans. Those stories became educational presentations that I have shared with members of our community, as well as scripts for the annual Athens Cemetery Stroll. I encourage everyone to attend this October and experience these remarkable stories firsthand.
The project also allowed me to design educational banners now displayed at the Alabama Veterans Museum and to produce short social media videos that teach World War II history in under ninety seconds. I have written, filmed, edited, and produced a promotional video for the museum, along with another honoring Alabama veterans. I am also completing my children’s book, Lily’s Victory Garden of Hope, which will soon be available in the Alabama Veterans Museum gift shop.
This Gold Award journey has taught me far more than history. It has introduced me to incredible people, allowed me to preserve the stories of local heroes, and given me the privilege of sharing my passion with the citizens of Athens. Our community is truly one of Alabama’s greatest treasures, built upon a rich heritage of faith, patriotism, and service. I am forever grateful to everyone who supported this project, to the veterans whose sacrifices made our freedoms possible, and above all, to God, who made every opportunity possible. To Him belongs all the glory.
By: Ava Slinkard
