Naomi, who just finished her junior year at Presentation High School, has been a part of Girl Scout Troop 788 since age 10. For Naomi, completing her Gold Award project was a no-brainer.

"I love helping people and doing community service," she said.

Naomi began planning for the award in the summer of 2002. She had to complete a series of leadership challenges and extensive community service before finally starting on her Gold Award project, which was a series of three workshops about how to overcome life's challenges. She was able to enlist three pastors to give workshops addressing problems of stress, fear and attitude.

"We were trying to do something where if people felt like they had too much stress, this could help them deal with it," Naomi explained.

She originally planned to complete her project at the Sunnyvale Salvation Army, but a family emergency within the organization forced a change of plans. That was the first of a number of hurdles Naomi would face before she could finish her project. She tried the San Jose Salvation Army, but complications stalled that effort. Another switch to a Sunnyvale church also proved futile.

"By that time I was really frustrated and almost about to quit," she said.

Finally, Naomi found the Holy Ground Fellowship in Oakland. There, she completed the more than 50 hours of work necessary for the award. Despite the frustrations, Naomi says the experience was worthwhile.

"I liked being able to help the community, and I have always believed that if I could impact even one person's life, then it is all worth it," she said.

Naomi and 20 other Santa Clara County Girl Scouts were given their Gold Awards at the "All That Glitters" ceremony at the San Jose Civic Center on June 4.

Her project may be done, but Naomi's involvement with Girl Scouts is far from over. She intends to stay with Troop 788 and help out with former troop leader Augusta Crutchfield's new troop in Oakland.