Johanna Berryman is a former Girl Scout and a 2017 Gold Award Recipient in the Girl Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Her mother Sarah was her troop leader.
Johanna joined Girl Scouts in 2007 as a Brownie.
The goal for her Gold Award project “Peace Patch” was to build a sanctuary for people to escape to and find peace and comfort. One of the biggest inspirations for this project was Rebekah Warren, who was her friend for 10 years. On January 24, 2016, Rebekah killed herself. Johanna wanted to do something to help give peace to others feeling overwhelmed, suffering loss, or grieving over the death of a loved one.She built a prayer garden in the shape of a rosary out of stepping stones, with a fountain in the center to promote prayer, peace and tranquility. At her ceremony, she gave a speech about suicide awareness and prevention, and funded her project by baking and selling hundreds of pies.
The Gold Award process was tedious and time consuming, but after completing it, she felt she could take on any task. It was a lot of hard work, but very empowering. Every time she's at church and someone compliments or uses the garden, she feels a huge wave of gratification knowing she helped make it possible. The Gold Award process really helped Johanna grow as a leader and boosted her self-confidence.
Johanna plans to continue being an advocate for suicide awareness and prevention and is currently studying occupational therapy in college. She intends to join a social advocacy/service club on campus. Someday Johanna hopes to lead a Girl Scout troop of her own.