Courage in Action: Sydney’s Girl Scout Training Saves a Life

Sydney Kuck was a 2023 Distinguished Woman Shadow Girl who truly embodies the spirit of Girl Scouting—not just through titles, but through her actions. She lives the saying, “Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout.”

Throughout her Girl Scout journey, Sydney earned the organization’s highest honors—the Bronze, Silver, and coveted Gold Awards—along with numerous badges and certifications, including babysitting, CPR, and First Aid.

Now attending the University of Mary Washington on a full scholarship, Sydney is pursuing a double major in biochemical engineering and Spanish. Even with her demanding studies, her Girl Scout values of courage and service continue to shine.

One afternoon in her dorm, Sydney heard the panicked screams of a fellow student. She rushed to help and found her classmate with a severe injury. Relying on her first aid training, Sydney applied pressure to stop the bleeding and stayed by her side until EMTs arrived. They told her that her quick thinking saved the young woman’s limb—and her life.

We have always been proud of Sydney. Now, we are also deeply grateful that the lessons she learned as a Girl Scout helped her save a life—proof that Girl Scouts make the world a better place every day.