Ruhi Thapar, a Memorial High School senior from Troop 18175, has become a Gold Award Girl Scout joining an elite group of Girl Scouts who have earned the organization’s highest honor. Thapar created an oral record of the concise history of the Memorial Villages and Spring Branch area. She wanted to help bridge the gap between generations.
According to Thapar, she hopes that an insight into the rich history will encourage people to preserve not only traditions but also landmarks and the environment. Her love for history formed in her the firm conviction that the key to understanding the present and preparing for the future is a thorough understanding of the past.
“I was intrigued to find that my small community was one of the earliest established communities in Harris County and that it was attractive for settlement due to its expansive pine forests and proximity to the San Felipe Trail,” said Thapar.
Thapar says remnants of history still exist in the Memorial Villages, like the chapel of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, which served as the place of worship as well as a school for German immigrant families.
Her Girl Scout Gold Award project titled “A Concise History of Memorial Villages/Spring Branch Area” was made accessible to community members. Thapar led more than 20 volunteers in research, interviews, taking landmark pictures, hosting tours and writing/editing.
“In this project, I focused on the idea that a better understanding of the past will help the community plan a more sustainable future while preserving the culture and traditions that tie us all together,” said Thapar.
Awareness of the contributions of the elders of her community taught Thapar that effective leadership involves being an active participant in change rather than a passive observer. She plans to attend a four-year university and study health and human biology or public health.
To learn more about the Girl Scout Gold Award, visit www.gssjc.org/goldawardgirlscout.
