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Keeping the Music Alive: Reya Varun’s Gold Award Project Inspires Future Musicians
Girl Scout Ambassador Reya Varun turned her passion for music into a lasting legacy with her Gold Award project. Through this thoughtful and creative initiative, Reya created a digital handbook to introduce younger students to the diverse ensemble offerings at Hillsborough High School’s Band Program—a place she describes as the heart of her high school experience.
Reya’s digital resource includes detailed descriptions of each ensemble, photos, and even a student perspective video filled with testimonials and advice. This innovative tool helps rising high schoolers and their families understand the benefits of staying involved in music—and encourages them to see band not just as a class, but as a community.
"I absolutely loved playing in 5-6 high school ensembles” Reya shared. “Younger kids were starting to lose sight of how fun and beneficial the band program and music was so I was inspired to help students regain that information so they did not cut music out of their lives.”
To ensure her project would have a lasting impact, Reya collaborated with band directors at both the intermediate and middle schools in her town. Her handbook will now be shared annually with students making their high school course selections—helping them make informed decisions about how to keep music in their lives.
“To me, being a Girl Scout means to find something you are passionate about and using that passion to lead a community to grow,” said Reya. “It means have resilience when things get tough but persisting through it because Girl Scouts are strong.”
Reya’s project is a beautiful example of how Girl Scouts use their voices, talents, and leadership skills to make the world a better place—starting right in their own communities.
Congratulations, Reya!
September 26, 2025
