Washington Township Troop #80518

 

Hayley Ann McIsaac

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“Studying the Right Way Keeps the Stress at Bay”

 

For her Gold Project, Studying the Right Way Keeps the Stress at Bay, Hayley chose to focus on providing resources for middle schoolers to manage their increased workload. This was an issue that Hayley personally struggled with while in middle school. She confirmed through survey data that students in this age group spend a lot of time on homework. The workload, combined with all of the other activities and obligations, cuts into their sleep and free time, causing unhealthy stress. Hayley worked with educators at the middle school and high school to design a series of workshops. These sessions help participants to get organized, study more effectively and learn to relax through yoga and other techniques. The kids at the workshops were engaged, and reported back that they were using their new skills right away. It was clear that the project was having an immediate impact, and the participants can build on what they learned as they continue their education beyond middle school. Hayley’s curriculum is available on her project website.

 

Hayley has been with Girl Scout Troop #80518 since she started as a Daisy in Kindergarten. She participated as a Junior Scout in the troop’s Bronze award project with the Market Street Mission in Morristown, NJ. Hayley was very impressed by the Mission and chose to include that organization in her Silver Award project as a Junior Scout. She organized workshops for young children and encouraged them to create art projects not only for themselves, but to share with others as well. Hayley then used the projects to beautify the Chapel at the Market Street Mission for their Easter Celebrations.

 

Hayley was awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship to study biochemistry as part of the Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and was named a UMass iCon. She graduated from West Morris Central High School in June 2019. While there, she was a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. Hayley has volunteered as a counselor at the Children’s Enrichment Program camp each summer since 7th grade. She also played on the Cosmic Storm club field hockey team. Hayley’s mom, Jennifer, served as Troop 80518’s leader.

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