By Lisa Carolin
May 9 was a memorable day for Girl Scout Megan Heydlauff.
The Chelsea High School Senior received her Gold Award that day at a ceremony at Washtenaw Community College.
Her Gold Award project was teaching teenagers to defend themselves against physical attacks, and she organized a self-defense class and worked with Jackie Montalvo, a nurse and self-defense instructor, who taught the free class.
Heydlauff raised $300 by selling pretzels that she and a friend made, and the money covered costs that included self-defense books for the local library and items given away during the class.
More than 20 teens as well as adults came to the self-defense class.
“All over the world there are predators who are targeting helpless teenagers,” said Heydlauff. “I realized that being unprepared for an attack can lead to a kidnapping, raping, and the deaths of millions of teens. Living in a small town wasn’t enough protection for me. I wanted to be prepared for an attack if one was to happen.”
The Gold Award is the highest award earned in the Girl Scouts, and Scouts are required to prove their project’s sustainability.
“By having this class so many people have figured out that learning self-defense is fun, and it encouraged them to take more self-defense classes,” said Heydlauff.
Megan’s parents are Tricia Burke and James Heydlauff, Jr.
Congratulations Megan!!!