Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Member, Legacy Jackson, Recognized by PEOPLE Magazine
December 05, 2024
December 5, 2024 – ST. LOUIS– Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) Senior, Legacy Jackson, was recently recognized by PEOPLE Magazine as a “Girl Changing the World in 2024.” Jackson was selected as one of seven young women from across the country who are making a difference in their local communities and beyond.
Jackson has been a GSEM member since 2015 and is currently a sophomore at Cardinal Ritter College Prep Academy. Jackson is also a proud Bronze, Silver and Gold Awardee, the highest awards achievable by a Girl Scout.
Jackson grew up participating in community service with her mother, Girl Scout volunteer Kynedra Ogunnaike, in their St. Louis community and at the age of 7, Jackson launched Little Legacies, a nonprofit focused on creating fun community-service acts specifically for children. To earn her Girl Scout Gold Award, Legacy partnered with the Gateway 180 Shelter to create the “Legacy Play Space,” a fun, safe and interactive area for children 12 and under who reside at the shelter. After researching other shelters across the country, Legacy provided educational toys and learning aids, books, and new play sets. She then assembled all the toys and furniture. Once the new space was complete, Legacy had the opportunity to present her Gold Award project to the mayor of St. Louis City and she hosted a grand opening celebration for the play space. The Little Legacies Community Service Organization and Gateway 180 Shelter will continue to maintain the space in the future.
“I was honored to be recognized by PEOPLE Magazine for my work in the community and it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Jackson. “By earning Girl Scouting’s highest awards, I have developed leadership qualities and skills that set me apart from my peers and allow me to give back in meaningful ways.”
“Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is proud of Legacy’s extraordinary achievements as she works to bring about positive change in our community through her acts of service,” said Dr. Natissia Small, GSEM CEO. “Legacy is a young leader with the vision, courage, empathy and persistence who will positively impact future generations.”
To read the full PEOPLE Magazine article, visit https://people.com/celebrate-international-day-of-the-girl-with-people-s-girls-changing-the-world-in-2024-8725663.
