Caitlyn Michiels, of Mastic, a dedicated William Floyd High School 9th grader from Girl Scout Troop 2118, has earned the prestigious Girl Scout Silver Award for her innovative project, the “Braille Matching Game.” Her project is designed to help children and teens learn the basics of Braille in a fun and engaging way. The game is now a permanent fixture in the Children's Department at the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library, with plans for it to travel between library branches.
The Silver Award is one of the highest honors a Girl Scout Cadette can achieve, requiring significant leadership, problem-solving, and community impact. Caitlyn’s “Braille Matching Game” reflects her passion for helping others, particularly people who are blind and visually impaired by creating accessible learning tools for all ages.
“I have a passion for helping others,” said Caitlyn Michiels, who herself is visually impaired. “I want to make sure that people who are blind and visually impaired are given the tools they need to be successful. This project allowed me to advocate for a group that often doesn’t have enough resources, and I hope it encourages others to learn Braille before they may need it.”
The project not only includes the Braille Matching Game but also educational pamphlets featuring facts and myths about Braille, aimed at raising awareness and promoting early learning. Caitlyn’s work was guided by extensive research, and she collaborated closely with the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library to bring her vision to life.
Joe Maiorana, President of the library’s Board of Trustees, expressed his admiration for Caitlyn's dedication and leadership. “Caitlyn’s project is an inspiring example of how young leaders can impact their community. By making Braille education accessible and fun for children, she has left a lasting legacy that will benefit many people for years to come.”
The Braille Matching Game, stationed on a mobile board, allows easy transportation between library branches, ensuring that all members of the community have the opportunity to learn and engage with Braille. Caitlyn's project aligns with her personal experiences, as she herself is learning Braille after being diagnosed with a rare eye disease.