Ali Macuga to receive Girl Scout Gold Award with Children’s Justice Center

Ali Maguga (seated, centered in white) and just some of her many friends, family, and fans, including members of the Park City Rotary Club, at the Beano Solomon Summit County Children's Justice Center. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

PARK CITY, Utah — Ali Macuga accompanied her Troupe Leader mom, Amy, and her older sisters to Girl Scouts of Utah gatherings since before she was allowed to officially join. Now, Macuga is 18-years-old, a student of the University of Colorado, Boulder, and mogul skier on the US Ski and Snowboard Team. She is also set to receive the highest achievement the Girl Scouts offer, the Gold Award.

After selling Girl Scout Cookies to teachers at her Jeremy Ranch Elementary School, then getting her Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards while attending the Winter Sports School, Ali has set her sights on helping support Summit County’s Solomon Children’s Justice Center.

The Children’s Justice Center is the first step in the investigation process for child abuse. The goal is to give children a safe and comfortable space during that is unbiased, helping to keep them calm during the stresses of the proceedings.

“I wanted kids to feel welcomed, comfortable and relaxed when they’re here,” said Macuga. So, Macuga made a bookshelf and a small-sized table. She then collected donated books, crayons, and coloring books, creating a cozy nook for children to utilize while they were at the center. 

Summit County Attorney Margaret Olson is the second Troupe Leader. As she guided a tour around the Center, she remarked on how Ali and her brother Daniel’s volunteer-hours there have enhanced the experience for all stakeholders. The tour included state-of-the-art-technology interwoven with homey, calming design elements. Thoughtful spaces throughout provide places for parents to sit whether they are there together or not. 

With a little help from his dad, an USANA executive, Daniel built his own project for the center; an entrance foyer wooden bench and lower coat hooks reachable by young arms as part of his Eagle Scout Project. 

Among all the volunteer work she has put in to helping the center, Ali is also prepping to head to New Zealand in September to train with her team. 

Ali will then present her project to the Girl Scout Award Committee, completing one of the two aspects of her life chasing gold.