MarissaAnn Roberts, a spirited and passionate 12-year-old, is leaving her mark in both her community and her school through her dedication to service, learning, and helping others. As a seventh-year Girl Scout and second-year Cadet, MarissaAnn has channeled her energy into creating something deeply meaningful for her school, Community Christian Academy (CCA). The project, a prayer bench and accompanying rock garden, is not just a testament to her love for her school and community, but also a reflection of her growth and values.
MarissaAnn’s journey began with a simple idea inspired by her strong connection to her school and the people who shaped her. “This project is basically inspired by my love for my school and the community that raised me,” she shared. “I wanted to dedicate something to them.” The result is a serene and inviting space designed for prayer and reflection—a gift that blends functionality with heartfelt symbolism. Over the course of the past year, MarissaAnn worked tirelessly to bring her vision to life, enlisting help from various community members, including her loyal Girl Scout cookie customers and friends.
The physical construction of the bench was a collaborative effort, but MarissaAnn was hands-on throughout the process, learning new skills and embracing the challenges of carpentry. “I don’t do a lot of building,” she admitted, recounting her limited prior experience, which included making a stool in fifth grade for Christmas. “It was cool to experience carpentry or something I hadn’t tried before.” With guidance and support from a generous cookie customer who donated their time and expertise, MarissaAnn learned to use tools took on nearly every task, minus cutting the wood. “It was pretty fun,” she reflected. “I liked experiencing something new while also giving back.”
Her favorite part of the project, however, wasn’t the construction—it was selecting the rocks for the garden. “I went to Star Nursery, and I got to pick out the rocks,” MarissaAnn shared with a smile. “It was really sentimental because it reminded me why I wanted to do the rock garden in the first place. It made me so happy.”
The project, aptly named “Peace with Prayer,” holds an even deeper personal meaning for MarissaAnn. The rock garden is dedicated to a special woman named Robin, a client of her mother’s who became a source of inspiration and kindness in MarissaAnn’s life. “Robin was someone who always tried to help everyone,” MarissaAnn recalled emotionally. “She gave me the materials to start a rock garden—books, pens, and other things. When I found out she passed away from cancer, it burned. This garden is for her. It’s my way of honoring her and everything she meant to me.”
Robin’s memory was also a central theme in the speech MarissaAnn delivered during CCA’s awards day, where she presented the project to the school community on January 27th. MarissaAnn shared her journey, explained the significance of the bench and garden, and held a Q&A session. The project will also earn her the prestigious Silver Award when council hopefully approves her project in Feb. The Silver Award is one of the highest honors in Girl Scouts, which recognizes Cadets for their commitment to community service and leadership.
MarissaAnn’s achievements in Girl Scouts are impressive and inspiring. As a Bronze Award recipient, she previously completed a project called Pawsome Education, teaching the importance of microchipping pets and even contributing to a law in Las Vegas that mandates microchipping for all dogs. These accomplishments have cemented her passion for creating positive change, and she is already brainstorming ideas for her Gold Award project in the coming years.
“I’m thinking about something related to disability awareness or mental health,” MarissaAnn explained. Her own experiences have fueled her desire to help others. Diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety, MarissaAnn has spent the last year learning about herself and growing stronger. “I went from thinking there was something wrong with me to understanding why things are different for me,” she said. “Now I want to help others understand too, so they don’t feel the way I did.”
MarissaAnn’s resilience and determination are evident in every aspect of her life. From joining Girl Scouts at the age of six after being drawn to the idea of selling cookies to becoming a role model for others in her troop, she has embraced every opportunity to grow and make a difference. Her favorite part of being a Girl Scout? “Meeting new people, helping others, and doing community service,” she said enthusiastically.
As a member of Troop 601, MarissaAnn is part of a tight-knit group of girls from Pahrump. Her troop includes fellow middle schoolers, a junior, and a brownie, creating a dynamic and supportive environment for learning and growth. “Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout,” she said with a grin.
MarissaAnn’s story is one of compassion, courage, and commitment to making the world a better place. Her prayer bench and rock garden will serve as a lasting reminder of the impact one young girl can have on her community. As she continues her journey, MarissaAnn’s unwavering dedication to helping others and sharing her experiences will undoubtedly inspire those around her.
