MADISON – During recess on sunny days, students at Madison Elementary School can enjoy a new addition to their playground as a result of the project that Lyla MacKrell and Natalie Zesinger have pursued to earn the Bronze Award in Girl Scouts.

Lyla, who is 10 years old, attends Madison elementary. Natalie, who lives in Madison, is a student at Randolph School in Huntsville.

Lyla joined Girl Scouts four years ago. During that time, she has learned that being a Girl Scout “takes a lot of hard work and teamwork.”

When she committed to reaching the Bronze Award, Lyla realized that she and Natalie would have to complete 20 hours of service to be successful with their project. Lyla decided that their effort would be worthwhile and often found herself “thinking how happy the kids who play on it will be.”

“We met with the principal of Madison Elementary School, Jamie Golliver, and Assistant Principal Demetria Freeman. We got approval to do the Bronze Award, and we did it,” Lyla said. “I think it will benefit the community because the kids will be able to have fun with their friends by doing hopscotch.”

To prepare for their project, Lyla and Natalie needed primer and paint to decorate the pavers for the hopscotch pad. They also used mulch to finish the groundwork for the pavers in this improvement for Madison elementary’s playground.

Natalie’s parents are Mark and Janell Zesinger.

Lyla’s parents are Ryan and Heather MacKrell. “My dad Ryan works as an engineer at Redstone Arsenal. Heather, my mom, works at the community college as the program director,” Lyla said.

The Bronze Award is the third highest award in Girl Scouts. The Girl Scout organization introduced the award in 2001. Only Girl Scouts at the Junior level can earn the honor.