Mackenzie Long made local history, earning the Girl Scouts Gold Award while becoming the youngest of three siblings in her family to achieve one of scouting’s highest honors.

Long joins her two older brothers, Jarrett and Joshua Long, both Eagle Scouts, creating a rare “trifecta” of top scouting achievements within one family — a distinction held by very few nationwide.

Mackenzie’s Gold Award Ceremony, where she was pinned her Gold Award, was held at Jerusalem UCC Church in Trachsville on Jan. 10.

For her Gold Award “Take Action” project, Mackenzie designed and led a series of field hockey clinics in Palmerton aimed at introducing the sport to young girls who might not otherwise have access to it.

The clinics focused on skill development, confidence building, teamwork and nutrition, opening the door to a sport that has traditionally had limited exposure in the area.

The Girl Scouts Gold Award is the organization’s highest recognition, requiring hundreds of hours of leadership, planning, and community impact.

Only 5% of Girl Scouts have earned the award nationwide. Mackenzie developed her project from concept through execution, working to ensure the program would have lasting value beyond its initial launch.

This is the first time in 15 years a Palmerton Girl Scout has earned the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.

She was also awarded the Trifecta Award for earning all three of these Girl Scout awards.

By expanding opportunities for girls in youth sports and continuing her family’s legacy of service and leadership, Mackenzie is leaving a lasting impact on her community — and setting an example for the next generation of leaders.

Mackenzie is a 2025 graduate of Palmerton Area High School and was a member of Palmerton’s Troop 303 for 13 years, starting as a Daisy and graduating as a Girl Scout Ambassador.

She is currently a freshman at Juniata College, majoring in neuroscience, and is a starting varsity field hockey player for the college.

Her brother Jarrett is a 2022 graduate of Bloomsburg University and is currently enrolled at St. Luke’s School of Nursing and works for St. Luke’s Hospital Network.

Her brother Joshua is a 2024 graduate of Bloomsburg University and is currently a first-grade teacher for Northwestern Lehigh School District at Weisenberg Elementary School.

Mackenzie is the daughter of Scott and Heather Long.