Karen stands in front of the Clearview band concession stand that she has helped transform into a work of art. (Morning Journal/Tom Whittington) SHEFFIELD TOWNSHIP -- With a creative idea, a little paint and more than 100 hours of effort, Clearview senior Karen has transformed the band concession stand at the football stadium from a common white-walled building into a work of art. Looking to complete the final requirement needed to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award, Karen, needed to perform a 50-hour community service project. After a little brainstorming, Karen, 17, who also plays trumpet in the Clearview band, hit upon her idea: Take a drab old concession stand and adorn it with school colors and music-related paintings. ''It was something I knew I'd enjoy,'' she said. ''I really like art and this was a way to do a really nice project.'' In July, Karen set to work, but quickly realized the project would take somewhat more work than she anticipated. ''I've put in more than 100 hours now, and I'm mostly done,'' she said. The finishing touches will be painted on the stand before Clearview's first game Friday. ''At times, I got a little frustrated if things didn't go exactly as I wanted, but I had a lot of fun,'' she said. ''It's a lot of hard work but I enjoy working with my hands.'' Karen's efforts have drawn the attention of plenty of people, including Clearview High School Principal Bill Wagner. ''What a great kid,'' Wagner said. ''She outstanding, very talented academically and just one of those amazing students. Considering it was just a white four-walled building, you'll be very impressed when you see it.'' Clearview Superintendent Robert Dunnerstick couldn't stop complementing Karen's efforts. ''Karen's a real credit to teachers in general,'' Dunnerstick remarked. ''She not only took on this project but she went above and beyond what was required. She's a decent young lady I'm proud to know,'' he said. Judy Stefanich was Karen's troop leader for two years and is now her Gold Award advisor. A lot more than painting went into earning the Gold Award, which Karen will be eligible to receive at a ceremony in April. She has had to complete various other projects and duties to earn the award, including demonstrating leadership ability at a week-long Girl Scout camp, earning a Career Exploration pin in which she learned about and experienced future job possibilities, and a Girl Scout Challenge in which she designed a short and long-term self-development plan. She devoted an extensive additional amount of time to other community service projects, Stefanich said. ''It's quite a complex project,'' she said. ''It's quite an honor.'' Only 3,000 girls earn the Gold Award, which is comparable to the Boy Scout Eagle award, she explained. To complete the concession stand project, Karen received help from family and friends. Her father, Mike, helped prepare the building for painting by stripping nearly 40 years buildup of old paint from the walls. Her mother, Nancy, and sister, SueAnn, 19, were among those toting paint brushes under Karen's guidance. SueAnn, who won her own Gold Award two years ago, lent a lot of advice to her younger sister. ''It all takes a lot of time,'' SueAnn said. ''I really encouraged her to go for it though.'' And now with the project nearly complete, Karen has finally had a few moments to reflect on all her hard work. Football and marching band fans will admire her work for years to come. ''Everyone's been really supportive,'' she said. ''It's really been fun.

Karen received her Gold Award Pin from her leader on April 28,2001

Karen pins her mother Nancy with the mothers Gold Award Pin

Karen speaks about her project to the leaders at the Recognition Brunch

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