Volunteer Booklet

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Award Recipients Annual Meeting • 2016

A note from the CEO Greetings! Adult volunteers serve as role models for girls from all economic, social and ethnic backgrounds. They teach girls leadership skills that will benefit their lives and improve their communities. A volunteer makes a difference in a girl’s life and is fully invested in seeing girls succeed.

It is such an honor to lead an organization that recognizes special individuals for their years of membership, volunteer service and exceptional contributions.

Each of you continues to embrace new initiatives for girls, women and families and works tirelessly to ensure that Girl Scouts remains the premier experience for today’s girls. I am so very proud of all of our adult volunteers and appreciate this opportunity to share their accomplishments.

Warmest regards,

Deborah Hearn Smith

Table of contents Appreciation Pin

•

7-20

Honor Pin

• 23-26

Thanks Badge

• 29-30

Leadership of Excellence

• 33-38

President’s Award Deborah L. McCloud Administrative Volunteer Award

•

41-46

• 49-50

15,473

Volunteers introduce girls to new experiences and show them they’re capable of more than they ever imagined.

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Appreciation Pin The Appreciation Pin recognizes an adult volunteer who has delivered outstanding service to at least one service unit in a way that impacts the council’s goals and objectives.

1 in 5 alumnae have already reconnected with Girl Scouts in adulthood as a volunteer or troop leader.

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Dawn Boarman

For several years Carmel Clay schools and libraries had their door closed to Girl Scouts, but Dawn’s troop saw an opportunity and passed out water on Walk to School Day. The principal and school nurse then invited Girl Scouts to be a part of the school Fitness Day. Dawn’s persistence on the planning committee for the Carmel Clay Library formed a partnership for the summer reading program. Dawn’s commitment to providing girls opportunities to learn, lead and grow with Girl Scouts has resulted in strengthened community partnerships.

Cindy Chavez

Cindy’s leadership in product sales has benefited all girls of Monroe County.

Serving as a member of the Monroe cookie sales team, she also hosts a cookie cupboard from her home. She works directly with troops and volunteers, assisting them with any question or concern they may have.

Cindy’s involvement has helped increase troop cookie sales throughout the area.

Lakeyda Darty

Lakeyda fosters girls and adults throughout the PEARLS community and provids girls an opportunity to be involved in Girl Scouts. Lakeyda also led service and camping trips. These trips were firsts for many of the girls in the troop. Lakeyda’s dedication helps girls build courage and confidence to participate in new experiences. Lakeyda has also continued relationships between community partners, Bella Communities and Meadowlark Property.

This helps the extension staff continue to work with girls who would not have otherwise had a Girl Scout experience.

Sharon Davidson

As service unit manager of Greene County, Sharon has created a strong service team who focuses on providing positive experiences for all girls.

Her commitment to team members and leaders has helped improve communications and developed strong volunteers. Over the last two years the quality and quantity of leaders in Greene County has increased.

Sharon’s leadership has helped the Greene County Service Unit surpass its membership goal.

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Stacy Felton

Stacy is a certified archery instructor and frequently steps up to teach archery at service unit events. In the past year, she taught more than 275 girls how to hold a bow and shoot an arrow. She makes archery fun while teaching proper technique and safety. Monroe County has been able to offer girls and adults more specialized programs thanks to Stacy stepping in as an archery instructor.

Kristy Fix

Kristy serves as an outstanding leader for a troop of 20 girls, and is also the service unit manager. She oversees service unit events, ensuring that girls have fun learning experiences. The monthly service unit meetings focus on pertinent information and include learning sessions to prepare leaders to support girls in pursuing their goals. Kristy also created a service unit scholarship available for all graduating Girl Scout seniors.

Tonya Frakes

Under Tonya’s leadership, Howard County has become a strong, organized service unit. During Tonya’s tenure, the county merged four service units creating one core unit commited to serving girls. Tonya ensured that all volunteers were welcomed and part of the collective effort, providing all girls with positive Girl Scout experiences. Through monthly events, girls of all grades, ages and schools have had opportunities to learn and grow together.

Tonya continues to support a team of volunteers that uphold the council’s mission and create lifelong memories for all who participate.

Tracy Funkhouser

Tracy has been a strong service team member whose hard work has enabled girls to learn financial literacy and seek Girl Scout opportunities. When an unexpected situation left the service unit without a Fall Product chair, Tracy stepped in and followed through on scheduled activities. Tracy also assists on the service unit World Thinking Day committee. Tracy’s hard work and dedication teaches girls valuable skills.

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Charmita Gibson

Charmita is a strong volunteer recruiter. Through her leadership this past year, girls organized and planned activities for prospective girls. She is dedicated to helping girls become organized and prepared. Charmita’s consistent encouragment is instrumental as girls and parents participate and grow through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Chrystal Gooden

Chrystal provides well-organized events for girls and adults in the service unit that support the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Chrystal organized a Family Fishing Event and coordinated a float for the Lafayette Christmas Parade of Tippecanoe County. Chrystal also works with new volunteers and leaders to deliver pertinent program information to increase the quality of the Girl Scout experience .

Karol Gray

Karol stepped into the role of product sales serive unit manager to coordinate the Fall Product sale and Girl Scout Cookie Program for Montgomery County Service Unit. Her strong organizational skills ensured that volunteers understood the nuances and details of each program so they could lead girls in developing financial literacy skills. Karol’s enthusiasm for Girl Scouts and product sales is contagious. She recruited a cookie cupboard and encouraged all Girl Scouts to participate in both sales. Karol also has helped with recruitment of girls and adults in three different schools, resulting in new troops formed at each school. Karol stayed connected with the new leaders,ensuring they felt prepared and knowledgeable to lead girls to new discoveries.

Takia Harrow

Takia has made a positive impact on the girls in the PEARLS extension troop at Hawthorne Apartments. Her dedication and hard work have resulted in the recruitment of girls and adults. She encourages parents to get involved and works closely with specialists to provide positive Girl Scout meetings and outings. Takia’s dedication supported the council in surpassing its mission delivery goal. She supports the Girl Scout Mission by transforming the group from a council led program to a traditional troop in the service unit.

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Emily Hensley

Emily delivers an exceptional Girl Scout experience to any girl who wants one. She has recruitment tables at all school events, recruits leaders and volunteers, helps organize new troops and ensures each troop has the tools they need to be successful. Emily also restructured a service unit event, Sup, Swap and Sing. The event was a huge success, strengthened sisterhood bonds and brought leaders together.Thanks to Emily’s commitment to Girl Scouts, the service unit is flourishing.

Elizabeth Hilderbrand

Elizabeth was instrumental in planning and overseeing service unit events for the year. After fall recruitment, the service unit had not met its membership goal, so Elizabeth oversaw the Add-A-Girl campaign. She mentored a Junior troop in organizing and leading recruitment activities and events. The girls gained confidence and leadership skills while hosting the events and shared with girls the benefits of Girl Scouts. Through Elizabeth’s hard work and dedication to fostering girls’ leadership skills, the service unit met mission delivery goals.

Mandy Holzhausen

Mandy’s engagement with new leaders in the service unit has expanded the positive impact of Girl Scouts in Irvington. She changed the structure of service unit meetings, focusing on activities and troop information that benefits leaders and girls. Mandy’s determination to retain Junior and Cadette members has created leadership and planning opportunities.

Her efforts and focus on this age level have helped improved girl retention.

Irvington’s girls and adults are thriving thanks to Mandy’s dedication to the service unit.

Stacy Jones

Stacy oversees the Franklin Service Unit. She ensures that all volunteers are knowledgeable and prepared, and introduces new ways to get involved with Girl Scouts. She works to retain older girls by offering various leadership opportunities at council and service unit events. Stacy is also currently advising older girls from multiple troops as they plan a trip to Europe. Over the years, Stacy has held almost every position on the service team and has done outstanding work in each position, delivering a special Girl Scout experience.

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Kristine Kealey

Kristine impacts girls at every age level in her service unit. Kristine oversees service unit events and works to ensure that each girl has the opportunity to have a positive Girl Scout experience. These events are wonderful opportunities for girls to meet and bond with others from different troops, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Kristine also mentors new troops and encourages adults to step into the volunteer roles. With Kristine’s help, the service unit has met their membership goal for two consecutive years.

Beth Kelsey-Smith

Beth has overseen her service unit for two years, offering the opportunity to join Girl Scouts and participate in fun, educational events. Beth coordinates volunteers to run service unit events and works to maintain stability for the girls and volunteers she serves. When a neighboring service unit was struggling, Beth reached out and invited them to participate in the cookie rally her troop organized. Beth’s dedication to girls throughout the area has resulted in positive and enriching experiences.

Kathleen Knox

Kathleen hosted various events for the service unit and mid-year, stepped in as the special events manager. Whether she is answering questions, giving helpful advice to volunteers or advocating for girls, Kathleen fosters a supportive Girl Scout community. Kathleen helps build Girl Scouts by recruiting volunteers and girls and then supporting them through mentorship and memorable events.

Heather Lamb

Heather has been an outstanding community troop organizer for several years. When Heather saw older girls losing interest as they transitioned to middle school, she planned a fifth grade mixer, which allowed girls to share their fun experiences in Girl Scouts with one another, benefiting retention.

Heather’s dedication to Jo-She-We Service Unit allowed them to meet their membership goal.

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Lee Etta Lightle

Lee Etta’s diverse involvement in the Parke County Service Unit offers new and positive learning experiences to girls. As the volunteer product sales manager, she has trained volunteers and provided girls and troops with information to excel in Fall Product Sales and the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Lee Etta’s encouragement and support exposes girls to exciting challenges and achievements.

Fabiola Lopez

Fabiola served as the service unit leader during Fiesta Camp and coordinated fun, interactive programming for girls and adults. She is known to take the initiative and coordinate other volunteers, making sure that all girls have a safe enriching camp experience. Fabiola’s flexibility to work with different audiences helped make Fiesta camp a positive experience for girls and adults.

Jane Lingenfelser

Jane has been the service unit treasurer for the past two years. She attended and oversaw service unit events and shopped for event supplies. Jane recruited volunteers and engaged them in activities that helped girls learn Girl Scout history and experience World Thinking Day. Jane prepared new leaders by making sure every troop received a Journey book. Jane’s hard work helped the service unit recruit and retain more than 170 girls.

Wendy Luckcuck

Wendy has served on the service team for four years. As an organizer she recruited new girls and leaders. She also helps mentor new leaders, thoroughly preparing each one before they begin leading girls. Wendy serves on multiple planning committees and chaired a Junior lock-in event. Wendy’s fun and interactive ideas reinforced the excitement and leadership girls receive in Girl Scouts, which helped increase adult and girl retention.

Chinille Milbrooks

Chinille has coordinated babysitting for the Pike Service Unit by organizing older Girl Scouts who are trained safe sitters to provide child care during meetings. Chinille works with the older girls to make sure they enforce safe practices and lead fun activities for the children. By providing child care during meetings, leaders are well informed and supported, while older girls develop strong leadership skills.

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Jan Myers

As service unit manager, Jan worked diligently with community leaders and the Girl Scout “Little House” board in securing funds to update the house. Through her leadership, grants have been secured for updates, including a new fire pit for outdoor events. Jan takes an active role in recruiting girls, forming new troops and offering new discoveries. These strategic steps, under Jan’s leadership, helped Danwood Service Unit earn the President’s Award for the first time in five years.

Lori Pasheilich

Lori has worked to build a culture within the service unit where all girls and adults feel accepted and respected. When analyzing needs, Lori and the service team realized that as older girls became Juliettes, they began missing out on Girl Scout opportunities. Lori supported forming a Juliette coordinator to increase Juliette engagement. Focusing on older girl engagement has led to one of the highest retention rates for girls and adults. Lori is fast to tackle obstacles to provide a Girl Scout experience to all interested girls. Through her hard work Girl Scouts is growing!

Ruth Perkins

Ruth has been service unit manager for three years, and has brought positive leadership to the Carmel West Service Unit. Ruth has inspired an enthusiastic flow of leader appreciation by starting every leader meeting highlighting a group of leaders and the impact they are making on the Girl Scout community. She was instrumental in providing support for the Leadership and Learning Center. Last year her Thinking Day event brought global awareness and inspired a council level program.

Monette Petty-Nelson

True to the Girl Scout spirit, Monette stepped up when she discovered that the service team was having difficulty finding an event coordinator. Monette organized activities filled with opportunities to explore, discover and have fun. Monette’s hard work overseeing events and empowering girls as they lead events, has allowed Girl Scouts of all ages to develop lifelong leadership skills.

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Becky Pfaffenberger

Becky serves as a strong role model to older girls. She advises the service unit’s older girls and encourages them to test their leadership skills through opportunities Girl Scouts offers. Her troop of 30 girls helps coordinate service unit events. Becky’s guidance has enabled girls to practice teamwork as they plan engaging events. Becky’s tireless dedication has helped retain girls through the middle school and high school years.

Linda Ralston

Linda has benefited Benton County Service Unit by coordinating the Fall Product Sale and the Girl Scout Cookie Program. She ensures leaders, volunteers and girls explore financial literacy and the skills it develops. Linda also helped coordinate the cookie kickoff where activities excited girls about participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program. She is also a chaperone for the Girl Scout Cookie award trip and continues to make a positive impact in girls’ lives.

Robin Reagan

Robin has coordinated Girl Scout Sunday each year, working with girls from various troops and church leaders. Daisies served as greeters; Brownies and Juniors were ushers and acolytes, and older girls read scriptures. When her place of employment offered a volunteer interest day, Robin worked with council staff to ensure that Girl Scouts were represented. Through Robin’s initiative, Girl Scouts are positively known throughout the community.

Debbie Robbins

Debbie has organized her troop to benefit the service unit and the community. Her troop helped the service unit host memorable bridging ceremonies, attended by all troops. Emboding the Girl Scout value of community service, her troop created a food pantry at her church. Debbie now leads the service unit in supporting the food pantry. These exciting plans and meaningful experiences have allowed girls and volunteers to develop lifelong values and skills.

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Jamie Ryan

When the service unit was left with no one willing to lead, Jamie stepped in to continue the Girl Scout mission. She recruited many new members and encouraged them to take on leadership positions. This strengthened the service unit and encouraged volunteer participation. Jamie has served as a county representative, representing her service unit at annual meeting as well as faithfully relaying changes and information. Jamie also coordinated several camporees for the service unit. Her hard work has helped girls form strong, lasting memories and positive Girl Scout values.

Michelle Schnabel

Michelle served as a Daisy consultant for her service unit. In this role, she onboards and mentors new volunteers so troops are well established and have positive Girl Scout experiences. Michelle’s troop practiced their leadership skills and hosted the service unit Sup and Sing. The dedication and energy that Michelle gives to girls and adults has helped the service unit surpass their membership goal.

Kathryn Schwartz

Katie helped increase membership in her service unit by recruiting new girls and leaders at her school. She also organized a service unit Journey in a Day for Juniors, making the information easy for leaders and girls to digest. Katie maintains the service unit Scoutlander page, which helps keep all leaders in sync. She also helped organize the fall camporee and encouraged older girls to take leadership roles, working with younger troops. Katie is a true asset to the service unit, as she helps girls and adults have positive Girl Scout experiences.

Kristine Sills

Kristine’s passion for helping others has allowed more girls to have enriching leadership opportunities within her service unit. When she noticed that there were few girls involved at the local school, she stepped up and became the school organizer. Parent meetings, recruitment events and giving girls stickers at lunchtime helped troops grow. Her positive encouragement is contagious as she talks to parents about becoming actively involved. Kristine also stepped into the role of fall product sales manager, training troops, offering credit card readers and supporting volunteers and girls.

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Leslie Simich

As school organizer, Leslie was instrumental in getting girls registered in a timely manner. She also recruited girls at her annual pajama party. Leslie helped girls develop leadership and event planning skills by hosting the cookie kick-off, which all enjoyed. This year, she became the equipment manager for the service unit, keeping track of both camping materials and supplies for annual events. After discovering that Juliettes were not having full Girl Scout experiences, Leslie became the Juliette coordinator. This secondary service unit role allowed girls to stay connected and benefit from incredible, older girl opportunities.

Sharon Stanton

Three years ago Sharon was the only leader at her daughter’s elementary school. Organizing parent nights, Sharon formed new troops, allowing more girls to enjoy the fun and benefits of Girl Scouting. Over the last two years, troops grew under her enthusiasm. She is an organizer who shares the love of Girl Scouts with all parents and community partners. She mentored new leaders, guiding them through the registration process, Journeys and financial literacy. Sharon also serves as the service unit Girl Scout Cookie manager and bridging coordinator. Thanks to Sharon’s commitment, more girls have opportunities to develop into future leaders.

Traci Taylor

Traci organized the service unit cookie rally and taught event planning skills to older girls to host the event. Almost 200 girls participated in STEM activities, booth safety and etiquette. Traci was able to recruit local school staff to be a part of the event by participating in a cookie eating contest. Traci also served on the fall product sale kick-off, My Guy and I Dance and spring camporee committees. Traci is an incredible asset to all of the girls in the service unit by offering fun, enriching events and helping older girls develop valuable leadership skills along the way.

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Lisa Thibault

When many good things were happening within the service unit, but information was not shared with all girls and leaders, Lisa stepped up to be the communications chair. Lisa works diligently to ensure that all parents and volunteers are aware of the opportunities and benefits of Girl Scouting.

Lisa helps promote troop, service unit and council activities on a daily basis.

Funny cartoons and inspirations are often posted on the service unit’s private Facebook page. These seemingly small actions help build a sense of camaraderie amongst the leaders, volunteers and parents, which provide memorable experiences for girls.

Cindy Turner

Cindy has organized the troops at a local elementary as one multi-grade level troop, recruiting leaders at each level to enhance the Girl Scout experience.

Cindy works with the volunteers and girls to help them develop the leadership skills that are challenging and rewarding for their level. Cadettes and Juniors develop skills by presenting activities and badges for the younger girls. This format enables all girls to receive the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Cindy works with leaders and volunteers as she mentors and reassures them of their abilities. Her leadership style has created a family atmosphere and increased enthusiasm throughout Montgomery County.

Becky Via

Becky has gone above and beyond in her role as service unit registrar. Her diligence and work with volunteers have enabled the service unit to meet its membership goal. Becky planned a community recruitment event and attended many open houses and back to school nights, spreading the word about Girl Scouts. Becky works tirelessly, placing girls in troops and encouraging adults to step into volunteer roles. Becky continues to check in with new leaders, supporting them to attend adult learning sessions. She visits their troop meetings to support the volunteers so that they may provide positive experiences to the girls. Becky’s commitment is demonstrated to new leaders and girls and is making a lasting impact on Girl Scouts.

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Jennifer Webster

Jennifer is the leader of a multi-grade level troop at The Indianapolis School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and serves as a parent coordinator. Jennifer has helped facilitate a Girl Scout experience, forming friendships, selling Girl Scout Cookies and singing Girl Scout songs for girls who board in Indianapolis and come from all over. Jennifer also hosted a Sup and Sing for the service unit. Girls without visual impairments received songs printed in Braille and English. Throughout the evening, the bonds of sisterhood formed around a campfire as s’mores, songs and giggles were enjoyed.

Lori Wickstrom

As a council facilitator, Lori assists leaders to become prepared and knowledgeable. Troop leaders and volunteers understand the Girl Scout program as well as important safety measures, thanks to Lori. Lori was instrumental in initiating and maintaining the service unit’s website and Google group. Service unit enthusiasm has grown through an incentive program Lori created for troops who earned Super Troop status. Lori is a strong advocate of the service unit taking action in community projects, as well as leading the charge for the Home of Our Own campaign.

Rachael Wiseman

Rachael became the service unit treasurer two years ago. Since then, she has worked at creating sound financial practices and detailing local grant information. Her diligence helped Greene County troops fund events and programming. Rachael assisted older girls leading two service unit events, helping them develop leadership skills. Rachael has worked hard to ensure all girls, no matter what income level, have the opportunity to join and grow through Girl Scouts.

Diane Wuestefeld

Thanks to Diane, girls are never bored over fall break. During this time, she has helped host badge and journey workshops for girls at multiple grade levels.

Her dedication to girls allows them to learn traditions, camping, cooking and leadership skills. She weaves life skills into badge requirements and focuses on service unit events that empower girls to pursue leadership opportunities.

Diane gives generously with her knowledge and belief that all girls can learn valuable skills through Girl Scouting.

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Barb Yeager

Barb has outstanding skills when it comes to building consensus with volunteers and girls throughout her community. She strives to ensure the service team is strong and each school is well represented. By having a community troop organizer at each school and hosting recruitment events, membership has been growing. Barb has also collaborated with a neighboring service unit to host World Thinking Day. As a result, sisterhood bonds continue to grow throughout the area. With Barb’s determination, camaraderie and positive enthusiasm, Girl Scout experiences continue to bloom and membership goals are attained.

Stacie Zech

As service unit registrar, Stacie attended every registration night to answer questions, register girls and adults and ensure all paperwork was accurately completed. Her attention to detail and meticulous record keeping has been vital to the membership year, and prevents girls who wants to join Girl Scouts from slipping through the cracks. Throughout the membership year, Stacie has tackled each challenge that has arisen. She supports every leader at monthly meetings so that they feel connected to the service unit. Thanks to Stacie’s attention and perseverance, the service unit is again on track to reach their membership goal.

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“ALONE WE CAN DO SO LITTLE; TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH.” - HELEN KELLER

Honor Pin The Honor Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which has had measurable impact on two or more geographic areas of service, allowing the council to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals.

Advice for new volunteers: Get your feet wet. Try helping the troop leader and jump in.

I am a troop leader, and it is so fun and rewarding to see the girls grow.

- Sarah S., Volunteer

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Diana (Didi) Harris

Didi serves as a service unit manager, as well as a council facilitator. After hearing how many volunteers struggled to incorporate Journeys and badges, she developed mini lessons for the service unit. Her lessons included unique ideas to give volunteers the confidence to lead their troops through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Didi presented her lessons to other trainers at the council facilitator update. Didi then hosted a session at Kaleidoscope sharing her knowledge. Thanks to Didi’s energy and dedication, numerous volunteers are prepared to embrace the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and explore the Journeys with their girls.

Teri Hunter

Teri maintains positive and memorable Girl Scout experiences for all girls.

Teri reached out to neighboring service units to invite them to World Thinking Day. Teri helped girls meet students from different countries by reaching out to Purdue University. This allowed girls to develop a strong respect for diversity, while making new friends. Through Teri’s hard work and excellent planning skills, girls learn that they are part of an organization that not only is in their neighboring communities, but impactful throughout the world.

Monica Kellams

Monica is a strong advocate of Girl Scouts and strives to present a positive representation throughout the community and council. Monica is always willing to gather girls from her troop and recruit volunteers for council events.

The girls are highly skilled at flag ceremonies, singing at luncheons and stepping up whenever needed. Monica encourages the girls to model positive leadership skills and represent Girl Scouts in any situation. Thanks to Monica, people throughout the council jurisdiction have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Girl Scout mission.

Donna Killian

Donna directs day camp sessions to deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls and volunteers throughout the council. She also mentors and encourages the unit leaders to lead interactive programming. Through her detailed planning, girls develop a strong appreciation of the outdoors.

Volunteers and girls develop confidence to test their leadership skills and try new activities at Donna’s day camp sessions. Donna has also served as a troop organizer, promoting Girl Scouts throughout the school. Donna eagerly volunteers her time, knowledge and skills for all and is a vital asset to her service unit and the council.

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Shulana Kpabar

Shulana is a council trainer who has focused on providing knowledge to volunteers throughout the south and southwest region of our council. She trains adults to understand Journeys, badges and essential safety guidelines to prepare them for leadership roles. Shulana and her troop promoted the values of the Girl Scout Cookie Program and the financial literacy skills it offers by working with the communications department. Shulana’s commitment to Girl Scouts is contagious to volunteers and girls throughout the community.

Dian Moore

Dian selflessly coaches outdoor skills to her service unit and adults throughout the council. She has been certified in archery for eight years and is willing to travel to any camp to facilitate archery sessions. Dian is also certified in small crafts, instructing girls and adults in canoeing techniques and safety. Her tireless efforts have prepared girls and volunteers for camping, canoeing and other outdoor activities. Dian further shares her extensive travel knowledge while hosting World Thinking Day. For eight years, girls from multiple counties have had the opportunity to learn about WAGGGS and the commonalities of Girl Scouts all over the world.

Being a history buff, Dian has also taken the lead on Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration, facilitating a local time capsule filled with Girl Scout mementos.

Vicky Silhavy

Vicky supports the Girl Scout mission in many ways. She has worked hard to build a strong team in her service unit, plan local programs and support all volunteers. Her leadership helped set the service unit on a path to exceed membership goals. Vicky also works behind the scenes, supporting the program and volunteer services departments. She oversees data entry for all training sessions in E Council and helps enter program and adult sessions into the data base. Vicky’s attention to detail and accurate information, assures the staff and allows them to focus on leading summer camps and coordinating training events.

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Monica Ware

Monica has impacted girls from more than 15 service units through the Aide in Training program. She trains nearly 60 girls annually to become program aides who work directly with younger Girl Scouts. She then mentors and advises over 150 program aides throughout the summer. Monica provides leadership skills throughout the week-long training, teaching them the importance of being role models for younger girls and how to work with volunteers. In her tenure of more than 10 years, Monica has impacted the lives of more than 1,000 girls, nurturing and encouraging them to step into leadership positions.

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“THE WORLD IS HUGGED BY THE FAITHFUL ARMS OF VOLUNTEERS.” - TERRI GUILLEMETS

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Thanks Badge Honoring an individual whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement.

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana offered 294 adult learning sessions and 3,599 volunteers received education to better serve girls.

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Karen Buchholz

The Girl Scout community has a deeper appreciation for the outdoors because of Karen Buchholz’s dedication to outdoor education. For the past two years, Karen has lead outdoor learning sessions for volunteers and girls, teaching them how to respect their natural environment, build fires and prepare for a safe, fun outdoor weekend. Over the past five years, Karen has assisted in the creation of camporees for service units in Tippecanoe and Marion County.

A few years ago, Karen identified that the local school system’s fall break left many girls at home or in day care with few options for learning, fun and growth. Karen partnered with a local YMCA and organized a 3- day badge workshop. Girl Scouts from various service units, in grades K-5 were able to earn petals and badges. Girls also swam, hiked, performed science experiments and developed team-building skills.

Karen worked with the volunteer services department to create a supplemental outdoor learning track for Kaleidoscope. She identified key camping skills and worked on a committee to create an enriching learning session to prepare volunteers to take girls camping.

Barb Clements

For more than ten years, Barb Clements has empowered girls in grades 6-10 to develop leadership skills as program aides. Each year, approximately 60 girls participate in Barb’s program aide sessions. Girls learn the impact of their actions and strive to become positive role models for younger campers.

Barb encourages program aides in decision making skills, conflict resolution and building self-esteem. Program aides discover new talents and skills with Barb’s support, developing a stronger sense of self. Barb annually mentors and advises approximately 150 older girls through summer camp.

The time and dedication Barb gives has not only impacted the more than 1,000 program aides she has mentored, but also benefits the young campers who interact with these older girl role models.

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“VOLUNTEERS ARE JUST ORDINARY PEOPLE WITH EXTRAORDINARY HEARTS” - KIMBERLY RINEHEART

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Leadership of Excellence The Leadership of Excellence Award is one that is unique to Girl Scouts of Central Indiana and recognizes an adult volunteer who demonstrates a profound, direct impact on the lives of girls and serves as a positive role model. The impact must benefit the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and is open to all leadership roles in all pathways. The award represents the leadership of Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scouts’ founder.

My favorite part of becoming a leader: is knowing I’m guiding young girls into becoming confident, outgoing productive young women, the same way my leaders did for me.

- Ashley D., Volunteer 33

Brandee Bastin

Brandee Bastin leads an extraordinary troop dedicated to serving the community. The girls are passionate about helping others and have led many service initiatives From leading paper/toiletry drives to teaching girls how a local childrens’ food program works, Brandee integrates community service into the troop’s regular meetings.

Brandee emphasizes positive leadership, the importance of civic duties and speaking up for oneself and others. When bullying became a problem at school, Brandee put aside the troop’s weekly agenda and instead, focused on the importance of accepting others’ differences. Brandee’s focus on sisterhood gives girls comfort knowing that they have a safe place to be themselves, to grow and to learn.

Christy Coleman Brown

Troop 68 is very diverse, with girls from different nations and educational backgrounds. Christy strives to break down barriers and encourages girls to develop an appreciation for one another. She strategically plans troop meetings and activities so girls from different classrooms are partnered together, enabling them to make new friends.

Christy leads by example, modeling compassion for others. She empowers girls to advocate for themselves and for those who are less fortunate. As a result, the troop is active in serving their community.

Christy recruited other troop leaders and parent volunteers to participate in a Habitat for Humanity Build. The troop is also taking an active role in this project, creating container vegetable gardens for the new homeowner.

Christy’s leadership teaches girls that it doesn’t matter what age or language one speaks, but that these unique differences can be respected and valued, making the world a better place.

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Susan Crisafulli

By creating a safe, accepting environment rich in Girl Scout traditions, more than 20 girls thrive in Susan’s troop. Girls learn to accept and honor each other’s differences and share in the Girl Scout experience. Susan works tirelessly to meet the needs of every girl in her troop.

Susan scheduled an opportunity for the troop to meet female athletes from a local college. Girls not only met strong female athletes, but also met college students who reinforced the values of studying and higher academics. This allowed girls to look at their own futures and begin setting goals.

Susan creates a safe space for girls from all backgrounds to learn , lead and grow. Her high expectations and deep compassion help each girl instill life-long confidence so that she may be courageous in whatever she pursues.

Constance Dumas-Coleman

For more than 34 years Connie has nurtured and mentored girls in grades K-12. Through her guidance, girls have learned leadership and teamwork skills. The troop meets in a high-risk area of Indianapolis. While the area may lack programs for youth, Connie’s troop thrives. Through her mentorship, more than 20 girls have earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

Connie encourages girls to dream big and helps them develop pathways to achieve their dreams. She makes a positive impact in parents’ lives, too, by encouraging them to play active roles in their daughter’s school, social and Girl Scout life. Because of Connie’s encouragement, parents/ caregivers who have never volunteered stepped up and became day camp volunteers.

Connie shares her passion and knowledge of Girl Scouts with girls and adults. As a council facilitator, she leads sessions to prepare other volunteers to be strong mentors for girls. From grade level specifics, to money management and older girl awards, Connie is a skilled trainer who helps all excel in leadership. Throughout Connie’s tenure, her determination and passion have helped instill leadership skills in both girls and adults.

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Lizeth Hernandez-Morales

Lizeth began volunteering as a series mentor, leading an eight-week healthy living program at a local urban school. After the program ended, Lizeth created and led new activities, introduced girls to careers in STEM and led a college awareness initiative.

Lizeth continued to volunteer. After completing our council program, Latinas Taking the Lead, Lizeth worked directly with two girls who were not in troops.

She mentored and advised them through the Girl Scout Silver and Gold Awards process. Lizeth met bimonthly with the girls, helping them set goals and work through Journey programs.

Lizeth’s service is intentional and personalized. As a Latina woman engineer, she understands the hurdles that Latina girls encounter. She models to both girls and adults the value of commitment to youth through dedicating her time, talents and enthusiasm.

Jessica Norcross

Jessica’s troop volunteers is commited to making a difference in the community they live and in the Girl Scout community. Through her encouragement, girls identify their strengths and gain self-confidence as they learn to work together through leading service unit events.

When numerous girls were not placed in troops after fall recruitment, Jessica created Juliette Sundays. One Sunday a month, established troops hosted events for girls waiting for a troop pathway. Experienced Girl Scouts of all ages shared their leadership skills and new girls participated in Girl Scout activities. Jessica talked to parents, recruited them to volunteer and shared her passion for the Girl Scout mission.

Her efforts paid off; by December all Juliettes had joined troops!

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Stephanie Rodriguez

For the past 10 years, Stephanie has recruited and mentored adults, giving them the tools they needed to volunteer and build future leaders.

After a strong increase in membership, she ensured girls participated in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience by reviewing badges, Journeys and safety with adult volunteers.

Stephanie helped retain older girls in Girl Scouts by helping coordinate council activities, including CSA Round Up. Stephanie encourages older Girl Scouts to test their leadership skills, plan, organize and serve as a role model for younger girls. She also helps provide quality Girl Scout experiences for service unit camporees and advises various council programs.

Stephanie’s dedication to outdoor experiences was exemplified when her Senior/Ambassador troop noticed that many young girls were not participating in the camping experience. They identified one of the key reasons girls and adults were not participating was they lacked camping knowledge. Stephanie’s troop helped volunteers and girls feel prepared and confident by camping with younger Girl Scouts and sharing their fun outdoor experiences.

Pam Smitson

Pam passionately believes that all girls should have the opportunity to grow and learn through Girl Scouts. Pam has helped girls discover issues in their community and work together to make a positive impact. After identifying the number of women who struggle to make ends meet, her troop made “blessing bags” for the local women’s shelter. Girls saw their work in action as their project brought deep joy and gratitude to the women.

When several girls in fourth grade wanted to join a troop, but could not find a troop to join, Pam formed a second troop. She was determined to provide a Girl Scout experience to every interested girl. Recognizing time limitations, she recruited students from the local college and parents to assist the troops.

Pam fostered healthy relationships, cooperation and team building as the girls led projects. Girls came from different schools and areas of town, but Pam encouraged all girls to share their ideas and work together. As a result, girls encouraged one another and gained confidence to pursue their goals.

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Emma St. Dennis

Emma St. Dennis has modeled the Girl Scout mission for more than 30 years. Even after taking two generations of girls from Daisies to Girl Scout alumnae, she continues to make an impact in the lives of these women by working with their daughters.

Emma creates a safe space for girls to explore who they are and helps them discover their potential. She created a career day for her troops.

Each girl shadowed professionals from different jobs in which they were interested. One Girl Scout writes, “Emma made sure I had full access and could ask anything I wanted to know. If it wasn’t for Emma, I would not have found my passion in life and what I was meant to do.”

By helping this next generation earn badges and work on Bronze and Silver award projects, Emma is again teaching skills and values that last a lifetime.

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“NO ACT OF KINDNESS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, IS EVER WASTED.”

- AESOP

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President’s Award The President’s Award recognizes the efforts of a service-delivery team or committee whose exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience surpassed team goals and resulted in significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council’s overall goals. Accomplishments reflect the 2015 membership year.

Teaching service to the next generation of Girl Scout volunteers.

2015 was the year of Sisters in Service for the Roadrunner Service Unit. Girl Scouts learned about service through various community projects and earned badges that completed a puzzle and reflected the year’s events.

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Carmel Central

Barriers in promoting Girl Scouts within local schools did not prevent Carmel Central Service Unit from increasing their membership by 34 girls.

During community days such as walk to school and craft fairs, the team promoted Girl Scouts to girls and parents. Persistent school organizers secured a Girl Scout booth at the school’s family fitness night, introducing Girl Scouts to many families. A Juliette coordinator was created after identifying that many girls who chose to become Juliettes were not engaging in the service unit. This service team position ensures that at least 12 older girls are actively participating in Girl Scout activities and developing strong leadership skills. With adult retention at 68 percent, the service team was able to focus on spreading the word about Girl Scouts.

Additionally, 51 individuals supported the Campaign to Build Women Leaders, giving more than $61,000.

Center Grove

For the first time since 2006, Center Grove Service Unit exceeded their membership goal, reaching 102 percent. Every school hosted at least one recruitment event, and the service unit hosted recruitment workshops with local community partners such as Center Grove Robotics Team and Indy Air Bear Jump Rope Team. The service unit raised more than $11,500 for the Campaign to Build Women Leaders. The service unit maintains fun and interactive monthly events that are free or low cost, ensuring all Girl Scouts and volunteers are able to participate. Older girls practice their leadership and event planning skills by hosting activities and serving as role models in the community.

Clay County

In 2015, Clay County surpassed its membership goal finishing with 101 percent. To accomplish their goal, experienced leaders stepped up to help recruit and support new leaders, helping in retention of both girls and adults. Girl Scouts sold more than $9,000 in fall product merchandise and $58,000 in Girl Scout Cookies. They had a camporee for the first time in 2015 where both girls and adults experienced outdoor activities.

Girls also focused on giving back to the community by mailing hygiene products to military men and women.

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Danwood

Through strategic planning and hard work, Danwood Service Unit exceeded its membership goal reaching 110 percent. Girls and volunteers continue to hold monthly opportunities to learn, grow and develop key leadership skills that can benefit the community. The service team ensures that all girls can attend these events by keeping costs low and offering a wide variety of locations. Members of the service team wrote a grant securing funding for repairs, improvements and a new fire bowl at the local Girl Scout house. Girl Scouts also used the 5 Skills they learned through the Girl Scout Cookie Program to increase their cookie sales by 14.5 percent..

Irvington

Irvington Service Unit goes above and beyond to provide the Girl Scout experience to girls in public, charter and private schools. The service unit hosted its first area-wide registration night. More than 120 joined Girl Scouts, with each one joining a new troop or being placed in an existing troop. The service unit offers creative events that are not only fun, but also educational. World Thinking Day focused on ten women with non-traditional careers. This event provided girls an opportunity to interact with these women and learn about goal setting and overcoming obstacles. The strategic actions and continual dedication helped the service unit exceed its membership goal with 78 more girls joining Girl Scouts.

Fayette County

Fayette County has exceeded their membership goal this year by reaching 102 percent. After school recruitments, the team hosted a bowling event for new girls and a new leader event. Last summer the service unit organized a Journey day camp and Bronze Award camp.

Fifty-five girls, Daisies through Cadettes, earned the Agent of Change Journey, and 23 girls earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award.

These outstanding events helped Fayette County exceed their membership goal and contributed to high numbers of girls returning for another year of fun. Volunteer retention also increased when the service unit hosted a white elephant party and a recognition dinner. With committed representation, the service unit achieved all six goals they set the previous summer!

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Fountain/Warren County

Fountain/Warren County made community service a top priority in 2015.

Troops cleaned up parks, mailed care packages, planted flowers at local schools and ran a backpack program for an elementary school. Several girls served the state government as Indiana Senate or Representative pages. A spring camporee, which was led by a leader/parent planning committee, had the highest attendance in recent history. This allowed every girl to earn a Journey for her grade level. Over the last year multiple troops earned the Girl Scout Silver Awards, and for the first time since 2000, a Warren County Girl Scout earned a Gold Award. The service unit supports volunteers through multiple means of communication and provides outreach through summer programming and school based programs to incoming Daisies. The membership year closed with Warren/ Fountain meeting its membership goal..

Fulton

The Fulton service team looked outside the box to bring Girl Scouting to more girls in 2015 than in the last three years. Fun recruitment events allowed the Fulton service unit to exceed their membership goal by 41 girls. Holding true to the theme of sisterhood, volunteers shared their talents and resources with a growing, local service unit. Fulton hosted recruitment nights, Girl Scout Cookie training and girl events to boost Girl Scout morale and the Girl Scout experience for girls. As a result, the neighboring service unit increased membership from 76 to 105 percent in one year.

Greene

Greene County set numerous goals for the 2015 membership year and methodically achieved them. A new service team set their first objective to increase membership. Two towns, which did not have local troops were targeted and new troops are now blossoming. New leaders were nurtured as experienced and valued leaders mentored and shared their insight. Girl Scouts is now seen in county activities, forming community partnerships and working together to promote Girl Scouts throughout the area. The service unit ended the membership year 43 girls over their goal, reaching 119 percent.

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Jo-She-We

Jo-She-We’s hard work and dedicated leadership allowed 47 more girls the opportunity to participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

After analyzing retention trends and discovering that girls after fourth grade were leaving Girl Scouts, plans were put into motion to offer an intermediate school mixer. Girls from all elementary schools were invited and were encouraged to continue to develop leadership skills as an older Girl Scout. Well-organized, fun events and community service bonded girls and adults. More than 67 percent of girls from troops participated in every event. A Books for Girls campaign provided more than 400 books for local not-for-profits, creating a partnership with a local book store and culminated with an evening activity. The service unit also supported its leaders by offering to pay registration fees and coordinated transportation to Kaleidoscope.

Lafayette

Lafayette Service Unit supported girls and adults by offering engaging, informative events. Volunteers had opportunities learn through discussion at service unit meetings. Meetings also included presentations from individuals who attended Kaleidoscope. As a result, volunteers learned more about Juliette Gordon Low, WAGGGS, ceremonies and Girl Scout Week. The service unit also hosted a leader/daughter campout designed purposefully for the leaders to relax and be with their Girl Scout daughters.

The service unit ended the successful year with 101 percent of their membership goal.

Monroe North

Lafayette Service Unit supported girls and adults by offering engaging, informative events. Volunteers had opportunities learn through discussion at service unit meetings. Meetings also included presentations from individuals who attended Kaleidoscope. As a result, volunteers learned more about Juliette Gordon Low, WAGGGS, ceremonies and Girl Scout Week. The service unit also hosted a leader/daughter campout designed purposefully for the leaders to relax and be with their Girl Scout daughters.

The service unit ended the successful year with 101 percent of their membership goal.

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Roadrunner

The Roadrunner service unit met its 2015 membership goal by forming eight new Daisy/Brownie troops and two Junior troops. By focusing on girls in grades K-3, their membership goals increased by 14 girls. The service team designated 2015 to be a year of Sisters in Service. Planned projects were combined with fun activities and special Girl Scout days. Girls had the opportunity to earn badges and sew them on their uniforms. The badges from the eight events made a complete puzzle, not only reflecting the events over the last year but also the various areas of service they supported. Roadrunner did not stop there; the service unit also increased Girl Scout Cookie sales by 5 percent.

Shelby

Shelby County Service Unit started off the 2015 year with 52 percent participation in the Spring Renewal campaign. With leaders and girls committed to another year of Girl Scouting, the service team was able to strategize recruitment events, which ended with 101 percent registered girls. Experienced leaders supported new leaders during the registration process, offering technical guidance. Direct contact with parents and girls provided strong lines of communication and increased Girl Scout sisterhood at service unit events.

South Vigo

South Vigo service unit exceeded their 2015 membership goal by reaching 102 percent. Leaders and troops were supported by receiving leader Journey guides, which ensured all girls had the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Seeking a way for more girls to be able to attend summer camp, the service unit used profits from an event and created scholarships. All girls who wanted to go to summer camp were able to attend. The service unit treasurer worked with the Indiana Association to hold the Indiana Cultural Night, where girls learned about the culture and heritage of America.

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“THE WORK OF TODAY IS THE HISTORY OF TOMORROW AND WE ARE ITS MAKERS.” - JULIETTE GORDON LOW

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Deborah L. McCloud Administrative Volunteer Award This award is presented to an individual who exemplifies Deborah L. McCloud’s dedication to the development of girls in central Indiana and to the financial stability of our council.

Volunteers pave the way for the next generation of women leaders.

Volunteers are our organization’s role models. By offering girls new ways to see the world and opportunities to get involved in the community, volunteers make a positive impact in girls’ lives.

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Denny Sponsel

The spirit of volunteerism that is shown and shared by thousands of Hoosiers can be found in many terrific organizations, communities and businesses throughout central Indiana; however, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana is lucky to have had a volunteer the last three years who has helped us meet our goal of building a “Home of our Own.” Denny Sponsel, president, RJE Business Interiors and capital campaign chairman, is this year’s Deborah L. McCloud Administrative Volunteer Award recipient.

In 2013, Denny Sponsel agreed to take on the project of chairing the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana capital campaign. Denny was the perfect volunteer to take on this job. He fully understood the needs of the council, volunteers, and girls and knew immediately that it was our time to create the Leadership and Learning Center. It will be invaluable to have a state of the art training facility for our volunteers. The skills that volunteers will learn at the Leadership and Learning Center can be passed along to girls for many generations to come.

Denny approached this project like any other business deal he has successfully coordinated. He understood that the success of raising the 6 million depended on an integrated effort between community leaders, volunteers and Girl Scouts of Central Indiana staff. The goal of raising 6 million was the challenge, but the end result would be the Leadership and Learning Center. As we near the end of the capital campaign to build a “Home of Own” and anticipate moving in on Labor Day weekend, we can’t thank Denny enough for his time, talent and treasure. Through his vision and diligence, we will now have a place we can call home.

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“WE RISE

BY LIFTING OTHERS.” - ROBERT INGERSOLL

In memory of Allison (Alli) Mehringer

Allison was the leader of Manuka Troop 3572 and passed away on March 31, 2016. She lived and embodied the Girl Scout Law, passing those values on to her troop. Her troop will continue on in her legacy. She was an outstanding leader and her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her.

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana

Suite 100 2611 Waterfront Parkway East Drive Indianapolis, IN 46224 317.924.6800 855.GSCIN.4U girlscoutsindiana.org