VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION CEREMONY Saturday, April 17, 2021
2020 Volunteer Recognition Program
Letter from the CEO and Board of Directors Chair..................................................................3 Volunteer Awardees List...........................................................................................................4-5 Thank You to Juliette Gordon Low Society Members.............................................................6 Thanks Badge Recipient............................................................................................................7 Platinum Service Award Recipients.........................................................................................8 Honor Pin Recipients.................................................................................................................9-10 Appreciation Pin Recipients.....................................................................................................11-20 Virtual Vanguard Recipients.....................................................................................................21-23 Tenure Numeral Guard Recipients...........................................................................................24 Years of Service Pin Recipients...............................................................................................25
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Letter from the CEO and Board of Directors Chair Dear Honoree, Thank you for your extraordinary commitment during an extraordinary year. We are so pleased to recognize and congratulate you for service above and beyond the call of duty in powering the Girl Scout Movement through a worldwide pandemic. Let’s pause and reflect on what that means. When stay-at-home orders were issued, you found creative ways to keep troops connected. You learned how to hold Zoom troop meetings and guided girls through badge journeys without seeing them in person. You helped girls help others through community service projects such as food drives, mask-making, and cards and gifts for isolated elders. You mentored girls through Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects. You kept beloved Girl Scout traditions alive with virtual Bridging ceremonies and campfire singalongs. And you did it all while also weathering the pandemic and all the ways it impacted your own lives. Our theme for the 2020 Girl Scout year is resilience, and each of you exemplifies that theme in powerful ways. You inspire us daily with your strength, determination, selflessness, and creativity. Girl Scouts are resilient because Girl Scout Volunteers are resilient. Thank you for all you do for the girls, families, and communities of Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles. Yours in Girl Scouting,
Theresa Edy Kiene Chief Executive Officer
Shelley B. Thompson Board of Directors Chair
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2020 Volunteer Awardees THANKS BADGE Shelley B. Thompson
PLATINUM SERVICE AWARD Priya Bradfield Gloria Halfacre Debie Hess-Wakeland Janet KC-Jordan Annette Yu
HONOR PIN Nicola Bird Bonnie George Lynn Mack-Costello Anna Madrid Astrid Martinez-Fribourg Coralyn Peirson Francesca Taylor Darlene Torres Kathy Vigil Lisa Working
APPRECIATION PIN Sarah Adamson Doreen Aitelli Sara Alvarez Anett Assilian Mary Athens Bartlett Shana Ballas Christina Batchelder Heather Berger Cynthia Brockman-Coleman Chrystal Broesel Pattiann Brundige Rochelle Butler Melinda Canny Amy Caponpon Robin Chartier Dennis Colato April Colbert Dinora Edwards Orpha Eget Rachel Eli Christina Evangelista Julie Evans Lisa Fetters Erin Fleming Tyisha Fletcher Marisa Gallo
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Rene Gaudet Julie Goldin Kimberly Griffin Annie Heller-Gutwillig Jasmine Jaffe Laura Keating Keisha Kidwell Ilene Knebel Soo Lee Amber Leslie Melissa Lynch Jacqueline McIntyre Kim McNamee Tricia Mcreynolds Annette Meyerson Carole Mingus Heidi Mountjoy Bill Nelson Patti Nishimura Lupe Nunez Christina Ozenne Kimberly Primo Lizbeth Ramirez Christina Rice Mara Richards Rita Rivera Carrie Robertson Collette Rune Danielle Sager-Ebling Kristi Schlachet Kim Schwarz Debi Shakti Julie Smith Amber Spence Patricia Stanard Rachael Suarez May-May Sugihara Mali Teisan Lisa Thacker Kenneice Tolliver Rocio Torres Cynthia Vazquez Michele Wahlig Cynthia Weichelt Lois Young Shante Younker
VIRTUAL VANGUARD AWARD Ashley Abdalla Stacey Adler Margaret Aghili
Mirna Aguilar Ellen Andersen Cissie Andrews Kelly Ankwicz Simona Aranda Robyn Arnold Angela Arnold-Brownlee Korina Arvizu Giselle Aston Shana Ballas Kristen Ballew Rozanna Baranets Susanne Barbieri Regina Barry Marie Beckermann Molly Belsky Joy Blake Nicole Block Tressa Bobb Lorena Bojorquez Shawna Bouha-Mayer Andree Boyd Priya Bradfield Melanie Breen Cindi Brodack Rose Brown Karla Buhlman Melanie Burzynski Kim Bushell Liz Busque Maria Calvario Colette Cammock Karol Castro Angelica Chacana Sara Cohen Danelle Cole Andrea Cooper Glenn Covey Sayoko Cox Lynn Cunningham Leigh-Ann Danner Lakisha Davies Juliana Diaz Tina Diem Kate Eisenberg Dede El-Atrache Blanca Elizarraraz Julia Esqueda Norma Esquivias Carleen Evans Tania Fallert-Del Gatto Margarete Feinstein
Jacquelyn Ferraro Tyisha Fletcher Kamia Fletcher Dannielle Fontela Ricca Francis Candace Frank Gabriella Franklin Heather Freelin Danielle Frierson Marisa Gallo Bonnie George Maribel Gershman Joelynn Gil Alyse Gleason Lisette Gold Julie Goldin Melissa Goll Andrea Gordon Jill Grass Jennifer Gruber Gloria Halfacre Erika Hall Stephanie Hall Marya Harrington Logan Hawkins Annie Heller-Gutwillig Dawn Hentrich Sandra Herrera Tellechea Debie Hess-Wakeland Heather Hetrick Joanna Hill-Dodson Cheri Howard Aleta Howland Tanya Hyacinthe Danelle Jiron Dena Johnson Cheryl Johnson-Hartwell Aileen Joines Balinda Jones Alicia Jose Martha Juarez Janet KC-Jordan Banchirga Kebede Julia Keiper Annamaria Kelley Amy Kelly Jessica Kelly Kate Kelly Julie Kennedy Karimah Kennedy Richardson Jaclyn Khitikian
2020 Volunteer Awardees VIRTUAL VANGUARD AWARD (continued) Somaly Kuoy-Imatomi Anita Kuzmarskis Ming Kwong-Beeler Alicia Lafaurie Jill Lanigan Kelley Last Judy Lee Sharon Lei Hager Katy Leigh Villari Amber Leslie Melissa Loffelholz Phan Luc Melissa Lynch Cara Macintosh Janine Madera Marjar Magee Brynne Malone Jennifer Mansfield Arlene Mansour Elizabeth Markell Devin Martin Stacy Martin Astrid Martinez-Fribourg Teresa May Laurie Mcallaster Denise Meier Krystal Meissner Candace Mejedi-Caswell Valorie Melendrez Adriana Meza Alana Miller Julie Miller Chanel Mitchell Jennifer Mitchell Jeannette Mullins Catherine Myman-Kaplan Brandy Nakano Yelena Neyman Randee Palmer Marimelle Pascual- Pennington Andrea Pearlman Coralyn Peirson Ana Pereira Hilda Petrushkin Angela Preston Carolina Ramirez Georgina Ramirez-Gray Miraslava Rebenczuk
Mara Richards Stephanie Robinette Jacqueline Robinson Tammylynn Rodriguez Lorraine Romero Rebecca Root Jennifer Rootes Danica Ross Janet Ross Aimee Roth Anne Ruane Liz Russomanno-Doyle Patricia Salazar Michelle Sarrow Alayna Sato Amandalynn Sawyer Jenifer Schmutz Jenna Schumacher Tammie Scott Andrea Shear Jessica Silva Julie Smith Yesenia Solis Sunset Steel-Ravenell Jodilynne Steiner Stephanie Stockton Shoshana Stopek Nathan Swisher Klarissa Tarman Lisa Thacker Erin Tomanek Darlene Torres Dorian Traube Deborah Tropp Tannis Vallely Cynthia Vazquez Kathy Vigil Annie Walling Shahrzad Warkentin Lorraine Washburn Deidre Welborn Keisha Williams Tandy Wilson Heidi Wong Lisa Working Victoria Yamashita Service Unit 515
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Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles thanks our Juliette Gordon Low Society members for honoring future generations of Girl Scouts. Corrine Abel LaNease Adams Lissa Alfred Erik and Eva Andersen Eva and Erik Andersen Girl Scout Movement-wide Challenge Planned Gift Lisa Axelrod Carolyn Baker David and Julie Battaglia Julie and Kenneth Beals Dianne Belk & Lawrence Calder Dianne Belk & Lawrence Calder Girl Scout Movement-wide Challenge Planned Gift Betty Berdiansky Steve Bolkovatz Gail I. Boyle Moira Brady Betsey L. and Donald Brewer Michele Broadnax Chrystal Broesel Constance L. Burg Jessica Cardenas Katy Carlson
Charles Carroll Elizabeth Chadwick Hailyn J. Chen Rachel I. Clarke Debbie Cook Patricia A. and Curtis Crider Phyllis E. Currie Christine Dean and Rosemary Veniegas Carol M. Dedrich Steven DePaul Katharine DeShaw and Mark McConnell Juanita Doplemore Barry and Peggy Edwards Theresa Edy-Kiene and Matthew Kiene Marie Fouts Diana Freeman Liisa and Michael Froggatt Megann Giardino Linda and Jay Griffey Diane K. Grohulski Gloria and Bob Halfacre Erika Homan Bernice Horst
Denise Hsu Laurie and Hannah Jacobs Shannon Johnston Sherry Lapides Lise L. Luttgens Lynn Mack-Costello and Joseph Costello Marilyn and Dale Marshall Megan Martin and Brian Long Toni Martinez-Burgoyne and Rod Burgoyne Kelly and Jason Maxwell Gina McLeod Eleanor Moninger Ann Moore Frances Moreno Kathryn E. Nielsen Denise and Ken Nowack Adrienne Pacheco Marie Parco Melissa and Martino Pepe Sharis Peters Aileen O. Poehls Ruth Post Janice Rector Elisabeth Rendeiro and
Steven DePaul Leanne J. Rodgers Sylvia and Paul Rosenberger Margaret Rosenthal Shamira Sadler Danielle Sager-Ebling Ron Schrantz Yvonne and Robert Schueller Steve Shelton Ellen E. and Robert F. Swarts Chara Swodeck Cortney Szlemp Francesca Taylor and Ann Giagni Cindy and Ben Tenn Shelley B. Thompson Marie-Louise and Kenneth Van Horne Harry Webb Janet Whaley and Steven Preston Brenda J. Zamzow Margaret B. Zarate
“It isn’t a question of WHY we would LEAVE A LEGACY GIFT to the GIRL SCOUTS; it is a question of WHY WOULDN’T WE?” — Dianne Belk & Lawrence Calder Juliette Gordon Low Society Founding Chairs and Members
Leave your leadership legacy. Join the Juliette Gordon Low Society. For information, please email us at giving@girlscoutsla.org. 6
Thanks Badge The Thanks Badge recognizes an adult volunteer who has delivered outstanding service to the council or the entire Girl Scout Movement by taking a leadership role at the council level, expanding membership growth and retention, increasing funding, and innovating council-wide program opportunities.
2020 Thanks Badge Recipient SHELLEY B. THOMPSON Board of Directors Chair Shelley B. Thompson, a proud Girl Scout for life, joined Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles’ Board of Directors in 2015 and was elected board chair in 2018. Serving simultaneously as chair of the board and chair of the External Relations Committee, Shelley’s leadership has been instrumental in elevating GSGLA’s profile and fundraising for three crucial initiatives—the rebuilding of Camp Lakota, creation of the Inglewood Innovation Center, and development of GSGLA’s inaugural Gold Award Gala in 2019. Shelley has been an advocate not only for today’s Girl Scouts but for the longterm health and success of GSGLA, actively recruiting and mentoring board members and volunteering her legal expertise to expand GSGLA’s planned giving program. In 2019 she led the CEO search committee, ensuring a smooth transition in executive leadership. your girls needed protection.
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Platinum Service Award The Platinum Service Award recognizes an outstanding adult volunteer who continues to give simultaneous service to her or his service unit as well as their region or the entire council for at least three years after receiving previous national awards. This council honor is awarded to an adult volunteer who served in two different positions simultaneously, including in the service unit and the region or the council; a volunteer who has provided consistent high-quality service beyond the expectations of the position and has given service in a manner that sets a positive example for others.
2020 Platinum Service Award Recipients PRIYA BRADFIELD
JANET KC-JORDAN
Canyon Star
Canyon Star
“Girl Scouts means sisterhood. Whether it is through planning events, talking to girls and leaders who are having a hard time, or celebrating successes, it’s a wonderful shared experience that you don’t get anywhere else!”
“The highlight as a troop leader was seeing my entire troop work on and complete their Silver Awards over Zoom, despite the pandemic!”
GLORIA HALFACRE
ANNETTE YU
Marina
Pali/Mali
“The girls from the Marina Service Unit have taken on so many needs within the community. Two that stand out are Project Pot Pies and Lunches with Love—both of these focus on feeding the homeless, even during COVID-19.”
DEBIE HESS-WAKELAND Canyon Star “Girl Scouts has produced leaders who are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and assist others, when needed.”
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“Girl Scouts means giving girls the opportunity to have fun, learn skills, and try new things, while building lifelong friendships and ideals.”
Honor Pin The Honor Pin is a national award that recognizes an adult volunteer who has delivered outstanding service to two or more service units or to a region. The awardee has significantly contributed to meeting one or more council goals in membership growth and retention, fund development, or increased community visibility in a region or two or more service units. She or he actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior.
2020 Honor Pin Recipients ASTRID MARTINEZFRIBOURG Marina “Girl Scouts has allowed me to help guide young ladies to become strong, independent women. I feel honored and joyful watching each Girl Scout find her own voice and strength. To be a member in this sisterhood has enriched my life.”
ANNA MADRID Canon Trails Rio Hondo “Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout. Holding true to the promises and commitments we learn, it’s our responsibility to keep the GS mission alive and renewed for other Girl Scouts, both young and seasoned.”
BONNIE GEORGE
NICOLA BIRD
Canyon Star
Pali/Mali
“Girl Scouts is this incredible network in our community, with a common goal to provide opportunities to the girls, who view their troop as their extended family, and who are inspired to give back to the communities from which they draw support.”
“Girl Scouts means honoring and empowering the next generation of amazing women.”
LYNN MACK-COSTELLO
CORALYN PEIRSON
Pali/Mali
Canyon Star
“I loved seeing how so many of our local troops responded to the challenges of COVID-19 and adapted to online meetings and activities. They have continued to make an impact throughout our communities through service and initiative.”
“Our troop allocates a portion of our cookie proceeds to our local food pantry. We shop together and deliver our donation to the food pantry, where we sort it and pack it into bags. It is great fun and a way to give back to our community—we miss it.”
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2020 Honor Pin Recipients FRANCESCA TAYLOR
LISA WORKING
Pali/Mali
Canyon Star
“My wonderful troop, nicknamed, “the Sunsets,” produced, rehearsed, acted in, and staged a completely virtual play on Zoom called “Suffrage Sisters Women Gain the Right to Vote,” for the 100th anniversary of this precious right. I am so proud of them!”
“Lisa grew up in Girl Scouts, gaining confidence, friendships, and life skills along the way. Now she keeps that flame alive by leading a Cadette troop and creating SU events that honor traditions and foster connections, despite the historic pandemic.”
DARLENE TORRES Marina “Being part of the Girl Scout movement means stepping out of my comfort zone, whether helping girls reach their full potential or helping others in our community.”
KATHY VIGIL Marina “My Girl Scouts partnered with a local exchange club and other troops to make more than 2,500 Valentine’s Day cards for seniors citizens. They continue to feed the homeless, participate in food distributions, visit veterans’ hospitals, and mentor younger Girl Scouts.”
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Appreciation Pin The Appreciation Pin recognizes an adult volunteer who has delivered outstanding service to at least one service unit. The honoree has significantly contributed to meeting one or more council goals in membership growth, retention, fund development, or increased community visibility in one service unit.
2020 Appreciation Pin Recipients SARAH ADAMSON
SHANA BALLAS
Stoneyridge
Canyon Star
“I enjoy sharing with and learning from the other troop leaders in our Service Unit and beyond in our Council. There are so many opportunities for girls and adults to learn more skills, and support each other. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to explore the many virtual events this last year and share them with others as our Service Unit’s social media representative, and I look forward to many more opportunities to serve this community.”
DOREEN AITELLI La Canada
“I have wonderful memories of being a Girl Scout. I am proud to instill the values of courage, confidence, and character for the next generation. Girl Scouts should be kind, open minded, creative, adventurous and always stand up for what is right.”
MARY ATHANS-BARTLETT
“My highlight was pivoting during COVID-19 and recreating our Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award ceremonies from in-person to video. We were able to recognize all the participating troops so they could share their accomplishments.”
Manhattan Beach
SARA ALVAREZ
ANETT ASSILIAN
Twin Oaks
Stoneyridge
“Girl Scouts has created great relationships and fostered a sense of community at a time when we are physically distant. I am closer to my troop members and to the service unit, and I am excited to make a positive impact.”
“As a psychologist, I often speak about self-care. Girl Scouting is not just my hobby, it is my self-care. I truly love being a Girl Scout, my Girl Scout friends, and sharing the experience with my husband and children.”
“I watched many leaders in our service unit pivot and create meaningful, fun content for their troops in a virtual setting while dealing with the challenges the pandemic placed on their own work and families. I am inspired by their resilience and dedication.”
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2020 Appreciation Pin Recipients CHRISTINA BATCHELDER
PATTIANN BRUNDIGE
CV/Glendale
CV/Glendale
“The highlight for me this past membership year was the girls who stayed in our troop and displayed tremendous resilience through the pandemic and shifting to virtual!”
HEATHER BERGER
ROCHELLE BUTLER
Twin Oaks
Westside
“With Girl Scouts, we have taken part in new community activities and support programs. We participated in a book drive, a food drive, and we have helped different organizations with their supporting causes while getting to know our neighbors.”
“I was fortunate to be able to mentor and co-lead a young group of extraordinary LEGO enthusiasts (K-3rd grade). Our FIRST LEGO League Jr. Girl Scouts, team Lego Engineers, worked diligently, learning new skills with sensors, robotics, and coding.”
CYNTHIA BROCKMANCOLEMAN
MELINDA CANNY
Westchester/Del Rey “My Girl Scout Highlight was our virtual bridging ceremony! It was amazing to look back through photos and videos of the girls starting as Brownies and becoming Seniors. They each shared how meaningful being a Girl Scout has been for them.”
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“I’ve said it at least 1,000 times, and I’ll say it at least 1,000 more: Girl Scouts is the ONLY place a girl can be ANYTHING she wants to be! Baker, hiker, camper, Robotics engineer, traveler, scientist, seamstress, singer—we can make it happen!”
South Pasadena “Girl Scouts is community. It is an opportunity to give back to others what I was given, to show a new generation of girls what it is to be a leader and provide service to their communities, and to provide opportunities to learn new skills or activities.”
CHRYSTAL BROESEL
AMY CAPONPON
Northeast Hills,
Torrance
“Girl Scouts has had a large impact on our community. Due to our growth in troops and the longevity of several of them, other nonprofits and business leaders now reach out to us when help is needed.”
“As a Girl Scout leader, I got to see how the girls step out of their comfort level. They use the skills they learn to become critical thinkers, to be active in community service, to volunteer, and to have positive life outcomes.”
2020 Appreciation Pin Recipients ROBIN CHARTIER
ORPHA EGET
Westside
Twin Oaks
“Some of my best childhood memories are with Girl Scout friends. I have enjoyed being a troop leader and passing on Girl Scouts traditions and values to the girls in our troop. I am grateful for the lifetime of memories Girl Scouts has provided me.”
“Girl Scouting has been amazing. I am part of a sisterhood that spans the world, and it has enriched my life. Seeing Girl Scouts learning to be independent young women and using skills they learned as Girl Scouts is my greatest achievement.”
DENNIS COLATO
RACHEL ELI
Mission Rose
Canyon Star
“Girl Scouts means an opportunity for my daughter to see women in positions of authority, and as role models.”
“My troop impacted our community when they earned their Bronze awards. They built a portable garden from scratch and delivered it to a shelter to assist residents with gardening. We also had a peanut butter drive to benefit the NHIFP.”
APRIL COLBERT
CHRISTINA EVANGELISTA
Heart of the Valley
Twin Oaks
“I love Girl Scouts’ commitment to community service. Our troop has been able to make a difference in our school and in the lives of those who are under-served in our communities—the homeless, youth, animals, and lowincome residents.”
“Two highlights stand out. The first was seeing my daughter, who has difficulty making friends, blossom and start to make friends. The second was being part of an amazing service unit that was supportive, caring in the community, and welcoming.”
DINORA EDWARDS
JULIE EVANS
North River
La Canada
“One of the most important highlights was mentoring girls in our troop to plan and coordinate their Take Action projects, Journeys, and Silver Award projects through a global pandemic. Girls were able to show their creativity and perseverance.”
“Girl Scouts broadens horizons for girls and the women they will become. They learn about many topics they normally wouldn’t in their own day-to-day experiences.”
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2020 Appreciation Pin Recipients
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LISA FETTERS
JASMINE JAFFE
Manhattan Beach
Marina
“This year, our troop sent letters and art to a local senior center, adopted a newly-formed Daisy troop as pen pals, and made halloween bags for two firstgrade troops.”
“As a co-leader, it is so rewarding to watch girls grow from Daisies to Cadettes, and I look forward to seeing them continue through high school as they earn their Gold awards.”
ERIN FLEMING
LAURA KEATING
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach
“Girl Scouts is a group of girls that might not hang out during the normal school day, but who come together each week or month and share a passion for service. They support each other as they develop their leadership skills, and they have each other’s backs”.
“Girl Scouts is building and fostering leaders in my community. As my troop has gotten older, I love how much my girls want to focus on community service. My troop likes to have fun, but they are passionate about giving back.”
JULIE GOLDIN
KEISHA KIDWELL
Twin Oaks
Mission Rose
“Girl Scouts has been so important, especially this past year. We’ve provided a haven for girls during this most tumultuous time, and we have continued to bring service projects to the community.”
“Our troop’s Halloween Tea, dedicated to Juliette Gordon Low, was the highlight of my 2019-20 membership year. Various troops from my area were invited to share in this special experience. It was so wonderful to watch the girls’ interactions together.”
KIMBERLY GRIFFIN
ILENE KNEBEL
Twin Oaks
Holly Hills
“In my two years as a troop leader, I’ve witnessed our Twin Oaks Service Unit hold several community service projects that helped foster a deeper sense of purpose, charity, and accountability in our troop members.”
“Girls they can do anything they set their minds to, and with strong women leaders setting them up for success, they are destined to attain their goals. They also learned to pivot and reorganize and still be successful, even in a pandemic!”
2020 Appreciation Pin Recipients MELISSA LYNCH
ANNETTE MEYERSON
Canyon Star
Twin Oaks
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, our Girl Scouts created an online community of support for each other through virtual events, and they gave back to the local area by coordinating food drives, spreading cheer to neighbors, and selling cookies!”
“In a year in which our social worlds were torn apart, the bond between the girls in our troop helped us all stay afloat. The girls no longer had school or in-person gatherings to be together, but they always had a place where they belonged.”
JACQUELINE MCINTYRE
CAROLE MINGUS
Marina
Mission Rose
“Girl Scouts makes a big city like Los Angeles feel like a small town. Our troop has been our family for the past eight years, and when we encounter other girls/troops there is a common bond that makes them feel like extended family.”
“I was amazed at the computer skills the older girls have. They introduced us to Zoom and, when needed, would move us to different virtual rooms. They planned and conducted Cadettes Go Crazy with their knowledge, talents, and skills over Zoom!”
KIM MCNAMEE
HEIDI MOUNTJOY
RDE/Sil-Dom
Palmdale
“Transitioning to virtual meetings because of the pandemic was a challenging highlight, but we still took full advantage of time with the girls to complete the Be Prepared, Not Scared badge series, which was very timely and appropriate.”
“What Girl Scouts means to me is to show leadership, be able to help in the community, and learn practical skills.”
TRICIA MCREYNOLDS
BILL NELSON
Westchester/Del Rey
Board Member
“Girl Scouts means so much to me. It has introduced me to so many amazing women and girls. I love the sisterhood and the friendships that I have found, as well as the support and strength everyone gives each other.”
“Girl Scouts represents a community for girls and young women to develop their talents and create opportunities for all of them to explore those talents. This translates to having young women ready for critical roles ahead. Everyone benefits.”
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2020 Appreciation Pin Recipients PATTI NISHIMURA
LIZBETH RAMIREZ
Torrance
Westchester/Del Rey
“Selling cookies is always a highlight in our troop, and we sold nearly 13,000 packages last year! In addition, we had two girls earn their Gold Awards and seven earn their Bronze awards. All older scouts led younger scouts in badge work.”
“Girl Scouts means I have many sisters who can help me navigate as a troop leader, and they have helped me realize that we can achieve any goals we set our minds to.”
LUPE NUNEZ
CHRISTINA RICE
Twin Oaks
CV/Glendale
“Girl Scouts has taught girls confidence and empowerment and the possibilities they can accomplish as a group and individually.”
“The girls in our troop are from eight different schools and geographically live in communities from Tujunga to Sherman Oaks and places in between! Girl Scouts has enabled our girls to expand their inner circles and bridge our different communities.”
CHRISTINA OZENNE
MARA RICHARDS
S. Torrance
Marina
“Our troop enjoyed a virtual movie night and a cupcake war. It was a fun and different way for them to connect while apart.”
“Girl Scouts is realizing potential, broadening horizons, discovering what’s important to you, and giving back to your community and the world.”
KIMBERLY PRIMO
CARRIE ROBERTSON
Heart of the Valley
Twin Oaks
“Girl Scouts impacts the community by providing girls with opportunities to learn new things and have experiences they may not otherwise have. Girl Scouts teaches girls to work together and to be supportive, while teaching them to be leaders.”
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“My highlight is working with our girls to complete multiple badges online, and the amazing creativity of my co-leader and parents to make it work.”
2020 Appreciation Pin Recipients RITA RIVERA
DEBI SHAKTI
Bellflower/Hollymount
Stoneyridge
“Girl Scouts has made a positive impact in our service unit’s community. We have supported several food drives in our community, put together toiletry bags for homeless shelters and women’s shelters, and brought happiness to seniors with fun tray favors.”
“Girl Scouts is a community and a sisterhood of amazing women dedicated to empowering girls to discover their strengths, explore their interests, and try new things in a safe, girl-centered environment. It is a place to be silly, serious, and make lifelong friendships.”
DANIELLE SAGER-EBLING
JULIE SMITH
Marina
Canyon Star
“Girl Scouts has given me 11 years of unforgettable memories with my daughters, my co-leaders, and my troop. We have learned so much over the years, and I take such great pride in this future generation of leaders, who I have encouraged for so long!”
“My troop impacted our Girl Scouts has impacted the girls in our troop by providing a community that could gather together online when we couldn’t gather in person. It has been a beneficial social outlet as well as a constant during a very crazy year.”
KRISTINE SCHLACHET
AMBER SPENCE
Heart of the Valley
Marina
“Girl Scouts has made a positive impact on my community by providing a welcoming environment for girls of all backgrounds to come together and learn from each other as they support the community at large.”
“Girl Scouts does a great deal of service in our area, from feeding housinginsecure individuals to providing Christmas treats for foster children and low income families”
KIM SCHWARZ
PATRICIA STANARD
Twin Oaks
Northeast Hills
“Girl Scouts has provided the opportunity to engage the two troops that I lead in meaningful serviceoriented opportunities. It has also given the girls a fun outlet to engage with each other, even though they have different interests.”
“My highlight from this past year has been that most of the girls in my troop show up for each virtual troop meeting we schedule via Zoom, and they all look forward to it.”
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2020 Appreciation Pin Recipients
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CYNTHIA VAZQUEZ
LISA THACKER
Westchester/Del Rey
Canyon Star
“It has been amazing and rewarding to see how our leaders and our Girl Scouts were so resilient and positive with the safer-at-home orders. We saw so many examples of creativity and dedication to keep Girl Scouts open for our girls.”
“Seeing how resilient and positive the girls in my daughter’s Girl Scout Troop were to continue having meetings and earning badges through the pandemic was my highlight.”
MAY-MAY SUGIHARA
ROCIO TORRES
Claremont
Southeast SU
“Girl Scouts has given me the chance to help girls in my community grow and learn, and I get to grow and learn right alongside them.”
“It’s a good program focused on the girls.”
MALI TEISAN
RACHAEL SUAREZ
Marina
Twin Oaks
“To me, Girl Scouts means helping girls reach their maximum potential to grow into helpful, caring, and productive women. I feel fortunate to belong to a sisterhood that offers so many opportunities to girls and women of all ages.”
“Girl Scouts impacts our community by empowering young women to be strong, creative, and fearless leaders.”
KENNEICE TOLLIVER
MICHELE WAHLIG
Westchester/Del Rey
Pali/Mali
“Girl Scouts gives me the opportunity to spend quality time with my daughter while we both learn a variety of life skills and have fun doing it. It also gives me a greater sense of being and purpose.”
“Mentoring youth, providing opportunities, and having unique and empowering experiences has been very rewarding. I enjoy witnessing girls succeed as they explore, promote worthy causes, and build leadership skills, while strengthening lifelong friendships.”
2020 Appreciation Pin Recipients CYNTHIA WEICHELT
SHANTE’ YOUNKER
Twin Oaks
South Pasadena
“We held space for the girls to checkin and support each other through the year. And even though it was one more Zoom meeting, it was a place of selfcare and resilience that we all needed.”
“Girl Scouts South Pasadena stayed connected to our community with Zoom meetings, making cards for senior centers, and participating in a virtual Nailed It event. Twenty-nine girls completed their Silver Awards, and 11 girls completed their Gold Awards!”
LOIS YOUNG Twin Oaks “My highlight was the video presentation the girls made of our troop and what it means to them. It was very inspirational and made my heart soar. It really showed the love they have for each other and Girl Scouting.”
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2020 Appreciation Pin Recipients Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles would also like to award the following volunteers with the Appreciation Pin: Tyisha Fletcher Marisa Gallo Rene Gaudet Annie Heller-Gutwillig Soo Lee Amber Leslie Collette Rune
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Virtual Vanguard Award The Virtual Vanguard Award honors the incredible contributions our volunteers have made to connect Girl Scouts to virtual experiences, provide innovative opportunities in a virtual format for girls in a troop, service units, or the community, and exceeded all expectations to continue to mentor Girl Scouts during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
2020 Virtual Vanguard Award Recipients Ashley Abdalla
Nicole Block
Glenn Covey
Stacey Adler
Tressa Bobb
Sayoko Cox
Margaret Aghili
Lorena Bojorquez
Lynn Cunningham
Mirna Aguilar
Shawna Bouha-Mayer
Leigh-Ann Danner
Ellen Andersen
Andree Boyd
Lakisha Davies
Cissie Andrews
Priya Bradfield
Juliana Diaz
Kelly Ankwicz
Melanie Breen
Tina Diem
Simona Aranda
Cindi Brodack
Kate Eisenberg
Robyn Arnold
Rose Brown
Dede El-Atrache
Angela Arnold-Brownlee
Karla Buhlman
Blanca Elizarraraz
Korina Arvizu
Melanie Burzynski
Julia Esqueda
Giselle Aston
Kim Bushell
Norma Esquivias
Shana Ballas
Liz Busque
Carleen Evans
Kristen Ballew
Maria Calvario
Tania Fallert-Del Gatto
Rozanna Baranets
Colette Cammock
Margarete Feinstein
Susanne Barbieri
Karol Castro
Jacquelyn Ferraro
Regina Barry
Angelica Chacana
Tyisha Fletcher
Marie Beckermann
Sara Cohen
Kamia Fletcher
Molly Belsky
Danelle Cole
Dannielle Fontela
Joy Blake
Andrea Cooper
Ricca Francis 21
2020 Virtual Vanguard Award Recipients
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Candace Frank
Cheri Howard
Kelley Last
Gabriella Franklin
Aleta Howland
Judy Lee
Heather Freelin
Tanya Hyacinthe
Sharon Lei Hager
Danielle Frierson
Danelle Jiron
Katy Leigh Villari
Marisa Gallo
Dena Johnson
Amber Leslie
Bonnie George
Cheryl Johnson-Hartwell
Melissa Loffelholz
Maribel Gershman
Aileen Joines
Phan Luc
Joelynn Gil
Balinda Jones
Melissa Lynch
Alyse Gleason
Alicia Jose
Cara Macintosh
Lisette Gold
Martha Juarez
Janine Madera
Julie Goldin
Janet KC-Jordan
Marjar Magee
Melissa Goll
Banchirga Kebede
Brynne Malone
Andrea Gordon
Julia Keiper
Jennifer Mansfield
Jill Grass
Annamaria Kelley
Arlene Mansour
Jennifer Gruber
Amy Kelly
Elizabeth Markell
Gloria Halfacre
Jessica Kelly
Devin Martin
Erika Hall
Kate Kelly
Stacy Martin
Stephanie Hall
Julie Kennedy
Astrid Martinez-Fribourg
Marya Harrington
Karimah Kennedy
Teresa May
Logan Hawkins
Richardson
Laurie Mcallaster
Annie Heller-Gutwillig
Jaclyn Khitikian
Denise Meier
Dawn Hentrich
Somaly Kuoy-Imatomi
Krystal Meissner
Sandra Herrera Tellechea Anita Kuzmarskis
Candace Mejedi-Caswell
Debie Hess-Wakeland
Ming Kwong-Beeler
Valorie Melendrez
Heather Hetrick
Alicia Lafaurie
Adriana Meza
Joanna Hill-Dodson
Jill Lanigan
Alana Miller
2020 Virtual Vanguard Award Recipients Julie Miller
Danica Ross
Deborah Tropp
Chanel Mitchell
Janet Ross
Tannis Vallely
Jennifer Mitchell
Aimee Roth
Cynthia Vazquez
Jeannette Mullins
Anne Ruane
Kathy Vigil
Catherine Myman-
Liz Russomanno-Doyle
Annie Walling
Kaplan
Patricia Salazar
Shahrzad Warkentin
Brandy Nakano
Michelle Sarrow
Lorraine Washburn
Yelena Neyman
Alayna Sato
Deidre Welborn
Randee Palmer
Amandalynn Sawyer
Keisha Williams
Marimelle Pascual-
Jenifer Schmutz
Tandy Wilson
Pennington
Jenna Schumacher
Heidi Wong
Andrea Pearlman
Tammie Scott
Lisa Working
Coralyn Peirson
Andrea Shear
Victoria Yamashita
Ana Pereira
Jessica Silva
Service Unit 515
Hilda Petrushkin
Julie Smith
Angela Preston
Yesenia Solis
Carolina Ramirez
Sunset Steel-Ravenell
Georgina Ramirez-Gray
Jodilynne Steiner
Miraslava Rebenczuk
Stephanie Stockton
Mara Richards
Shoshana Stopek
Stephanie Robinette
Nathan Swisher
Jacqueline Robinson
Klarissa Tarman
Tammylynn Rodriguez
Lisa Thacker
Lorraine Romero
Erin Tomanek
Rebecca Root
Darlene Torres
Jennifer Rootes
Dorian Traube
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Tenure Numeral Guard The Numeral Guard (tenure) recognizes the combined number of years accumulated as a registered member, girl and adult, in five-year increments.
2020 Tenure Guard Recipients DENISE DEINES*
CLAIRE PHILLIPS
Pomona
Burbank
40 YEARS
35 YEARS
“I was a Girl Scout for 10 years in the West San Fernando Valley Council, from 1962 as a Brownie to 1971 as a Senior Girl Scout. I have been an adult Girl Scout since 1990 for the Pomona Service Unit.”
“I love how Girl Scouts helps build the smaller community within each troop. I am blessed to have an amazing group of families, and in the four years we’ve been together, I’ve seen us build great relationships and support each other in incredible ways.”
JACLYN KHITIKIAN
TAMMIE SCOTT
Burbank
North Redondo
35 YEARS
40 YEARS
“As a 35-year Girl Scout, this program has taught me about resilience, making the world we live in a better place, and the power of individuals to change the world. I am proud of what I have learned and been able to pass along to my Girl Scouts.”
“COVID-19 sidelined so many things, but our service unit came together for a couple of our signature events, including Valentines for Veterans. The girls in our troops have become more resourceful through this time.”
LORI OSEGUERA* Mt. View
30 YEARS “To me, Girl Scouts is a longtime tradition of experiences and friendships. It’s a chance to enjoy nature, crafts, and campfire, all while participating in summer camps, retreats, and Camporees. Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout.”
*Receiving both Numeral Guard and Years of Service Pins
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles would also like to recognize the following volunteers receiving the Tenure Numeral Guard: 30 Years Lori Koenig
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35 Years
40 Years
Candace Frank
Pennie Taylor
Years of Service Pin The Years of Service Award is presented in five-year increments to candidates active as registered Girl Scout adult members. These pins represent only the years of active service as an adult.
2020 Years of Service Pin Recipients DENISE DEINES*
LORI OSEGUERA*
Pomona
Mt. View
30 YEARS
25 YEARS
“Thirty years as a volunteer in various Girl Scouts roles, ranging from troop leader for various levels to council adult trainer, has been amazing and truly rewarding.”
“The highlight for the year was finishing my final year of cookie sales before COVID-19 set in! I’m now remembering 25 years of cookie sales.”
ROBERT PRAGER Alamitos/Marina
*Receiving both Numeral Guard and Years of Service Pins
35 YEARS “Girl Scouting provides young women the chance to try things in a new place, where whatever she may have failed or succeeded at in the past, doesn’t matter. It’s a chance to meet and work with new people and try new skills and activities.”
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles would also like to recognize the following volunteers receiving the Years of Service Pin: 25 Years Diane Garvin Darlene Gomez
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