2024 Volunteer Recognition Tribute Book

2024 Volunteer Recognition Tribute Book with gratitude for our volunteers' contributions in the 2023 membership year

Letter from the CEO

Dear honorees and guests,

Welcome to the 2024 Volunteer Recognition Ceremony! After five long years, we’re elated to be back in-person to celebrate you, the heart of what we do, with hugs, Girl Scout handshakes, and traditions.

Every day, each of you goes above and beyond in powering the Girl Scout Movement. By providing guidance, mentorship, and transformative experiences, you are empowering Girl Scouts to unleash their boundless potential as strong, bold leaders — both today and tomorrow. You make sure they are connected, engaged, and nurtured. You guide them through Highest Awards mentoring sessions, outdoor adventures, and community service projects. And you're keeping girls’ mental health top of mind with enlightened, empathetic leadership. Let's not forget, you are also ensuring they have fun, learn Girl Scout traditions, and enjoy the bonds of our powerful sisterhood.

Limitless is our theme reflecting on all the great work done in the 2023 Girl Scout year; you all have offered limitless support to our Girl Scouts, and for that I am profoundly grateful.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Theresa Edy Kiene Chief Executive Officer

2023 Volunteer Awardees

THANKS BADGE II

Gloria Halfacre

Sue Hillendahl

Tammie Scott

THANKS BADGE

Michelle Apolonio

PLATINUM SERVICE AWARD

Beverly Speak

Bonnie George

Deborah Wakeland

Edith "Holly" Shaffer

Elizabeth Soukup

Heather Hetrick

Janet KC-Jordan

Joelynn Gil

Lana Saucedo

Linda Harmon

Lisa Working

Liz Busque

Lois Young

Marie Beausoleil

Melissa Lynch

Nicole Foster

Orpha Eget

Priya Kumar Bradfield

Victoria Yamashita

HONOR PIN

Amber Spence

Ashley Silva

Astrid Martinez-Fribourg

Bailey Canham

Birgit Vollmann-Smith

Chloe Dehmel

Danelle Jiron

Danielle Sager-Boling

Darlene Torres

Debbie Fountain

Debbie Reynozo

Debra Silverman

Diane Garvin

Eiko Sato

Eleanor Ragle

Francesca Taylor

Gail Testa

Gloria Halfacre

Heather Jones

Heather St. Dennis

Holly T. Yang

Ilene Knebel

Jasmin Sandige

Julie Ast

Julie Miller

Julie Townsend

Kathy Silva

Kathy Vigil

Kazue "Vicky" Tokirio

Laurel Ast

Laurie Jacobs

Lisa Moore

Lynn Mack-Costello

Margaret "Peggy" Brewer

Mia Britel

Michelle Hubbard

Millicent Mito

Millie Christie

Priya Kumar Bradfield

Rachel Eli

Samantha Lavin

Sandra R.Klein

Sandra Vicuna

Sherry Miller

Teresa Brown

APPRECIATION PIN

Alicia Lafaurie

Amandalynn Sawyer

Amy Robertson

Andriana BurkhammerFlores

Anett Assilian

Angela Milversted

Ani Nahmias

Ann Marie Gamez

Anna Li

Annie Wang

Ashley Wembes

Audrey Thompson

Briana Ernandes

Brynn Crispino

Carolyn Cassidy

Catherine MymanKaplan

Chaquita Moore

Christina Rice

Cissie Andrews

Cristeen Foster

Cynthia Lippstreu

Cynthia Suarez

Daisy Prieto

Danelle Cole

Dawn Hentrich

Dean Catalano

Debbie Tosolini

Deborah Green

Deidre Welborn

Dorothy Phillips

Eileen Munoz

Elizabeth Florio

Ellie Laycook

Gail Testa

Glenn Arnade

Gurjot Kohli

Heather Hufenbach

Jacqueline Gettys

Janet Smith

Jasmine Jaffe

Jeannette Alcala

Jeannette Mullins

Jenna Boller

Jennifer Bean

Jennifer Colvin

Jennifer Duran

Jennifer Kobata

Jennifer Linde

Jermaine Beckett

Jessica Cardenas

Jessica Kelly

Jessica Larson

Jinnefer Razo

Jonni Hynes

Juanita Maxwell

Karla Hufenbach

Kathleen Yellen Gapud

Kelly Ankwicz

Kelly Lindell

Kim Crawford

Kimberly Griffin

Kimberly Ohno

Kristin Ocampo

Krystal Hogan

Laura McGuckin

Laurie Gilson

Lenora Williams

Linda Haverman

Linda Moore

Lindsay San Giacomo

Lisa Banh

Lisa Penley Moss

Lisa Thacker

Lorraine Simansky

Mara Richards

Marcia Purcell

Maria MaCarthy

Mave Candelas

May-May Sugihara

Melanie Walmsley

Melissa Canham

Michelle (Shelley)

O'Malley

Ming Kwong-Beeler

Monique Jones

Natalie Torres

Nicole Son

Olivia Tandowsky

Patricia Briceno

Patti Brundige

Rachelle Killackey

Renee Carpenter

Renee Grenier

Ronnie Ernandes

Ruby Shelton

Saadia Orantes Lopez

Sergio Donis

Shawna Bouha-Mayer

Shazzy Angulo

Sheila Kao

Shel Medina

2023 Volunteer Awardees

Stacie Ottley

Stacy Dishlip

Susan Day

Susan Lee

Suzanne Graham

Taylor Halsey

Teresa Sanchez

Trina Soto

Wendy Wood

YEARS OF SERVICE AWARD

25 Years of Service

Debra Silverman

Heidi Cox

Julie Miller*

Millicent Mito

Nancy Salazar*

Susan Holstrom*

Suzanne Banks

Tammi Froh

Tammy Baer*

Tandy Wilson*

Ted Oyama

Vince Iannolo

30 Years of Service

Deborah Wakeland*

DiAne Cabanne*

Laurel Pavone*

Orpha Eget*

Sharon Lei Hager

Vicki Orphan*

35 Years of Service

Corrin Gil Richard

Eiko Sato*

Kim Krivis

Margaret "Peggy" Brewer*

Sharon Estrada*

NUMERAL GUARD AWARD

30 Years

Anett Assilian

Kathy Silva

Meghan Levers

Michelle Wakeland

Monica Wanamaker

Nancy Salazar*

Orpha Eget*

Tandy Wilson*

Vicki Orphan*

35 Years

Eiko Sato*

Jacqueline Harris

Julie Miller*

Margaret "Peggy" Brewer*

Susan Holstrom*

40 Years

Deborah Wakeland*

DiAne Cabanne*

Kathryn Parisen

Laurel Pavone*

Tammy Baer*

45 Years

Sharon Estrada*

50 Years

Edith "Holly" Shaffer

Lorraine Matza

60 Years

Dottie Huff

Sue Hillendahl

President’s Award

Bellflower/Hollymount

Bonita Service Unit

Burbank

Campo Verde

Canyon Star

Chino Hills

Covina Oaks

Glendora

Heart of the Valley

King Harbor

La Canada

Lakewood

Marina

North Redondo Beach

North River

Sagebrush

San Pedro

Southeast

Upland

Westchester/Del Rey

*Receiving both Numeral Guard and Years of Service Pins

Juliette Gordon Low Society

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 Girl Scout Movement-wide Challenge Planned Gift

Anonymous

Lisa Axelrod

Carolyn Baker

David A. and Julie Battaglia

Julie and Kenneth Beals

Dianne Belk and Lawrence

Calder

Dianne Belk and Lawrence

Calder Girl Scout Movementwide Challenge Planned Gift

Betty Berdiansky

Steve Bolkovatz

Gail I. Boyle

Moira Brady

Betsy L. and Donald Brewer

Michele Broadnax

Chrystal Broesel

Constance L. Burg

Amy Caponpon

Jessica Cardenas

Katy Carlson

Charles Carroll

Elizabeth Chadwick

Hailyn J. Chen

Rachel Ivy Clarke

Debbie Cook

Patricia A. and Curtis Crider

Phyllis E. Currie

Christine A. Dean and Rosemary

C. Veniegas

Carol M. Dedrich

Isabella Del Gaudio

Steven DePaul

Katharine DeShaw and Mark McConnell

Jennifer N. Devereaux

Elisabeth L. Dick

Juanita Doplemore

Barry and Peggy Edwards

Sonia Endler

Marie J. Fouts

Renee W. Fraser, Ph.D.

Diana L. Freeman

Liisa and Michael Froggatt

Megann Giardino

Linda and Jay Griffey

Diane K. Grohulski

Denise Gutches

Gloria and Bob Halfacre

Joseph Hirsch

Erika Homan

Bernie Horst

Denise Hsu

Alana Hyman

Laurie and Hannah Jacobs

Shannon Johnston

Theresa Edy Kiene and Matthew Kiene

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

Karen Masini

Kelly and Jason Maxwell

Gina McLeod

Eleanor Moninger

Ann Moore

Frances M. Moreno

William M. Nelson

Kathryn E. Nielsen

Denise and Ken Nowack

Erin and Jason Oremland

Adrienne Pacheco

Beverly Frances Padway

Marie Hamer Parco

Melissa and Martino Pepe

Sharis Peters

Aileen O. Poehls

Ruth L. Post

Janice Rector

Elisabeth Rendeiro

Leanne J. Rodgers

Sylvia and Paul Rosenberger

Margaret Rosenthal

Shamira Sadler

Danielle Sager-Ebling

Michelle and Robert Sarrow

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

Tania Van Herle

Marie-Louise and Kenneth Van

Horne

PJ Walker

Diane Weaver

Harry S. Webb

Janet Whaley and Steven Preston

Michelle C. Wroan

Brenda J. Zamzow

Margaret B. Zarate

Thanks Badge II

The Thanks Badge II honors a previous Thanks Badge award recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role. This is 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.

2023 Thanks Badge II Recipients

GLORIA HALFACRE Marina

“Girl Scouts has had a long history in my community. Almost every school has Girl Scouts. They are making an impact with their Highest Awards and really being a part of our community. Our community service projects continue to thrive.”

SUE HILLENDAHL

Mission Rose

“Girl Scouts is about lasting friendships, life experiences, and touching the hearts and lives of those young and old.”

TAMMIE SCOTT

North Redondo

“I have been a Girl Scout since I was 9 years old—in the same service unit that I am currently in. Girl Scouts is not something to do—it is something to be. We take the Promise and Law as a road map for successful living.”

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.

2023 Thanks Badge Recipient

MICHELLE APOLONIO

La Brea Heights

"Girl Scouting for the past 16 years has given me the opportunity to empower a girl that will intentionally make a difference as a woman.”

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 highquality service beyond the expectations of the position and has given service in a manner that sets a positive example for others.

2023 Platinum Service Award Recipients*

BEVERLY SPEAK

Claremont

“The principles and values of Girl Scouts have defined my life for 65+ years. The fun and friendship, songs and stories, and adventures and challenges have made me the person I am. I am happy when I can share this spirit with girls of today and tomorrow.”

BONNIE GEORGE

Canyon Star

“This year I got a close-up view of the Gold Award girls representing Girl Scouts at the Rose Parade. I was so impressed by these young women, who presented themselves with such grace and confidence. So proud to play a part in those incredible futures!”

HEATHER HETRICK

Lakewood

“Girl Scouts means an opportunity for me to make a positive impact on future generations, and be part of a worldwide sisterhood.”

JANET KC-JORDAN

Canyon Star

“Seeing my troop host their signature Day of Service event again was a highlight of the last membership year. Hundreds of items were made and donated to various non-profit organizations in the community. This event instilled a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose in the troop.”

JOELYNN GIL

Heart of the Valley

“I feel service is the foundation of Girl Scouts...for MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity), we collected school supplies to fill 75 backpacks for [the children that MEND serves]. For Penny Lane Centers, we assembled over 50 hygiene kits for girls exiting the foster care program.”

LANA SAUCEDO

Crown Poppy

“Girl Scouts has impacted my community by bringing back what it is to be in an organization that really cares about others through volunteerism, kindness, and leadership. We have girls going the distance and girls learning to go the distance from Girl Scouts.”

LINDA HARMON

Las Caballeras

“My highlight was being part of the team that updated the Indoor Overnight Training, which included revising the manual and creating several gsLearn modules.”

LISA WORKING

Canyon Star

“I grew up in Girl Scouts, embracing new experiences, serving my community, and gaining the confidence to lead. Now I strive to keep that flame burning by helping my troop members learn, grow, and give in their own unique ways.”

LIZ BUSQUE

Bonita

“To me, Girl Scouts means empowerment! It is giving the girls the opportunities to succeed in life, empowering them to try new things, and to reach beyond their dreams!”

LOIS YOUNG

Twin Oaks

“Girl Scouts means a place for girls and adults to grow, while learning to care about themselves, others, and the world around us. It is a 'family' forever.”

MARIE BEAUSOLEIL

RDE/SilDom

“I am honored to have led all girl levels as well as coached adults. Girl Scouts offers a safe opportunity to discover, succeed, and learn from failure. Our troops push us to learn more about what matters to them and provide an encouraging format.”

*Some honorees did not submit bios, for the full list of honorees, see page 4.

MELISSA LYNCH

Canyon Star

“In the last year, I've felt a shift in that I'm really learning from my troop. They share their perspectives in an intelligent and thoughtful way. The student becomes the master...I'm so proud of who they've become while I wasn't looking.”

ORPHA EGET

Twin Oaks

“Girl Scouting is seeing a Girl Scout learn new skills. This year I volunteered at Twin Oaks Service Unit Camporee to do a workshop (fire). Teaching Girl Scouts fire skills and to not be afraid of a lit match was a real experience during a Santa Ana wind event!”

Honor Pin

PRIYA KUMAR BRADFIELD

Canyon Star

“Personally, being a National Delegate representative for GSGLA and attending the GSUSA National Council Session in Orlando, Florida with our delegation was a big highlight and a huge honor. I loved getting to know my GSGLA sisters and participating in the governing of GSUSA!”

VICTORIA YAMASHITA

Marina

“My highlight was seeing my daughter earn her Gold Award. While her project was completed in nine months, earning the award was really the culmination of years and years of commitment and growth through Girl Scouts.”

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.

2023 Honor Pin Recipients*

AMBER SPENCE

Marina

“I have been able to encourage my girls to focus on serving those in their community through our monthly work at a local food pantry.”

ASTRID MARTINEZ FRIBOURG

Marina

“I believe the Girl Scout organization gave us the tools to teach our Girl Scouts how to help others right here in the neighborhood.”

BAILEY CANHAM

Mountain View

“Girl Scouts has impacted my community through my lasting Gold Award of getting young people to vote. My college still utilizes the curriculum I created in order to educate students and make the policies meaningful to them.”

BIRGIT VOLLMANN-SMITH

Marina

“Being a Girl Scout means to be a role model and to ensure the girls have fun and want to return next year!”

CHLOE DEHMEL

Marina

“As it says in the Law, Girl Scouts work hard to make the world a better place by staying active in their communities through service projects (Highest Awards), volunteering, and being good, well-rounded people.”

DANELLE JIRON

Crown Poppy

“Girl Scouts has created opportunities and provided girls with experiences they may not have encountered anywhere else in their lives. To be part of that is such a blessing!”

DANIELLE SAGER-EBLING

Marina

“In our community, Girl Scouts has given girls of all backgrounds common ground to explore, connect, and lead.”

DARLENE TORRES

Marina

“I've witnessed Girl Scouts help girls develop into responsible, caring, and engaged leaders who have impacted our community immensely. Girl Scouts have created gardens, helped the houseless, advocated for them, for themselves, and others.”

*Some honorees did not submit bios, for the full list of honorees, see page 4.

DEBBIE FOUNTAIN

RDE/Sil-Dom

“As a Service Unit Manager, it's very important to have a team of volunteers to help support our troop leaders. The highlight of last year was adding an additional Co-Service Unit Manager and several amazing team members.”

DEBBIE REYNOZO

Heart of the Valley

“Girl Scouts has given our community donations for the needy and service projects to help those impoverished and in need.”

DEBRA SILVERMAN

Marina

“Camp Stuff n Such day camp has served our community for 40 years. It has offered girls of all ages and abilities access to creative arts and skills while promoting mentorship and leadership from within.”

DIANE GARVIN

Twin Oaks

“I sometimes feel that I get as much out of Girl Scouts as the girls do, between the friendships, skills, and knowledge I have gained over the years.”

FRANCESCA TAYLOR

Pali/Mali

“Girl Scouts has been a steady presence in my community for decades; it is a true force for growth and positive change among girls (which it primarily serves) and for everyone concerned with the potential for young women to make a difference.”

GAIL TESTA

RDE/Sil-Dom

“This year's highlight: Serving as a National Delegate for the GSUSA National Council Session with an amazing delegation, including my daughter Angelina. We tackled challenges, pursued common goals, and forged lifelong bonds.”

GLORIA HALFACRE

Marina

“Being a National Delegate representing Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles at the GSUSA National Council Session. We had our Service Unit's first Girl Delegate as well, and I enjoyed working closely with her and the other delegates.”

HEATHER ST DENNIS

Marina

“This past membership year our troop has been working on Gold Awards and it has been wonderful to see each of them pursue their individual interests.”

HEATHER JONES

Marina

“The highlight of this last year is having the opportunity to be involved in Camp Stuff n Such. It has been a part of my daughter's life for some time, but being able to plan and then watch the girls enjoy the things we worked on is a joy!”

HOLLY T. YANG

Marina

“Teaching all the kids at Camp Stuff n Such camp some accessible and super fun dances. They seemed to love that and the crafts we did together!”

ILENE KNEBEL

Marina

“Girl Scouts is about lifelong sisterhood. The support and encouragement I receive is priceless!”

JASMIN SANDIDGE

Puente Hills

“Girl Scouts means so many things to me: friendship, community, commitment, and opportunity just to name a few.”

JULIE AST

PV/Penn

“Girl Scouting promotes leadership development among girls, empowering them to become confident and capable leaders in our community while providing countless ways to make a difference and create lasting change in our community.”

JULIE TOWNSEND

Crown Poppy

“To me, Girl Scouts means girls' empowerment—giving girls the training and opportunity to make the changes they want to see in the world.”

KATHY VIGIL

Marina

“I have enjoyed guiding my girls from tiny girls into leaders in our community. I love watching them use the skills that they have learned over the years in their jobs, college, and in everyday life. I am so proud of all of them.”

2023 Honor Pin Recipients

LAUREL AST

PV/Penn

“Girl Scouts has empowered girls in our community through leadership development, community service projects, and fostering friendships that last a lifetime, while also learning outdoor knowledge and developing their teamwork skills.”

LAURIE JACOBS

San Pedro

“Girl Scouts impacts my community through leadership, empowerment, and service work. I launched an "Adopt-A-Non-Profit" program with our troops to offer opportunities for girls to learn about non-profits, to demonstrate leadership, and recruit new members.”

LISA MOORE

Pali/Mali

“Girl Scouts has improved my community by providing a place to participate in community service and by helping to offer leadership opportunities for girls who will become our community’s future leaders.”

LYNN MACK-COSTELLO

Pali/Mali

“As an adult Girl Scout, being a part of this movement is the opportunity to serve others and pay forward the multitude of lessons and opportunities that this organization provided me. We are a sisterhood and those bonds run deep.”

MARGARET "PEGGY" BREWER

Marina

“After launching the new camping curriculum and hearing the positive feedback from the volunteers, while seeing over 100 volunteers trained in a session, made all of the hard work worth it. So many girls are going to go camping.”

MIA BRITEL

Board Chair

“It is my pleasure to lead GSGLA in moving our mission forward as board chair. Participating as a delegate alongside GSGLA members and staff at the 2023 National Council Session was the experience of a lifetime. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the movement in such a meaningful way!”

MILLICENT MITO

Marina

“Having volunteered as a Core Staff member for Camp Stuff n Such for more than a decade, I would say the week of summer camp is my highlight each year.”

MILLIE CHRISTIE Marina

“Being involved with Girl Scouts has enriched my life in so many ways. It has taught me life skills and to live a life of service. I support and celebrate this amazing movement that empowers young women who will be our leaders of tomorrow.”

PRIYA KUMAR BRADFIELD

Canyon Star

“Being a part of the Girl Scout sisterhood is powerful. Between our visibility through cookie sales or doing community service, we make our community stronger through the good we do out there.”

SAMANTHA LAVIN

Twin Oaks

“I just love sitting and laughing with members of the Girl Scout community. No specific memory. Just a feeling.”

SANDRA R. KLEIN

Community Board Member

“I am passionate about bringing Girl Scouting to girls in communities where opportunities are limited. It’s been rewarding to be an Emerging Leaders mentor; co-leader of a troop for girls experiencing homelessness; create the Justice Patch Program to encourage civic engagement; serve on the Property Strategy Task Force and Property Committee; and help develop relevant and equitable Girl Scout programs.”

SANDRA VICUNA

Santa Monica Bay

“Girl Scouts to me means leadership, generosity, encouragement, strength, and bravery. I love how Girl Scouts helps girls gain the confidence and skills to be tomorrow’s leaders.”

TERESA BROWN Chino

“Girl Scouts means to bleed GREEN. Having the ability as an individual to help mold and shape young girls' lives while learning, growing, and discovering my own strengths I never knew I possessed.”

Some honorees did not submit a bio, please see page 4 for the full list of 2023 honorees.

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.

2023 Appreciation Pin Recipients*

ALICIA LAFAURIE

Canyon Star

“Girl Scouts is giving girls in our community a chance to thrive as budding entrepreneurs and giving them a platform to pave their futures.”

AMANDALYNN SAWYER

Canyon Star

“Girl Scouts is a dynamic sisterhood that propels us into uncharted territories. It fosters a spirit of curiosity, urging us to explore novel ideas, hone new skills, and discover together.”

AMY ROBERTSON

Bonita

“My highlight of the last membership year was simply watching these girls, who are now in high school with different friend groups and different interests. I love watching these girls every time we get together and the special bond they have.”

ANDRIANA BURKHAMMMER-FLORES

San Pedro

“Girl Scouts opens up so many unique and powerful experiences for young girls who may have never had the opportunity to be a part of without the program. It's so important to maintain safe, healthy, educational, and empowering programs for our youth.”

ANNA LI

San Marino

“Girls Scouts has provided support to my community whenever there are needs. They have made donations to orphanages, writing letters to lonely elderly, painting the school walls during their breaks, and making their community a better place.”

ANNIE WANG

San Marino

“Girl Scouts has instilled in my girls a code of conduct through the Girl Scout Law and Promise, which touches everyone they interact with. The girls also eagerly raise their hands to volunteer.”

ASHLEY WEMBES

Mission Rose

“Girl Scouts has impacted my community by allowing an outlet for my girls to express themselves. We meet at our local police station and get to participate in many different community events.”

AUDREY THOMPSON

La Brea Heights

“Girl Scouts has provided unique opportunities for the young ladies in our community. As a co-leader of Troop 11505, I have had the chance to strengthen my relationship with my daughter while participating in Girl Scout activities.”

BRIANA ERNANDES

San Pedro

“Horseback riding was the highlight of the year for me! The girls spent the day learning all about how to care for the horses, they had an opportunity to ride the horses, and see some older Girl Scouts do a jumping demonstration with the horses!”

BRYNN CRISPINO

Rancho Calabasas

“To me, it is a positive environment where young girls can get together to learn, explore, and grow their self-confidence. Most importantly, to me being a Girl Scout is the experience of forming lifelong friendships along a journey of adventures.”

CAROLYN CASSIDY Board Member

“I thoroughly enjoyed participating on the host committee for our first in-person She Leads fundraiser. It has allowed me to better engage my entertainment industry network in the work of our mission, secure gifts, and help us to grow our donor pipeline.”

CATHERINE MYMAN-KAPLAN

Santa Monica Bay

“Girl Scouts impacts my community by promoting service and acts of kindness. By leading the way, we shine a light on all the possible ways to help our communities thrive.”

CHAQUITA MOORE

Highland Rose

“Hosting more Service Unit events, such as badgework and water experience at Marine Landing and a leader-daughter brunch. These were great events.”

*Some honorees did not submit bios, for the full list of honorees, see page 4.

2023 Appreciation Pin Recipients

CHRISTINA RICE

CV/Glendale

“Girl Scouts has been a way for me to volunteer my time to my community in a meaningful and fulfilling way. Having worked with my troop for nine years and counting has been an unexpected gift in my life.”

CISSIE ANDREWS

Monrovia/Duarte

“Highlight last year was a phenomenal trip to the eastern seaboard. I took 15 girls from my troop to Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Williamsburg. This was such a life-changing trip for so many of these girls.”

CRISTEEN FOSTER

Highland Rose

“Girl Scouts has impacted my community by showing our presence and coming alongside various charities to aid in their desire to help those without.”

CYNTHIA LIPPSTREU

San Pedro

“Girl Scouts has helped in San Pedro by getting involved with various other non-profit groups to do community service. Our troop has helped clean Cabrillo Beach, made blankets, donated Christmas gifts, and sold a lot of cookies for the community.”

CYNTHIA SUAREZ

Chino

“Girl Scouts has impacted my community by doing volunteer work, going to visit senior centers, and creating relationships with the other troops. We have been present in the Chino Christmas Parade twice.”

DAISY PRIETO

Southeast

“The most rewarding experience during the 2022-2023 Girl Scout year was having our troop receive The President's Volunteer Service Award and gold medals for volunteering 100 hours in our community and beyond.”

DANELLE COLE

Bonita

“Girl Scouts has provided opportunities for our girls to help those less fortunate and to demonstrate our willingness to serve and be a part of our community.”

DAWN HENTRICH

Canyon Star

“I love the fact that I am teaching my girls sisterhood and solidarity. In these times, sticking together is important, and I want them to create bonds that transcend time and geography. I want them to know they can stand together.”

DEAN CATALANO

Board Member

“It’s been an honor to serve on GSGLA’s finance committee and, in particular, to oversee our investments and help steer the board through the fiscal challenges of the pandemic.”

DEBBIE TOSOLINI

Torrance

“My highlight for last year was watching the entire troop work together to earn a day trip to club 500. That was the first year all our girls reached the goal of at least 500 cookie boxes sold.”

DEBORAH GREEN

Chino Hills

“Girl Scouts means stepping out of my comfort zone and being a role model for my troop and other Girl Scouts.”

DEIDRE WELBORN

Holly Hills

“Girl Scouts has impacted my community by girls serving their communities. My troop has done beach clean-ups, delivered food to underserved communities, and served dinner to our veterans.”

EILEEN MUNOZ

Twin Oaks

“I have learned so much through my volunteerism for Girl Scouts. I feel a sense of purpose and am hopefully making a difference.”

ELIZABETH FLORIO

Claremont

“Girl Scouts has been a big part of our lives. Both of our daughters found their place here. The self growth and exposure to a variety of life knowledge and adventures, as well as the friendships we've found, will always be in our hearts. Once a Girl Scout...”

ELLIE LAYCOOK

Marina

“I didn’t have a chance to be a Girl Scout because as a first generation American, my parents didn’t know much about them. So when I had my daughter and I learned more about the organization I knew I wanted her to be involved.”

GAIL TESTA

RDE/Sil-Dom

“As a lifetime Girl Scout, the organization holds a deeply meaningful place in my heart. It's been more than just a program or a group. It represents a transformative journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and camaraderie unlike any other.”

2023 Appreciation Pin Recipients

GLENN ARNADE

Community Partner

“The Girl Scout community has allowed our organization to share our mission and vision of a clean and sustainable environmental for generations to come. We are extremely grateful and thankful for the opportunities we were given to share our knowledge.”

GURJOT KOHLI

Community Partner

“Girl Scouts has been really amazing in inspiring young girls to pave a bright path towards their futures. I was honored to see their curiosity, excitement, and passion for STEM and this assured me that we will have incredible women shaping our tomorrow.”

HEATHER HUFENBACH

Southeast

“Girl Scouts has been in our community many decades. My hope is that we bring a ray of sunshine to whatever community event in which we participate. ”

JACQUELINE GETTYS

San Pedro

“My passion is helping special-needs children be the best they can be. I credit my work with Girl Scouts not only in assisting me with getting through my major, but also in discovering my passion, for helping children, having been an only child.”

JANET SMITH

Torrance

“Our troop has partnered with a local food bank to support them with food donations and toys for their annual holiday toy drive. It’s been lovely to see the girls get involved with a great charity.”

JEANNETTE ALCALA

East LA

“Girl Scouts have positively impacted our East Los Angeles community through collaboration with NexTrex. Our Girl Scouts have committed to recycling and transforming the collected materials into a bench for our local school.”

JENNIFER BEAN

Torrance

“Girl Scouts has been an outlet to girls who would normally be in trouble or haven’t had the chance to experience activities otherwise.”

JERMAINE BECKETT

Center City

“As a Service Unit we made thank you cards for the senior citizen home. It was pleasing to see the smiles on their faces as we passed out the cards.”

JESSICA CARDENAS

RDE/Sil-Dom

“My Girl Scouts have been of service to Long Beach from serving as the flag patrol for the State of the City, providing support in boxing Thanksgiving meals, and by serving as auction hosts for the Miller’s Children’s Hospital for a new ECMO machine.”

JESSICA LARSON

Rancho Calabasas

“We have done many give back events this year and try to always collect food donations when holding an event.”

JONNI HYNES

Rancho Foothills

“Our troop hosted Camporee for our Service Unit last year. It was wonderful to see how our girls have grown in a leadership role. Watching them host the Saturday Night Campor-Yee-Haw Show was my highlight of the year.”

JUANITA MAXWELL

Center City

“My highlight for the last year was having all the troops in the Service Unit participate in overnight camping, which was some troops' first time camping. At camp each troop presented a skit and enjoyed s’mores over the campfire.”

KARLA HUFENBACH

Southwest SU

“Girl Scouts impact every community to which they belong. They bring opportunities for girls and adults, service to the community, and service to Girl Scouting.”

KELLY ANKWICZ

Manhattan Beach

“To me, Girl Scouts means giving girls who don't have self confidence the spark that they need to go out and function in society. I love inspiring young people to do whatever they can dream.”

KELLY LINDELL North River

“I have been a Girl Scout since I was five. I am who I am, in so many ways, because of Girl Scouts.”

KIMBERLY OHNO

Westchester/Del Rey

“The highlight of the 2022/23 year for me was executing BBB, our neighborhood encampment that tests Girl Scouts’ camping skills, with my daughter in her last year of Girl Scouts before college.”

2023 Appreciation Pin Recipients

KIMBERLY GRIFFIN

Twin Oaks

“Girl Scouts continues to impact my community by providing our girls numerous outlets to have and grow in new experiences. Thereby furthering them as girls of courage, confidence, and character.”

KRISTIN OCAMPO

Glendora

“I love the wide variety of experiences I can introduce both of my troops to. Things the girls might not learn or do otherwise.”

LAURIE GILSON

Community Partner

“The highlight of the year for me has got to be the Daisy STEAM career exploration badge workshop. I swear those Daisies made boats that defied the laws of fluid mechanics!”

LENORA WILLIAMS

Center City

“Our Girl Scouts have impacted the community by supporting can drives, cloths drives, and creating Thanksgiving cards for Mother in action.”

LINDA HAVERMAN

Southeast SU

“Besides seeing our Service Unit grow again, we finally got our troops out camping again! Slowly we are getting our troops back outdoors and seeing the smiles on our girls' faces singing around the campfire was a real thrill.”

LINDA MOORE

Twin Oaks

“Girl Scouting means lifelong friends, chosen extended family, being accepted for who you are even if you sing off-tune, infinite new experiences, watching girls/volunteers try/blossom/become confident/succeed and looking forward to meetings.”

LISA PENLEY MOSS

Santa Monica Bay

“Girl Scouts means a caring community where everyone can be their authentic self and feel supported in taking risks, exploring new interests, and achieving their goals.”

LISA BANH

Chino Hills

“I did not grow up a Girl Scout but helped a few cousins sell cookies over the years. My daughter and other girls have grown with the Girl Scout community. I am amazed at the confidence these girls have gained and they have formed a sisterhood.”

LISA THACKER

Canyon Star

“My highlight was getting to see my girls do 3 journeys in a single year. They’re in high school now, and schedules are tight, but this year they made it a priority to earn their summit pins, so I loved helping and watching them reach that goal.”

LORRAINE SIMANSKY

Stoneyridge

“As Registrar for Stoneyridge Service Unit, my Girl Scout highlight was having the troop leaders encourage the parents to re-register their Girl Scouts to help us earn both the early renewal incentive reward and the on-time renewal reward.”

MARA RICHARDS

Marina

“2022-2023 marked my 13th and final year of leadership with my troop. Watching my Girl Scouts grow from kindergarteners to amazing young women heading off to college was a joy and a privilege for which I will be forever grateful.”

MARCIA PURCELL

Chino Hills

“The local Girl Scouts provide service that benefits our community. Through Take Action projects the girls make a difference. The Gold Award projects completed by the Girl Scouts in our local Service Unit have a lasting impact.”

MAVE CANDELAS

Heart of the Valley

“Being part of a group that feels like family, where we can come together and be ourselves, and create a safe space for everyone to feel welcome and learn new things.”

MELISSA CANHAM

Mountain View

“I loved watching how Girl Scouts transformed young girls into confident young women. The leadership opportunities that Girl Scouts provided allowed the girls to feel like they can be agents of change throughout our community.”

MING KWONG-BEELER

Sagebrush

“We have over 300 Girl Scouts in our community. Girl Scouts are present everywhere, from volunteering in our community to Bronze/Silver/ Gold Award projects (like holding a prom at a senior citizen home to planting a wellness garden).”

NATALIE TORRES

Las Caballeras

“Girl Scouts is something my daughter and I share and we enjoy the bonding time. I have made lasting friendships with others. Girl Scouts also allows me the ability to utilize my leaderships outside of work.”

2023 Appreciation Pin Recipients

NICOLE SON

Twin Oaks

“Girl Scouts to me means giving girls a chance to build leadership and confidence in an all-girl environment, and giving them a chance to re-learn to connect after the pandemic.”

PATTIE BRICENO

Lawthrones

“Girl Scouts to me means supporting one another, building community, bringing out the best in one another, and trying to make the world a better place one small action at a time.”

RACHELLE KILLACKEY

Bonita

“Highlights from last year: getting back out and participating fully in events. I more fully appreciate the variety of activities we can do after the pause during the pandemic. Our troop had a blast at World Thinking Day and at YMCA's Camp Surf in San Diego.”

RENEE GRENIER

PV/Penn

“The highlight of my 2022-2023 membership year was being an adult advisor for a group of Seniors and Ambassadors in the planning and carrying out of a hiking adventure in Norway in summer 2023!”

RONNIE ERNANDES

San Pedro

“The most memorable experience last year was the Camp Osito Rancho service unit encampment. This allowed our girls' community to expand. We were able to build relationships with girls and families throughout our larger community!”

SERGIO DONIS

Alamitos/Marina

“I have witnessed how each Girl Scout is growing aware of their world and making it a better place; this has been very rewarding.”

SHAWNA BOUHA-MAYER

Coyote Canyon

“The Girl Scouts in my area have completed community service projects, both Girl Scout-sponsored as well as city sponsored events.”

SHAZZY ANGULO

Community Partner

“Girl Scouts has created a nurturing and safe learning environment for girls interested in STEAM subjects, fostering inspiration and confidence. By offering inclusive and supportive spaces, girls feel empowered to explore STEAM.”

SHEILA KAO

Bonita

“To me, Girl Scouts is the opportunity to form new friendships while mentoring new leaders. I learned that no two leaders are the same and sometimes I need to breakdown things into pieces.”

STACIE OTTLEY

La Brea Heights

“Girl Scouts means memories and observable growth. It empowers our girls to have voice and choice. It means sisterhood. It means learning new things and developing ideas. It allows space to be a go-getter or risk taker. It means legacy and connection.”

STACY DISHLIP

Rancho Calabasas

“This was my first year as a Service Unit Manager, so meeting and helping other leaders and working together was a big highlight after years of not working together. I loved our monthly leader meetings, service wide events, and philanthropy projects.”

SUSAN DAY

West Covina

“Girl Scouts is a family to me. Girl Scouts is full of tradition and caring. I was a Girl Scout as a child and pass memories through traditions to girls in my troop and Service Unit.”

SUZANNE GRAHAM

King Harbor

“Our troop went on its first overnight at San Diego Wild Animal Park Roar N Snore this fall. Watching how excited the girls were to experience it with support of their parents made me realize how lucky I am to be surrounded by amazing families!”

TAYLOR HALSEY

Compton/Lynwood

“The GSGLA STEM program has impacted dozens, if not hundreds, of girls for the last 15 years by providing a space for them to learn relevant technical skills, work in teams, and develop confidence to be effective leaders!”

TERESA SANCHEZ

North River

“This is a house with two Girl Scouts, so I get to see firsthand the impact that we have on the community. We've volunteered with seniors to bring them joy during the holiday season, we worked with Project Linus in shelters, helped at school, and more.”

TRINA SOTO

North River

“Girl Scouts to me is a sisterhood where you can be yourself, learn new things, and gain confidence. I am blessed to have been a Girl Scout for over 30 years and to now be sharing the experience with my daughter.”

2023 Appreciation Pin Recipients

WENDY WOOD

Canyon Star

“Girl Scouts has created a new sense of community for women with similar interests. It has given me a meaningful way to connect with my daughter. It's created a new small community of parents at our school.”

Tenure Numeral Guard

DOTTIE HUFF

60 Years

SUE HILLENDAHL

60 Years

EDITH "HOLLY" SHAFFER

50 Years

LORRAINE MATZA

50 Years

SHARON ESTRADA*

45 Years

DEBORAH WAKELAND*

40 Years

DIANE CABANNE*

40 Years

KATHRYN PARISEN

40 Years

Years of Service Pin

CORRIN GIL RICHARD

EIKO SATO*

KIM KRIVIS

Some honorees did not submit a bio, please see page 4 for the full list of 2023 honorees.

The Numeral Guard (tenure) recognizes the combined number of years accumulated as a registered member, girl and adult, in five-year increments.

LAUREL PAVONE*

40 Years

TAMMY BAER*

40 Years

EIKO SATO*

35 Years

JACQUELINE HARRIS

35 Years

JULIE MILLER*

35 Years

MARGARET "PEGGY" BREWER*

35 Years

SUSAN HOLSTROM*

35 Years

ANETT ASSILIAN

30 Years

KATHY SILVA

30 Years

MEGHAN LEVERS

30 Years

MICHELLE WAKELAND

30 Years

MONICA WANAMAKER

30 Years

ORPHA EGET*

30 Years

NANCY SALAZAR*

30 Years

TANDY WILSON*

30 Years

VICKI ORPHAN*

30 Years

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.

MARGARET "PEGGY" BREWER*

SHARON ESTRADA*

DEBORAH WAKELAND*

DIANE CABANNE*

LAUREL PAVONE*

ORPHA EGET*

SHARON LEI HAGER

VICKI ORPHAN*

*Receiving both Numeral Guard and Years of Service Pins

DEBRA SILVERMAN

JULIE MILLER*

HEIDI COX

MILLICENT MITO

NANCY SALAZAR*

SUSAN HOLSTROM*

SUZANNE BANKS

TAMMI FROH

TAMMY BAER*

TANDY WILSON*

TED OYAMA

VINCE IANNOLO

President's Award

The President’s Award recognizes the efforts demonstrated by a service unit to enhance Girl Scouting in its community during a membership year. This year long achievement requires teamwork, dedication, and focus from every member of the service unit team, as well as the support of troop leaders.

2023 President's Award Recipients

BELLFLOWER / HOLLYMOUNT

The Bellflower/Hollymount Service Unit serves the cities of Bellflower, Paramount, and Hollydale within the Long Beach area of GSGLA. Our Service Unit Manager, Rita Rivera, has faithfully led this group for the past 23 years. Along with her awesome Service Unit team, we have held several events such as our very popular Sweet Shoppe Workshop, Cultural Event, and of course our annual Cookie Kick Off at Marine Landing. We have also participated in service projects such as food drives, donating “shoe boxes” with hygiene products, and making tray favors/ornaments for our local senior center. Although we have a small Service Unit with approximately 15 active troops, 183 registered girls, and 35 leaders (140 registered adults), the troops are very active within our community. Our Girl Scouts have been volunteering at local churches with food and toiletry drives, holiday toy drives, and helping at our local community city events. We are very honored to be a President’s Award Recipient.

BONITA

The Bonita Service Unit serves the communities of San Dimas and La Verne. Our troops enjoy the annual events like Songs & S'mores, World Thinking Day, and Cookie Kick Off, of which the theme changes every year. In addition to the community service projects that our troops complete on their own, the service unit offers three or four community service projects that all of the troops have the opportunity to participate in. Our girls love getting out into the community

and we are grateful for all of our lovely girls and adults who make our world a better place!

BURBANK

The Burbank Service Unit is home to 612 Girl Scouts, 167 leaders, and 69 troops! In Burbank we think it’s important to make sure our Girl Scouts have access to the outdoors. We host annual encampments to give girls and leaders the opportunity to build their outdoor skills. We also make sure girls can learn about their world and give back to it. Our annual World Thinking Day event is a perpetual favorite, and we participate in the Burbank Coordinating Council Holiday Basket and decorate lunch bags for the Jocelyn Adult Center and Tuttle Senior Center.

CAMPO VERDE

Campo Verde Service Unit team services the greater Whittier and La Mirada cities which includes over 40 troops. Our team is made up of like-minded volunteers who want to keep Girl Scouts a caring, exciting, and thriving organization that is always there for our Girl Scouts, troops, and our community. We enjoy giving back through our community service by assisting the Relay for Life every year. We also reach out to local senior centers service providers such as Meals on Wheels with holiday cards and events. We have a wonderful service unit team that without their leadership and tireless efforts, we could not function.

CANYON STAR

Canyon Star serves the cities of Studio City, Sherman Oaks, and North Hollywood. Last year, we had 42 troops with over 500 youth members and over 350 adult members. One of the things that really makes Canyon Star stand out is our focus on following the Promise and Law, especially when it comes to Girl Scout sisterhood.

We have many activities that allow our troops to come together. We start the Girl Scout year with our Opening Ceremonies where we hold an Investiture, Rededication, Bridging, and we recognize our Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awardees. We had a fun first-aid event called “When Disasters Attack” that was planned and run by an older girl committee. We also held a week-long day camp called Twilight Camp, where our director celebrated her 20th year running the camp. We also have several service projects to serve our community, including a sock drive to support Hope of the Valley and the Memorial Day flag placement at the LA National Cemetery. Canyon Star is honored to be awarded GSGLA’s President’s Award once again!

CHINO HILLS

We serve the 36 Girl Scout troops in the city of Chino Hills. Our most popular Service Unit event is our mother/daughter tea party every spring. Tiaras and Tea is a sold out event! We had to rebuild our Service Unit team after Covid and we are super proud of how our leaders have come together to volunteer and support one another. Our Service Unit team continues to grow and do more for our girls and our community each year.

2023 President's Award Recipients

COVINA OAKS

The Covina Oaks Service Unit serves girls in the Covina and Charter Oak school districts. We have 25 troops with over 80 leaders and 300 girls. One of the favorite events for the girls is our World Thinking Day event. The girls love to dress in traditional clothing and taste food from around the world. To celebrate the Girl Scout birthday, our troops assemble Birthday Bags that are delivered to our local food pantry to help everyone celebrate their special day. We do the same at Christmas time with stockings that our Girl Scouts stuff with age and gender appropriate gifts for individuals. The girls enjoy yummy treats while making holiday cards and blessing bags to distribute to local shelters.

GLENDORA

The Glendora Service Unit represents 31 troops. We are incredibly proud of the opportunities we continue to provide our girls without a complete Service Unit team. Our Service Unit ensures our girls can celebrate World Thinking Day, enjoy Cookie Kick Off, learn about financial literacy from Foothill Credit Union, and more. Coming out of Covid, we wanted to recreate the girls' feelings of community and friendship beyond their individual troops. The tradition of our Service Unit Rededication/Investiture Ceremony began with over 140 girls participating for, now, two years in a row. We partner with the School District so the girls are able to serve their community throughout the year, by filling backpacks for students in need to start the school year or sorting and organizing food donations for the entire district's Thanksgiving food drive. Like so many of us, and all our Glendora leaders, we will continue to do what we do for the experiences we are able to provide our girls.

HEART OF THE VALLEY

Heart of the Valley Service Unit (HOTV) serves North Hills, Panorama City, parts of Northridge and Porter Ranch. We are a very diverse community of Girl Scouts and pride ourselves for our big heart and friendliness. HOTV hosts 7-9 wonderful events each year. Our Trunk or Treat and recruitment event kicks off the year with decorated trunks, ghosts and goblins playing games, and showing off their great costumes. Sewing Christmas stockings has been an incredible service opportunity that we have offered for over 20 years. Girls sew, fill, and then donate to children in need. This year the girls made over 100 stockings. We march each year in the Granada Hills Holiday Parade and have taken first place many years in our category. Our WTD helps HOTV Girl Scouts come together and embrace perspectives outside of their own. Our Service Unit works hard at building lasting friendships and supporting each other and the Girl Scout sisterhood, so we truly are “Heart of the Valley."

2023 President's Award Recipients

LA CANADA

The La Canada Service Unit 412 is dedicated to serving the community of La Canada. A very popular annual event is the La Canada Summer Day Camp, hosting hundreds of girls for one week every June. We are also proud of our long-standing tradition of hosting a Gold-Silver-Bronze Ceremony. In 2023 we honored 13 Gold Award recipients. We thrive because of the dedication of our Service Unit team, troop leaders, parents and our member specialist.

MARINA

The Marina Service Unit serves Marina del Rey, Mar Vista, and Venice, with parts of West Los Angeles and Playa Vista. We have 41 troops with 171 amazing leaders. The Marina Service Unit hosts several signature events and has hosted Camp Stuff n Such Day Camp for the past 47 years. Our camp is an extremely popular and low-cost day camp that has a waiting list each year. Some of our long-standing events bloomed from Gold and Silver Award projects, showing just how important sustainability really is! Our Holiday Service Project has been held for over 20 years, where we hand make holiday ornaments and co-host a holiday event for Foster Children. For half a decade we have fed the unhoused with Project Pot Pies and Lunches with Love. The Marina Service Unit has a phenomenal leadership team and the support of our incredible volunteers that has led renewing inspiration for the Service Unit Managers.

NORTH REDONDO BEACH

The North Redondo Service Unit serves the communities of Hermosa Beach and North Redondo. In the 2022-23 membership year we served 714 girl members in 59 troops. In the 2022-23 membership year we started thirteen new troops! The troops in the Service Unit are active in the community, participating in parades, flag ceremonies, school projects and more. For more than thirteen years, the Service Unit has participated, even during the Covid years, in the Valentines for Veterans program—creating at least 800 Valentines cards to be distributed to the participants in both the Los Angeles and Long Beach Veterans Hospitals.

NORTH RIVER

North River Service Unit is comprised of over 50 troops based primarily out of Valencia and Castaic, with approximately 115 leaders supporting girls who proudly serve communities of the Santa Clarita Valley. We are honored to be recognized with GSGLA's President's Award for the 2022/2023 year in which we ran a 200+ Girl Camporee at Lakota (in the snow!), co-led Council's second largest Cookie Mega Drop, provided First Aid certification earning opportunities for our and other local Service Unit Leaders, hosted a large community service event at Children's Hunger Fund, placed flags at Eternal Valley for Memorial Day, marched in the Santa Clarita 4th of July Parade, participated in Scouts Sunday, My Promise My Faith, Patriot Day, and other flag ceremonies, hosted a Bridging Ceremony for local Bridging Troops and a Hall of Honor for graduating SCV Ambassadors, had troops featured in local news media, won first place in the Adults Only Patrol Challenge, saw girls earn Gold Awards and represent in Top Cookie Seller events and Rose Parade Tournament Troop, and so much more!

2023 President's Award Recipients

SAGEBRUSH

Sagebrush 617 is located in Santa Clarita Valley. We are one of four service units and we currently have 49 troops. One of our best events was in October 2022, when we held an event at Camp Lakota for our Service Unit. We had events such as rocket launching, rope climbing, scavenger hunt, skits, s'mores, and more. It was a good way to bring the troops together after 16 long months of Covid seclusion. We have the best Service Unit team. We work together on everything.

SAN PEDRO

San Pedro Service Unit is an old, well established Service Unit, serving San Pedro, Wilmington and Avelon. We pride ourselves in being active, diverse, and welcoming to all. We regularly do things as a Service Unit and the girls in our Service Unit benefit tremendously through our combined efforts. For example, last year the Service Unit marched in the annual Holiday Parade and won second place. We took our girls camping in Camp Osito. We hosted a career day with area business people, a Fantastic Beast event in conjunction with an area 4H club and Heffer International. We are proud to sponsor our area shelter, and to have done several food and clothes drives for area charities, as well as a toy drive/ toiletry project for a children’s charity and an event to cleanup our neighborhoods. We are thankful to our GSGLA support team and are very proud of the combined efforts of our girls, their families, our Service Unit team, and our troop leaders, who allowed our Service Unit to win this award.

SOUTHEAST

Southeast Service Unit serves Downey, Bell Gardens, South Gate, Huntington Park, Cudahy, Maywood, Bell, and Commerce. We have 24 troops and 55 leaders. We held our very first Service Unit Canned Food Drive and Service Unit Encampment this past season. We collected over 400 canned goods to donate to a local pantry. 101 Girl Scouts joined us for our two day and two night encampment at El Ranchito where we rock climbed, made slime, ate s'mores, and learned about retiring a flag. The Service Unit team is made of experienced adult members with traditions at heart and with new adult members with innovative ideas. Together, we bring the best of both traditional and more modernized approaches.

UPLAND

The Upland Service Unit team is a group of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young girls in our local community. Our Service Unit’s driving success is the inclusion and sense of sisterhood we create within our troops as well as neighboring Service Unit troops. Every year we continue to push ourselves to make this year better than the last, offering the girls exciting and impactful experiences, fostering a supportive environment, and arranging creative community service projects. CANstruction is a perfect example of an annual community service event, popularly demanded each year by troops. From collecting nonperishable goods, having fun designing a structure using them, and then donating the creations to the local food pantry, this event creates a full circle experience for the girls. Our team’s diverse talents make for some exciting and important collaborations, ultimately fostering our commitment to making a positive impact on local young women.

WESTCHESTER DEL REY

The Westchester Del Rey Service Unit serves the cities of Westchester, Playa del Rey, and Playa Vista, and served 31 troops with 287 girls and 247 adults in the year 2022-23. Westchester Service unit is one of a kind because of the “small town” feel of their entire community. Troop leaders enjoy the sense of community where they get to meet and converse with other leaders, bounce back ideas off each other, and learn about their neighborhood Girl Scout traditions. Some of Westchester’s favorite events include Triple Bee (Service Unit Yearly encampment) and Tasting bee (World Thinking Day Event) because the girls learn new skills and learn about different cultures. Overall, the Westchester Service Unit team dedicates a lot of their time communicating and providing resources for troop leaders to ensure that the girls' experience is memorable and one to continue.

We would also like to honor King Harbor Service Unit and Lakewood Service Unit with the President's Award

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