In April, the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways Council recognized the thousands of adult volunteers who give their time and dedication to Girl Scouting in celebration of National Volunteer Appreciation Month. Each year, the council, girls, troops, families and community find special ways to thank their local volunteers throughout the month. Volunteers are also celebrated on April 22, Girl Scout Leader’s Day, a national recognition date to honor volunteers who work as troop leaders and mentor Girl Scouts.

Many local volunteers also receive special awards at regional volunteer appreciation dinners held in mid-to-late-April. Celebration locations for the council this year included North Syracuse, Gouverneur, New York Mills, Binghamton, Corning and Clifton Springs, N.Y.

“Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our council, our mission and the Girl Scout Leadership Experience,” says Christina Verratti, GSNYPENN vice president of membership support & product programs. “We appreciate all they do to support our members and troops. They’re empowering, motivating and growing Girl Scouts who are making the world a better place in the process. ‘Thanks’ never seems like enough!”

President’s Award

Recognizes a Service Unit team that surpasses service unit goals and results in a significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council’s overall goals

Service Unit 137 – Jamesville DeWitt (Onondaga County, N.Y.)

Ever-Green Award

Recognizes volunteers who have previously received the Appreciation, Honor, Thanks or Thanks Badge II; the volunteer continues to provide amazing efforts for a minimum of three years after receiving the original award

Thanks Badge

Recognizes a volunteer for outstanding service that has benefited the entire council or Girl Scout Movement

Thanks Badge: Amy Pfeifer, Liverpool, N.Y.

Thanks Badge II: Hollyanne Young, Liverpool, N.Y.

Appreciation Pin

Recognizes a volunteer for outstanding service to one service unit or geographic area

Kathleen Feulner, Fayetteville, N.Y.

Ryan Saxby, Liverpool, N.Y.

Volunteer of Excellence

Recognizes outstanding service in providing the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls or supporting building girls of courage, confidence and courage who make the world a better place

Jacqueline Alex, Manlius, N.Y.

Julia Macreery, Fayetteville, N.Y.

Monica Shworles, Manlius, N.Y.

Catherine Weiss, Manlius, N.Y.

Dessa White, DeWitt, N.Y.

Spirit Award

Recognizes a volunteer who supports the Girl Scout Movement by diligently working behind the scenes

Maureen Aliani, DeWitt, N.Y.

Kathleen Barling, Cicero, N.Y.

Amanda Coyle, Cicero, N.Y.

Tracey Criscione, Cicero, N.Y.

Paige Kennedy, Fayetteville, N.Y.

Meredith Ritter, Fayetteville, N.Y.

Jennifer Schumacher, North Syracuse, N.Y.

Good Guy Award

Recognizes a male volunteer who has given extraordinary or uncommon service in his community or in the council

Chris Collins, Manlius, N.Y.

Jason Feulner, Fayetteville, N.Y.

Mark Miller, Manlius, N.Y.

Rising Star Award

Recognizes a first- or second-year leader who has hit the ground running and made an immediate impact on Girl Scouts

Danielle Cima, Cicero, N.Y.

Sarah Ward, Herkimer, N.Y.

Volunteer Years of Service Award Pin

Recognizes an adult member for years of active volunteer service at 5-year intervals

20 Years

Kathleen Barling, Cicero, N.Y.

10 Years

Tracy Duerr, Manlius, N.Y.

5 Years

Lana Batick, Manlius, N.Y.

Christina Fox, Skaneateles, N.Y.

Laura Garza, Manlius, N.Y.

Carrie Grooms, Camillus, N.Y.

Stacey Otte, Fayetteville, N.Y.

Jennifer Schumacher, North Syracuse, N.Y.

Lauren Villanueva, Camillus, N.Y.