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.
