The Adult Award Review Committee has the distinct privilege of reviewing nominations for the exceptional volunteers who serve as the backbone of our organization each year. The committee meticulously assesses each recommendation, and the board approves the nominations for the Adult Awards, including the President’s Award, Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, and Thanks Badge. Congratulations to our 2024 Adult Award recipients!
President’s Award Recipients
The President’s Award recognizes the efforts of a service delivery team or committee whose exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience surpassed team goals and resulted in significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council’s overall goals.
Camp Redwing 100th Anniversary Committee (Brandi Cramer, Caitlin Jo Painter, Caitlin Moury, Celina Karnes, Jessica Kiefer, Kelly Ubinger, Kim Metheny, and Mary Schneider)
The Camp Redwing 100th Anniversary Committee successfully planned a celebration for alums, current Girl Scouts, families, and staff as part of Camp Redwing’s 100th birthday. They surpassed goals by researching the camp’s history, creating and placing informative signs across the camp, and organizing various events over the weekend. Their efforts contributed to meeting council goals of membership growth and retention, fund development, and increased community visibility by engaging multiple stakeholders and fostering the Girl Scout experience.
West Montour Camporee Leadership Team (Megan Myers, Sarah Shaffer, Erika Caley, Christine Jordan, and Caroline Lascek)
The West Montour Camporee Leadership Team is an example to follow by incorporating girl-led leadership opportunities for older girls. They interview and accept older girls into the leadership program, guiding them in planning the Camporee. This speaks to their commitment to providing a leadership progression for their girls. The team surpasses goals by teaching attendance, conflict resolution, and planning skills, contributing to membership growth and retention as girls stay in Girl Scouts to participate in the program.
Service Unit 4605-Bedford Leadership Team (Diane Kisner, Sara Kovach, Michele Alsleben, Lauren McVicker, and Brittany Dicken)
The Service Unit 4605 Bedford Leadership Team worked to maintain the service unit’s independence and to grow Girl Scout membership in Bedford County. To increase visibility and recruit new members, they organized various activities, including parades, light displays, and community events. The team has shown resilience and dedication to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, mentoring girls and leaders and fostering a thriving service unit.
Service Unit 2647-Morning Star Leadership Team (Tabatha Mill, Laura Obyc, Kim Trost, Karen Resendes, and Jamie Marcott)
The Morning Star Service Unit camp staff impacts every Girl Scout and adult volunteer attending their summer camps. They aim to offer authentic camp experiences, girl-led activities, and skill-building opportunities, exceeding these goals by providing unique and diverse programs each year. With a focus on retention, their efforts retain older Girl Scouts through engaging mini-camp experiences and a 100% girl-led day camp. The team’s dedication to providing memorable experiences contributes to membership growth and community visibility, as evidenced by the widespread wearing of camp shirts. Their commitment to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience ensures that participants develop valuable skills and become future leaders.
Thanks Badge Recipients
The Thanks Badge honors an individual whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement. To receive this award, volunteers reach beyond their local Girl Scout communities to serve as pillars in Girl Scouting. Their presence and impact can be felt throughout the council.
Lois Kuttesch
For more than 20 years, Lois Kuttich has served in various roles within the Girl Scouts organization, including roles on the board, board development committee, service unit, and troop. She has contributed significantly to strategic planning, financial health, and property analysis of the council. Her dedication has strengthened the council and benefited girls across all 27 counties. Lois exemplifies sisterhood by actively recruiting and training board members, ensuring proper orientation, and representing Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania at national events. Despite not receiving previous awards, her longstanding commitment and leadership have made a significant impact on the entire Girl Scout movement.
Dot Brooks
It is our honor and privilege to nominate Dot Brookes for the Thanks Badge. Dot has contributed to the Girl Scout movement as she served in various roles such as board treasurer, board member at large, and troop leader. Her leadership as chair of the board of directors has positively impacted all 27 counties within Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania. Dot’s exemplary service spans over 20 years, during which she led strategic planning efforts, enhanced financial stability, and provided guidance during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Dot demonstrated sisterhood by actively recruiting and training board members, ensuring proper orientation, and representing Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania at national events, further strengthening the Girl Scout community. Our hearts are heavy with sadness and gratitude at the loss of such an important member of our Girl Scout family. We welcomed her family to receive her Thanks Badge.
Honor Pin Recipients
The Honor Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which has had a measurable impact on two or more geographic areas of service, allowing the council to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals.
To receive this award, volunteers must go outside their own service unit and support others. Sometimes, this is accomplished by mentoring Gold Award candidates. Other times, it’s by offering much-needed training to volunteers.
Jennifer Bell
Jennifer Bell (Jenny) has been nominated for her exceptional dedication to providing outdoor Girl Scout experiences for all. She facilitated archery at two Top-Notch Troop events, demonstrating flexibility by adjusting her work schedule to accommodate the time of the event, providing 315 Girl Scouts from 18 service units across different geographic areas with memorable experiences. Multiple girls said, “This was the best day ever.” Holding certifications in low ropes, hatchet throwing, and slingshots, Jenny exemplifies sisterhood by sharing her skills and frequently volunteering to facilitate activities for Girl Scout troops, regardless of their location within the council.
Crystal Simpson
Crystal Simpson’s volunteer work benefits Girl Scouts from multiple troops and areas. The talents and skills she possesses as a professionally trained chef have been instrumental in organizing and executing events not only within her service unit but across the council. Crystal’s long-time support has alleviated pressure on leaders and facilitated growth in membership and retention. Her commitment to cooking, teaching, and organizing at camp sets a shining example for all Girl Scouts, embodying the principles of kindness, patience, and resourcefulness.
Calvin Simpson
Calvin Simpson, a volunteer in Service Unit 3622 Fairview, contributes significantly to the Girl Scout community through his dedication and support. Calvin actively participates in various activities, including, setting up camps, assisting with troop projects like constructing mazes, and volunteering at council-wide events like Camp Creepy and the Great Getaway. His commitment to Girl Scouting reflects the values of kindness, dedication, and patience, making him a role model for all Girl Scouts.
Gabriel Miehl
Gabriel Miehl’s volunteerism in Fairview Service Unit 3622 embodies true dedication and support for the Girl Scout movement. He actively participates in service unit camps and council-wide events, including the Great Getaway and Camp Creepy. Additionally, Gabriel’s commitment to Troop 30836, where he’s provided invaluable guidance and memorable experiences (including multiple trips), is exemplary. His leadership, kindness, and patience reflect the Girl Scout Law and Promise, making him a cherished “sister” to every Girl Scout.
Kevin Simpson
Kevin Simpson’s significant contributions span many years and multiple service units. As a dedicated volunteer and professional chef, Kevin’s support enables numerous camping opportunities at Camp Hawthorne Ridge for girls across different troops. His involvement alleviates pressure on experienced leaders, fostering membership growth and retention. Kevin’s creativity and humor, exemplified through entertaining activities like the Owl Hunt, leave a lasting impact on the girls, reinforcing the spirit of gratitude and camaraderie within the Girl Scouting community.
Linda Simpson
Linda Simpson’s significance extends to multiple service units within the council. Her extensive knowledge and dedication have enriched service unit camps, where she imparts valuable skills and fosters pride and confidence among Girl Scouts and leaders. Linda’s contributions have led to increased leader and volunteer retention, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her example of kindness, resourcefulness, and mentorship, Linda embodies the Girl Scout Law and Promise, serving as a supportive sister to every Girl Scout in the broader council community.
Theresa Smith
Theresa Smith, a dedicated member of the Gold Award Committee and the North Allegheny East Service Unit, impacts leaders and girls across the council area. She mentors girls in achieving the Gold Award, fostering community-minded projects that build courage, confidence, and character. Additionally, Theresa’s involvement in the service unit, particularly at the annual Day Camp, provides girls of all ages with exciting adventures and opportunities for growth. As a true sister to every Girl Scout, Theresa consistently goes above and beyond, offering assistance, sharing her skills and knowledge, and embodying the spirit of sisterhood within the organization.
Victoria Kennedy
Victoria Kennedy, a Gold Award recipient herself, serves on the Gold Award Committee, mentoring girls throughout the council to achieve this prestigious honor. With her firsthand experience, she imparts wisdom and guidance to aspiring Gold Award recipients across the council. Victoria’s exemplary service spans the entire council, providing insight, compassion, and support to girls who have successfully earned the Gold Award. Her contributions to refining the rubric system have further enhanced the evaluation process. As a sister to every Girl Scout, Victoria shares her expertise, dedication, and youthful perspective, embodying the spirit of giving back to the organization that has shaped her life.
Appreciation Pin Recipients
The Appreciation Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This service, which has had a measurable impact on one geographic area of service, helps reach and surpass the mission-delivery goals of the area.
Michele Alsleben
Tabatha Mill
Jennifer Fox
Monica Martini
Sharon Talarico
Cammie Stralko
Congratulations to all of our 2024 Adult Award recipients!
GSWPA 