The Adult Award Review Committee has the distinct privilege of reviewing nominations for the exceptional volunteers who serve as the backbone of our organization. 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 I & II Badge. Congratulations to our 2025 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.
Morning Star Service Unit 2647 (Sabra Richart, Lori Little, Deborah Malley, Jamie Marcotte, Tami Lenhard, Anne Stanton, Shannon Robertson, Kristen Clarke, Denise Schenck, Laura Obyc, Jackie Alabran, Jessica Repp, and Tabatha Mill)
The Morning Star service unit team has made a profound impact on Girl Scouts, their families, and troop leaders by fostering engagement, leadership, and community involvement. Through strategic planning and teamwork, they have exceeded goals related to leader attendance, training opportunities, event planning, and membership retention, even overcoming post-COVID challenges. Their dedication has enhanced the Girl Scout Leadership Experience by providing diverse programs, leadership opportunities, and an inclusive, supportive environment for all Girl Scouts. By increasing community visibility and retaining Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts, the team has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the growth and sustainability of the service unit.
Trefoil Day Camp (Kelly Bonomo, Angela Reda, Holly Swogger, Katelyn Connors, Kelsey Marsh, Alyssa Dukes, Sally Schlieper, Jordan Latchaw, Laura Anderson, Heidi Smith, Decwin Waite, Christine Preston, Jean Sankey, Jo Ann Messett, Katherine Shaffer, Karrie Johnson, and Muncie Canon)
Following a 50-year tradition, this dedicated team has created a lasting impact on Girl Scouts attending day camp, providing opportunities to earn badges, develop leadership skills, and build lasting friendships. The team fosters growth by guiding Program Aides through a year-long planning process, ensuring they gain hands-on leadership experience before mentoring younger campers. Additionally, through strong community partnerships and outreach, they have expanded Girl Scout traditions, connected service units, and enriched the lives of hundreds of girls. Their commitment to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience empowers girls to progress from campers to confident leaders, shaping the next generation of strong, capable women.
Northern Cambria Service Unit 5912 (Caroyln Ludwig, Jodi Nealen, Kim Laverick, Mandy Smith, Stephanie Sheesley, Kayla Knapik, Adele Rieger-McCombie, Carrie Lute, and Nicole Farabaugh)
The Northern Cambria service unit team has significantly enhanced Girl Scouts, their families, and the community by promoting leadership, engagement, and service. Their dedication has led to increased leader participation, valuable trainings, and expanded event opportunities for Girl Scouts. Focused on community visibility and membership retention, especially among Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts, they have strengthened the service unit. By embracing the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, they continue to provide inclusive, girl-led opportunities that empower young leaders and support the program’s long-term success.
Thanks Badge I Recipients
The Thanks Badge is the highest honor in Girl Scouts. It honors a registered adult Girl Scout 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.
Darlene Brown
Darlene has made a significant impact on Girl Scouts at every level, serving as a troop leader, co-service unit manager, day camp director, and mentor, among many other roles. She has been instrumental in outdoor training, camp programming, and recruitment efforts, helping to increase membership and provide valuable opportunities for girls and volunteers across the council. Her dedication extends to her work as part of the Troop Mentor Network, where she offers guidance and support to volunteers, ensuring the success of Girl Scouts in her community and beyond. Darlene’s commitment to the Girl Scout mission, along with her tireless volunteer efforts, truly exemplifies the spirit of Girl Scouting.
Mary Ann McSwigan
Mary Ann has dedicated 42 years to serving Girl Scouts, providing valuable leadership and support to both girls and adults. She has been instrumental in maintaining the stability and success of her service unit, offering training to her service unit and beyond, event coordination, and she serves as a strong voice in council meetings. Her role on the Adult Awards Committee and as a valued delegate further reflects her commitment to recognizing and supporting others in the Girl Scout community. Mary Ann’s kindness, wisdom, and ability to empower others embody the spirit of sisterhood and make her a treasured member of the Girl Scout family. This recognition is long overdue, and we are so grateful to Mary Ann.
Thanks Badge II Recipients
The Thanks Badge II recognizes a previous Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role significantly above and beyond the call of duty, resulting in a measurable impact that benefits 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.
Janet Kovacs
Janet has made a profound impact on Girl Scouts throughout the council with her dedication to both girls and adult volunteers across various levels. She has served as a camp volunteer, trip chaperone, event organizer, and leader, providing guidance, safety, and support to countless Girl Scouts and leaders. Janet’s involvement extends beyond her service unit, as she participates in several council-wide committees, including as a national delegate and a council trainer. She is always willing to help with kindness and enthusiasm.
Amy Miehl
Amy’s dedication to Girl Scouts extends across all levels, impacting both girls and adult volunteers throughout Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania. She plays a vital role in mentoring girls through the Gold and Silver Award Committees, training Program Aides, organizing service unit events, and stepping in wherever extra support is needed. Her leadership in planning service unit events, camp programs, and adult engagement opportunities ensures a thriving and connected Girl Scout community. With her patient kindness, inclusivity, and unwavering commitment, Amy exemplifies what it means to be a true sister to every Girl Scout.
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.
Kimberly McCullough
Kimberly has made a profound impact in the Indiana service unit and beyond, serving as a troop leader for multiple troops and as the day camp director of the Blue Spruce Day Camp. She has ensured the continuation of troops, provided leadership through various service unit events, and coordinated a well-organized day camp that serves girls and volunteers from across several service units and even out of state. Kimberly’s dedication to creating rewarding experiences for girls and her commitment to fostering leadership skills in older Girl Scouts exemplify her role as a true sister to every Girl Scout.
Amy Roth
Amy is a passionate Girl Scout volunteer who wears many hats, including troop leader, troop cookie manager, and outdoor skills training council trainer. Through her leadership, certifications, and unwavering support, she impacts not only her own troop but also countless girls, volunteers, and council members, embodying the spirit of Girl Scouting with her positivity, mentorship, and commitment to lifelong learning and adventure.
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.
Christine Jordan
Sarah Shaffer
Nicole Yaroscak
Carrie Fascetti
Kayla Gabbard
Andrea Shultz
Tammy Fogle
Rita Schrekengost
Greg Hill
Alexandra Steenbergen
Maryjean Letham
Dianna Morris
Jenna Smith
Jesse Kimmel-Freeman
Elizabeth Glowczewski
Lauren Lazzari
Elizabeth Farley
Laura Anderson
Misty Parshall
Amber Matteo
Donna Faraone
Elizabeth Hulings
Caroline Lascek
Megan Myers
Congratulations to all of our 2025 Adult Award recipients!
GSWPA 