Volunteer Spotlight: Sarah Yurga

Service Unit: SU2645-Allegheny Mohawk

County: Westmoreland

Total Girl Scout Years: 19

Volunteer Years: 18

Current and Former Volunteer Positions: service unit manager, co-leader, leader, service unit registrar

Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador, Younger Multi-Level, Older Multi-Level, All-Ages Multi-Level

Girl Scout Pillar Experience: STEM, Life Skills, Entrepreneurship

Specialties: MagNut program, cookie program, community service/Take Action projects, badges, event planning, ceremonies/traditions, songs and games

Adult Awards: Appreciation Pin

Certifications: Mental Health First Aid

What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I started in Girl Scouts when my youngest was a Daisy. She has special needs so I signed up as a volunteer to help at meetings. I soon remembered what I loved about Girl Scouts as a child—the friendship, community, and many experiences we shared. 18 years and another daughter later, I assist with a multi-level troop.

What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
Girl Scouts can take you somewhere different at every meeting. It creates well-rounded young ladies who experience STEM, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, volunteering, and entrepreneurship, among many other activities. There are so many different aspects involved in Girl Scouts—there is something for everyone.

What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
My philosophy as a leader is not every girl is going to love a particular activity. Very rarely is there a craft or event that EVERYONE loves. But if you can reach one or two girls and create a spark in them, it is worth it. 

What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
Reach out! Ask for help from experienced leaders.

Always plan for three or four activities, but expect to only complete two of them.

Delegate! Ask moms to take turns providing snacks. Have the girls clean up and collect supplies.

Relax and have fun!

Other Organizations: I am an Advocacy Ambassador with Autism Speaks and meet with lawmakers to ask for increased funding for research. I am a member of the New Kensington-Arnold School Board and a board member at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit. I serve on the Recreation Committee in New Kensington. I am a band mom and help out with the local drama club.

Anything else?
I am a wife, mother, Shihtzu mom, iced coffee fanatic, and avid reader. I love to cross-stitch and do diamond paintings.

Volunteer Spotlight: Christy Ehrlich

Service Units: SU5808-Baldwin Whitehall and SU5100-Greater Pittsburgh

County: Allegheny

Total Girl Scout Years: 10

Volunteer Years: 10

Current and Former Volunteer Positions: troop leader (multiple troops), Greater Pittsburgh service unit manager, troop mentor, Greater Pittsburgh service unit finance manager, Greater Pittsburgh service unit cookie manager, service unit MagNut manager (both service units)

Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette

Specialties: cookie program, additional money earning/fundraising, badges

Awards: Volunteer of Excellence               

What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I was never a Girl Scout as a child and always was envious of my best friend who was. She was very passionate about it and taught me the songs, games, lessons, and even cookie-selling tips. I always was excited to hear of her camp adventures. As an adult, I got to spark the same passion in my kids and [Girl] Scouts. It is just as much fun for me as it is for my girls. I love making these memories with my own girls and I have made some of MY best friends through Girl Scouts. I have given my daughters so many firsts throughout the years and have gotten my own firsts along the way.

What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
Girl Scouting doesn’t end when we leave a meeting. I am always looking for great opportunities to partner with other members of the community to bring amazing experiences to the kids.     

What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
If the girls leave the meeting having fun and want to come back the next week, you were successful. It’s not always about following the steps listed on a piece of paper, sometimes you have to let loose and let the girls guide the meeting.

What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
Have fun with the girls. Get on the floor with them when you tell a story. Have those dance parties. Be silly.

Lead by example.

Also, ask for help. Ask parents for help. Ask your co-leaders for help. Ask the community for help. The Girl Scout community is huge and there are people who are eager to lend a hand.

Other Organizations: I am on the Board for the Baldwin Library.

Volunteer Spotlight: Denise Cerili-Martz

Service Unit: SU2664-Central Westmoreland

County: Westmoreland

Total Girl Scout Years: 15

Volunteer Years: 12

Current and Former Volunteer Positions: troop leader, Silver Award Review Committee & Facilitator, Gold Award Committee & Facilitator, Leader Honor Guard Unit & Facilitator

Age-Level Experience: All-Ages Multi-Level

Girl Scout Pillars: Life Skills, Entrepreneurship

Specialties: Bronze Awards, Silver Awards, Gold Awards, flag ceremonies, community service/Take Action projects

Adult Awards: Volunteer of Excellence, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge I

What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I was only in Girl Scouts for a few years as a girl. Then my granddaughter started as a Daisy and my daughter became a co-leader of her troop, and I saw a need for a Nana in the multi-level troop. All the girls welcomed me and made me feel a part of this great organization for young women.

What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
It’s an opportunity for me to mentor all ages and personalities of young ladies. It’s also been a wonderful learning experience for me. I have also had the pleasure of meeting, working with, and learning from some wonderful adult leaders.

What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
Be willing to use any resources available. Be willing to share your knowledge with others when asked. Be willing to learn new things from others. Always conduct yourself professionally and honorably in a friendly manner.

What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
Just ask! If you are unsure or just don’t know . . . just ask!

Anything else?
Shortly after joining the Gold Award Committee, I was asked to arrange the opening flag ceremony for the Gold Award Court of Awards. Since then, I have assembled a unit of 10 girls ranging from Daisies to Ambassadors. We are asked to participate in many Girl Scout events as well as community events and parades. I cannot describe how honored and proud I am of this Honor Guard unit and every girl in it. It warms my heart to see the passion and respect the girls have for the privilege of being a part of this group of young ladies.

Volunteer Spotlight: Diane Kisner

Service Unit: SU4605-Bedford

County: Bedford

Total Girl Scout Years: 18

Volunteer Years: 17

Current and Former Volunteer Positions: troop leader, service unit manager, cookie manager, MagNut manager

Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador, Younger Multi-Level, Older Multi-Level, All-Ages Multi-Level

Girl Scout Pillars: STEM, Life Skills, Outdoors

Specialties: camping, travel, community service/Take Action projects, Journeys, badges, event planning, archery

Awards: Volunteer of Excellence, Appreciation Pin

Certifications: Archery/Hatchet, First Aid/CPR/AED, Outdoor Training

What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I was only a Girl Scout as a girl one year. However, Girl Scouts has been a big part of my life for the past 17 years. I started as a Daisy troop leader for my oldest daughter when she was in kindergarten. I led her troop from Daisy through Ambassador. I also led my younger daughter’s troop from Daisy to Cadette. Now, I’m a leader in the travel troop she is part of. I’ve been the Bedford County service unit manager for several years. I’m also a member of the Trefoil Alumni.

What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
Girl Scouts has been a tremendous blessing to me. I have greatly enjoyed watching so many young ladies grow through the building of friendships, learning new things, having new experiences, and serving their communities. I have had the opportunity to meet lots of wonderful people and have made so many friends through Girl Scouts. I have done so many new things with my daughters through Girl Scouts that I may not have had the opportunity to do otherwise. This experience has had such a positive impact on my life that I want everyone to have their own special Girl Scout experience.

What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
I believe that all girls have their own interests, skills, and abilities that are unique to them. I believe that those things should be encouraged. Troops should strive to involve everyone’s interests and use everyone’s talents. Girls should be encouraged to try all kinds of things. That’s how they will find the things that they love and excel at.

What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
I would say enjoy the girls, seek out help, attend your service unit meetings, and involve your community.

Anything else?
I have a bachelor of science and a master of science in biology. I’m a project manager for an environmental laboratory.

Volunteer Spotlight: Sharon Enslen

Service Unit: SU2630-Glacier’s End

County: Butler

Total Girl Scout Years: 35

Volunteer Years: 30

Current and Former Volunteer Positions: Gold & Silver Award Committee, travel troop leader, Adult Award Committee, National Council Delegate, traditional troop leader, service unit manager, cookie manager, Magnut manager, Council Delegate

Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador, Younger Multi-Level, Older Multi-Level, All-Ages Multi-Level, Indie Girl Scouting

Girl Scout Pillars: STEM, Life Skills, Entrepreneurship

Specialties: travel, Girl Scout finances, additional money earning/fundraising, Bronze Awards, Silver Awards, Gold Awards, community service/Take Action Projects, event planning

Adult Awards: Volunteer of Excellence, Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge I, Thanks Badge II, GSWPA Volunteer of the Year

Certifications: First Aid/CPR/AED

What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I was involved in Girl Scouts as a girl for five years. I loved all the friends I made and the experiences I had. As an adult, I got involved when my daughter’s Brownie troop needed a leader. I led her troop all the way through until they earned their Gold Awards and graduated high school. The memories we made together and the skills they learned will last a lifetime. Watching the girls grow and become successful adults who care and contribute to their communities was truly amazing. After my troop graduated, I chose to stay in Girl Scouts and work with the older girls on their awards. I also became a co-leader of a travel troop and have taken girls to Europe, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Galapagos Islands.

What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
Girl Scouts gives me the opportunity to help girls grow and develop into women with courage, confidence, and character. Helping a girl earn her Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award is amazing. Watching them grow and see that they can do it as they work to achieve their award is so rewarding. When I take girls on trips, I watch them develop confidence as they interact with people in different countries and cultures. They learn to take the lead, develop a plan, and follow through. Girl Scouts gives girls the opportunity to explore and try new things.

What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
My Girl Scout leadership philosophy is the sky is the limit (and beyond). If you dream it, you can make it happen when we lead and live by the Girl Scout Law and Promise. Letting the girls take the lead and explore the world they live in develops amazing young women who will become amazing leaders.

What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
I have a wonderful Girl Scout family that is always there to help and support each other. Remember that amazing family is there to support and help you also, just reach out. Girl Scouts love to share their knowledge with other Girl Scouts. No question is too little. And don’t give up when it seems like it is just too much—reach out and ask for help. The support you give the girls you lead will stay with them for a lifetime, and years down the road when they tell you what they remember and what they learned at Girl Scouts, you will know it was all worth the work you put in.

Our World, Our Thriving Future: The Environment and Poverty

The following story was submitted by Troop Leader Nicole Scott of Monroeville Troop 50174.

The anticipation of travel filled the air on February 3, 2024, at Cross Roads Church in Monroeville as Girl Scouts filed in from Monroeville, Plum, Mercer, and Erie. It was a World Thinking Day event hosted by Troop 50174.

On February 22, 1926, Thinking Day was established by Girl Guide and Girl Scout delegates at the World Conference, where they presented the need for a day to think about the worldwide impact of Girl Scouts and give fellow sisters thanks and appreciation. 

For the past 98 years, Girl Scouts of the USA put out a theme, and this year it was “Our World, Our Thriving Future: The Environment and Poverty.”

Upon arriving at the event, the leaders were presented with passports for each of their Girl Scouts attending and World Thinking Day badges. They would then follow a schedule to visit Brazil, England, Syria, and Germany from 1:30-3 p.m. 

Girl Scouts is all about being girl-led, and four of our seven troops researched Brazil, England, Syria, and Germany. They prepared food, crafts, and trifold research displays. The other troops traveled to the countries in the church classrooms and the presenting troops were able to share what they learned and expand their sister Girl Scouts’ minds. 

After the 55 girls visited the “girl-led countries,” they were elated to get beautiful Henna body art from a local Syrian woman, Oula Ghani, her daughter, Mila, and her family friend, Lamar. 

Some of the troops were also able to visit a young man from Liberia, Vincent Williams, learn the history of his country, and see his official passport and a few traditional clothing and fabrics from his country. 

While the girls sat to unwind after a fun-filled “vacation,” they were able to recharge with some hummus and pita chips from Syria, cucumber sandwiches from England, Brazilian delights and cookies from Brazil, and potato soup from Germany. All of these treats were made by the troops who presented the countries. 

As they snacked, they were able to look through books provided by the Monroeville Public Library. Hope Benson, Children’s Librarian, made vibrant signs for each country and located nonfiction and fiction books for each country. 

After their respite, they had an amazing surprise from the Bengali Association of Pittsburgh—Minakshi Poddar, an Indian dancer. Mrs. Poddar had a slideshow showcasing her home country, and then she danced beautifully. One of the dances was interactive, and the girls were able to join her and learn some native dance moves.

I am honored to be one of the co-leaders who planned this phenomenal event. The other powerful woman is Rosanna Weaver. Our vision was to present the Girl Scout community with a fun, enlightening, and inspiring event that would showcase the diversity in our community and the world.  

A Tribute to Dot Brookes

With a heavy heart, we report the passing of Dot Brookes, chair of our board of directors, on Saturday afternoon. She passed peacefully at her home and was with her husband, Glenn, and daughter, Sarah.

Dot was an incredible Girl Scout! She and Lois Kuttesch, past board chair, and current board member at large, raised their Girl Scout troops together as leaders. They took their troops on many camping trips and travel adventures. Their Girl Scouts learned to love international travel and would participate in our product programs to save and travel to Europe.

Dot served as service unit treasurer and association chair for Keystone Tall Tree Girl Scout Council. She was on the board of directors for Girl Scouts of Southwestern Pennsylvania prior to the council mergers in 2008. She also served on legacy council Trillium’s Board and Property Committee.

After the merger of the five councils in 2008, Dot joined the board of directors as a member at large for two years, then as treasurer for six years before being elected to the board chair position which she held for the past four years. She was an incredibly active board chair who attended all national meetings and served as National Delegate several times. She was an ex-officio member of all board committees and helped to bring amazing new talent to the board of directors through the Board Development Committee. Dot has always worked to serve the organization and to do what was best for our council.

Dot has been a great friend and fantastic volunteer who will be sorely missed. On behalf of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, we offer our deepest condolences to Dot’s husband Glenn Brookes, their children, Sarah Brookes and Garrett Brookes, and all their family and friends. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you, and from the friendship of Girl Scouts near and far who Dot served so well. May her soul eternally rest in peace.

Patricia A. Burkart
CEO, Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania

Girl Scouts visit Capitol for National STEM Day Event

On November 13, Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania joined Governor Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on Women and two other Pennsylvania Girl Scout councils in Harrisburg to host a National STEM Day event, highlighting women in STEM who work for the Commonwealth. These women discussed the work they do, their educational journeys, and why they chose their careers, hoping to inspire Girl Scouts to explore a career in STEM. Participating Girl Scouts also earned their STEM Career Exploration badge.

“Learning from women leaders in STEM is a wonderful opportunity for Girl Scouts to expand their interests in this exponentially growing field. Being able to provide girls with hands-on experiences such as this one not only inspires a love for STEM, but it reinforces the power of Girl Scouting,” said Patricia A. Burkart, CEO of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania.

Over 70 Girl Scouts from the three Girl Scout councils in the state—Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, and Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania—participated in the event and invited female members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly to join Troop PA, an honorary Girl Scout troop. Participating Girl Scouts in our council were from counties including Allegheny, Butler, Indiana, and Lawrence.

Thirteen legislators participated in an investiture ceremony, joining the Girl Scout movement after receiving a pin from girl representatives of each council.

What drove Girl Scout Adele Misejka to attend this event was her interest in learning about how women help run our government. “I had an amazing time and being able to be a part of the investiture was an incredible experience,” she said. “Being able to speak at the press conference standing beside Rep. [Joanna] McClinton was just so cool—it was amazing.”

After the ceremony, Girl Scouts explored the Interactive Welcome Center in the Capital complex, the “100 Years of Women in Government” exhibit in the state archives, plus three floors of exhibits in the State Museum of Pennsylvania. During breakout sessions, girls learned more from panelists such as Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Department of Human Services, Dr. Debra Bogen, Acting Secretary for the Department of Health, and Gale Blackmer, State Geologist and Director of the Bureau of Geological Survey.

Troop Leader Stacey Green of Lawrence County Troop 46727 said this was an adventure that she and her troop will never forget. “The girls were excited to not only meet girls from across the state, but the opportunity to meet our local representative was something they couldn’t have imagined. Rep. [Marla] Brown and her assistant Stephanie went above and beyond to welcome the girls and make sure they had an amazing experience.”

Stacey mentioned that the girls loved the state museum, especially the “100 Years of Women in Government” exhibit, and they’re already asking for a troop trip back to Harrisburg.

Stacey’s co-leader, Nancy Rodgers, who has been in Girl Scouting for over 60 years, also joined the troop’s trip to Harrisburg. “She’s an amazing asset to our service unit and is always up for any and all adventures!” Stacey said of her co-leader.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for these first-year Cadettes, one they will never forget, and we are so thankful to have been given the adventure!”

Girl Scout Receives Award for Demonstrating Exceptional Kindness

Congratulations to Girl Scout Rosie Echeverria Conte, recipient of the Shawn Neville Award at O’Hara Elementary School for demonstrating exceptional responsibility and kindness. (That’s what being a Girl Scout is all about!)

When Mr. Neville, a beloved teacher at O’Hara Elementary School unexpectedly passed away in September 2013, the O’Hara Elementary PTO collected donations and helped establish the Shawn Neville Character Award. Each year, the 5th-grade teaching team meets to select a student who encompasses the spirit and character of Mr. Neville.

There are three criteria for selection:

  • Respectful – The student is polite and courteous to peers, teachers, and adults.
  • Compassion – The student is a good friend, showing loyalty and kindness toward others.
  • Accountability – The student is responsible for his/her actions with respect to school work, individual responsibilities, and behavior.

This award is given only to one student per 5th-grade generation, and not every year, but only when there is someone who fits the above criteria. Each 5th-grade teacher nominates a student, and then all teachers vote for the student of their choice.

Rosie’s mother says Girl Scouts has helped Rosie grow as a person and taught her to help others. Last year, Rosie helped with her younger sister’s Girl Scout troop when they met each month, sharing stories and helping the younger girls with activities.

The following is part of the nomination letter sent by a teacher who nominated Rosie:

“Rosie is incredibly kind to all of those she interacts with. Not only is she always willing to help those around her, she truly cares if they succeed and looks forward to seeing her peers accomplish great things. She never judges another student, rather, she meets them where they are and makes sure they feel like they are part of the group. In class, Rosie is always on task, follows directions the first time, and is always up for a challenge! In group work, she encourages her peers to help them learn rather than just giving away the answers. She always assists those in academics that may need help.

She really enjoys hanging out with her friends, but also, she will just as quickly leave her closest friends if she sees someone who is left out or needs a friend at that moment. As a bus monitor, Rosie is eager to help her younger peers on the bus and at dismissal to ensure everyone gets where they need to be safely.

She also volunteers after school to help her mother with her younger sibling’s Girl Scout troop. Rosie consistently shows compassion to those around her and always shares a smile while doing so. Rosie is also always looking out for the entirety of O’Hara. Rosie participated in the PBIS videos that were utilized as lesson guides for students at the beginning of the school year. Rosie is trustworthy, dedicated, and consistently displays outstanding decision-making. It is with the utmost recommendation that I nominate Rosie for the Shawn Neville Award!!”

Congratulations on this special recognition, Rosie!

Girl Scout Earns Title of National Powwow Princess

Lilly Anna Waleff, a Girl Scout in Commodore Perry Troop 36465, was awarded the title of National Powwow Princess this past summer at Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville, Indiana.

The National Powwow event took place July 6-9, attracting families from all over the country. Teen girls ages 11-18 competed for the honor of representing this powwow for the next three years. The competition had a written component, a face-to-face interview with a committee of experts, a judged dance exhibition, and a vote by the populace in attendance.

Hailing from Native American ancestry, Lilly Anna has participated in Native American cultural events and powwows her entire life, even spending her first event in a cradleboard made by her parents and grandparents. Her mother, Marci Waleff—who is also a Girl Scout volunteer—says Lilly is proud of her family’s ancestry and enjoys learning from everyone she meets on the powwow trail.

As National Powwow Princess, Lilly Anna will travel to cultural events and powwows and serve as an ambassador and role model, striving to increase participation in the 2026 powwow. “During my reign, I plan to attend as many powwows as I can and encourage others to participate,” she said.

Lilly Anna has a strong sense of self and aims to do her best job as a national representative by working hard to better herself and help other people of Native American ancestry participate in cultural events. 

“Being National Powwow Princess means I need to be a leader,” she said. “I was happy when I won.” Lilly Anna also stated that Girl Scouting has helped teach her leadership skills and how to take risks and trust the outcome.

Congratulations, Lilly Anna!