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Adult Awards

2022 Volunteer Award Honorees

Girl Scout of West Central Florida places a high value on recognizing members who make a difference in the lives of girls and adults. Volunteers join Girl Scouting to be of service to girls. They offer their time, talents, and skills to girls and adults across the council. The earned recognitions below provide a means with which to acknowledge individuals for their service and impact. 

Be sure to check out this year's Volunteer Award Ceremony Program and our past award honorees.  

President's Message
Laura W

Welcome to the 2022 Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Volunteer Awards ceremony. Congratulations to the outstanding volunteers we are recognizing today for their service and dedication to the Girl Scout movement, our council, and our  fellow members.

We are thrilled to honor all of you who have given so much to Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. You are the role models, mentors and pacesetters who push the rest of us to be our best. Because of you, our council has been able to roar back to life after more than a year of uncertainty and change. You are the roots that both keep us grounded and allow us to grow, and in you, we see the best version of ourselves. Without so many of you leading by example, we would certainly fall short in our mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

You embody the values of the movement and show our Girl Scouts that anything is possible through hard work, dedication, and imagination. You strive to make a difference for every girl, and especially that one girl out there who needs Girl Scouts.

Without you and your efforts, she wouldn’t be able to discover, connect, take action, or experience something new and realize her potential. You bring girls together, fostering an environment of caring and understanding where they bond through sharing and learning about themselves and the communities in which they live. The past few years have taught us that there is nothing more precious than the bonds we form with those we hold close. Girl Scouts is a place where girls and volunteers alike embark on a journey of discovery and are introduced to new opportunities and new friends. We make invaluable connections with others throughout that journey, who often serve as our anchors for a lifetime. For many of us, our Girl Scout friends are more like family. As our own families grow and change, so do our girls and troops. Because of volunteers like you, our Girl Scouts always have someone there to guide them as their understanding of friendship and taking action evolves. I know the world is a better place because of all of you.

Thank you for CHOOSING to be a critical part of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida and giving our Girl Scouts an experience like no other.

Laura Webb


 

  • Heart of Gold
  • Trefoil Award
  • Appretiation Pin
  • Honor Pin
  • Thanks Badge
  • Thanks Badge II
  • Years of Service PIn

 

 The Heart of Gold Award

The Heart of Gold Award is Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s council award to honor registered members who perform outstanding service above and beyond expectations both in Girl Scouting and for another organization. The award requires at least three nominations, with at least one being about their outstanding service to Girl Scouting and at least one being about their work for another organization, in addition to having completed the appropriate training for their position.

Nadine Hill

Nadine has done more for her service unit than can be listed. She manages both Cookie and Fall Product sales, has planned encampments, is a former Service Unit Manager, mentors new leaders, and has done so much more. In addition to all of that, Nadine has genuinely connected with and made a lasting impact on several Girl Scouts. Whether she’s helping a girl who’s struggling with being homesick on a camping trip, teaching girls to feel confident doing things on their own, or giving helpful advice to girls that are struggling, the girls always feel loved and appreciated by her. She even started a Venture Crew with Boy Scouts to pass on her love for scouting to more than just girls. Our community is lucky to have Mrs. Nadine.

Heidi Kurppe

Heidi gives so much of her time and energy to the community, not only while volunteering with Girl Scouts, but at her daughter’s school as well. She is the president of the school’s “Parents at Work with Students” group where she organizes and participates in several wonderful events throughout the year, and still makes time to do anything and everything that the troop needs. More importantly, Heidi makes sure that each girl has everything that they need to succeed in, and get the most out of, Girl Scouts because she loves every girl as if they were her own.  She does all of this without expecting recognition, simply because she wants the best for everyone.

Tiffany Eaton
Tiffany Eaton

When Old Harbor Bay was without a Service Unit Manager, Tiffany stepped up and continued to do so when they lacked a Cookie Chair. Without her leadership, Old Harbor Bay may have had to disband. Her dedication to her community does not stop with Girl Scouts. Tiffany is heavily involved in the PTA at her child’s school, serving as a Vice President of Ways and Means on their Committee. She has executed two successful fundraising campaigns this school year – generating tens of thousands of dollars to be put back into the school and students. No matter what organization Tiffany chooses to devote her time to, her willingness to go above and beyond earns her respect and admiration from those around her.

Davina Eads
Davina Eads

A devoted and caring Troop Leader and Service Unit Fundraising Chair, Davina has established foundational relationships for Girl Scouts within the Whispering Pines Service Unit. Through Davina, Girl Scouts are highly involved with volunteering for community events and fundraisers, making them a positive presence in Seminole County. In addition to her years of dedicated volunteering with GSWCF, Davina volunteers with Guardian Ad Litem as an advocate for abused and neglected children. Additionally, she gives her time to the Stetson Community Outreach Legal Program for Veterans and their families. Most recently Davina worked with the Salvation Army to collect and deliver toiletries and personal items to families in need of a little help.

Millie Shikes
Millie Shikes

Millie has been the Troop Treasurer and Camp Mom for her daughter’s troop for almost a decade and has continually provided invaluable support and input over the years. Without question, she has lent a hand whenever and wherever it was needed. In addition to her devotion to scouting, she is a board member of a local non-profit, Seeds of Hope, a local charity that focuses on providing food to people in need and meaningful community service for students. Millie is a genuine person who selflessly gives without expecting any recognition. She embodies leadership through her actions. The world is invariably a better place because of her within the Girl Scout community as well as to the families in need in our local area.

Laura Kay

Laura is a great example of leadership and wealth of knowledge who is always willing to share with others. She acts as the current Encampment Director, Accounting Coordinator, and Event Coordinator for the Rising Daisies Service Unit. Laura makes sure that Encampment is Girl-Led by including girls to get their input on the entire process, including the theme, food, activities, and decorations. She also acts as a mentor for older girls on how to lead at encampment. In addition, Laura’s execution of Rising Daisies’ yearly Bingo Night ensures that girls who could not otherwise afford encampment, have the ability to attend. Outside of Girl Scouts, Laura works to collect necessary items for women who are victims of human trafficking. 

 

 The Trefoil Award in Memory of Linda Scott

The Trefoil Award in Memory of Linda Scott, a GSWCF council award, is presented in honor and memory of Linda Scott, a long time staff member of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. Her love of the girls, volunteers and council staff led to the requirement of at least one nomination from each of those groups for consideration for the award. All recipients must also be registered members who have completed appropriate training for their position and have provided outstanding service to Girl Scouting.

Alicia Sanjurjo

Alicia serves Girl Scouts as a Delegate, Volunteer Award Coordinator, and Troop Leader to two troops within the Beautiful Butterflies Service Unit. Her enthusiasm for Girl Scouts and empowering women is contagious to both girls and other volunteers alike. Alicia’s passion lies in her strong relationship with the Catholic Community. She has worked to build strong relationships between the faith community and the Girl Scouting community by serving as a program consultant for the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg. She has also encouraged girls to explore how their faith is connected to the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Alicia is considered a pillar in the community and a remarkable example of what Girl Scouting represents. 

Suzanne Delery
Suzanne Delery

Suzanne started her troop when the girls were in kindergarten, and they are still going strong as they prepare to bridge to adult. This longevity speaks volumes about her dedication to Girl Scouts, as does her eight-year commitment to the role of service unit recruiter, during which she has planned and put on several exciting events. She even brings her Girl Scout scrapbook to the events so that prospective families can see how much fun the girls have. Even after recruiting adults to join, Suzanne works as a mentor to help new leaders become comfortable in their roles. Suzanne has always worked to make Girl Scouts an enjoyable and unique experience, not just for the girls in her troop, but for the rest of the service unit as well.  

Anjanette Clark-Velasquez
Anjanette Clark

As a dedicated Troop Leader, Troop Consultant, and Service Unit Co-manager, Angie has helped Whispering Pines Service Unit work through and overcome many of the obstacles that went along with the pandemic. In addition, Angie has stepped in as acting leader more than once for troops without someone to lead – preventing troops from disbanding. Within that time she acted as a role model for girls to be themselves and feel empowered to speak their minds. Once these troops found leaders, her involvement did not stop. She stuck with the troop to mentor new leaders on required training, Girl Scout traditions, and the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.   

Mary Carol Bradbourne
Mary Carol Bradbourne

Carol has been a troop leader and community volunteer in Fossil Valley for the past 13 years. She would host meetings with leaders to mentor them and answer any questions – providing detailed information about anything they needed, from meeting ideas to trips to Savannah. She also made herself available to go to troop meetings and troop camping trips to help leaders. Her mentorship is not limited to adults in Fossil Valley. As a previous Encampment Director, Carol mentored and guided older girls who helped lead stations and would take time to meet with them individually and help them understand, develop, and implement each activity. She believes in making sure that all scouts, both young and adult, are being served through our mission. 

 

 The Appreciation Pin

The Appreciation Pin, a National Girl Scout Award, is awarded to registered adult members who have completed the appropriate training for their position, have delivered outstanding service to at least one service unit, geographic area, or program delivery audience, and have received two nominations outlining that outstanding service.

Appreciation Pin Honorees

Dana Antis, Whispering Pines

Jeanette Beital, West Wind

Joann Bower, West Wind 

Kelly Brummer, Gulf Sands

Katherine Bryant, Beautiful Waters

Connie Capco, Whispering Pines

Abigail Clark, Whispering Pines

David Clink, Whispering Pines

Julie Cortes, Land O' Lakes

Stepanie  Duncan, Joining Rivers

Jennifer Estaling, Whispering Pines

Sarah Fairchild, Gulf Sands

Savanna Fleener, Beautiful Waters

Marcela Foster, Gulf Sands

Audrey Fowler, Whispering Pines

Sara Fowler, Joining Rivers

Michelle Gagnard, Lil Manatee

Eydie Garland, Whispering Pines

Devin Gingrich, Coacoochee

Lisa Hennick, Joining Rivers

Felicia Hills, Whispering Pines

Dawn Horton, Joining Rivers

Nayda Kahlbaugh, Rainbow

Deanna Kaufman, Old Harbor Bay

Kathleen Keiderling, Beautiful Waters

Jan-i Lanza, Joining Rivers

Jennifer Lawton, Whispering Pines

Alexis Lipton, Whispering Pines

Kimberly Maszera, Beautiful Waters

Brian McClaughlin, Whispering Pines

Melissa Medina, Joining Rivers

Sarah Miller, Fossil Valley

Melissa Oldman, Fossil Valley

Melissa Parnell, Gulf Sands

Cynthia Patrick, Whispering Pines

Connie Perry, Brooksville Ridge

Melinda Radlein, Cypress Belles

Belinda Robinson, Split Pines

Erin Rutgers, Land O' Lakes

Diana Springer, Gulf Sands

Stephanie Squires, Land O' Lakes

Destiny Tirado, Beautiful Waters

Denice Vasquez, Joining Rivers

Amanda Wierenga, Land O' Lakes

Ryan Wiggington, Land O' Lakes

Angela Gonzalez, Smiling Sisters

Amy Thien, Fossil Valley

 

 The Honor Pin

The Honor Pin, a National Girl Scout Award, is awarded to registered members who have completed the appropriate training for their position, have delivered outstanding service to two or more service units, geographic areas, or program delivery audiences, and have received three nominations that clearly outline that outstanding service. 

Jan Hathaway
Jan Hathaway

Jan Hathaway serves Marion County Girl Scouts including Land of the Silver Moon and Joining Rivers Service Units. Although Jan does not have a troop to lead or a daughter in Girl Scouts, she still believes in the movement and continues to provide invaluable resources to the Service Units. Without Jan and her invaluable connections with the United Way, Land of the Silver Moon and Joining Rivers would not have access to as many resources for recruiting in Marion County. She also assists at many other events helping girls with activities, providing assistance at the check-in process, and offering support when needed. When not assisting with recruiting, you can find Jan at almost any other event both service units hold, lending a hand wherever she is needed. 

Shannon Boyer
Shannon Boyer

Serving the Girl Scouts of Marion County, Shannon Boyer is a National Council Delegate, Service Unit Fall Product Chair, and a Troop Leader. Shannon also helps plan and coordinate recruitment events and sits on the planning committee lending her knowledge and training to other volunteers to ensure events are successful. Her passion really shines with the program she is creating for older girls who have been impacted by the pandemic. Shannon recognized the need for them to have an outlet to share how COVID has affected them. The program is to provide otherwise unknown resources to girls and a safe space to discuss the lasting impact the pandemic has had on their mental health. 

Jennifer Ingram

Jennifer is the Accounting Coordinator, Troop Consultant, Alternate Delegate and Troop Leader for Gulf Sands Service Unit. In addition to the many “hats” she wears for Gulf Sands, she also volunteers her time to council as a Basic Outdoor Leadership Trainer. Many times she has been the first to volunteer when additional training needed to be scheduled so more leaders could bring their girls camping. This is extended to her work as a council facilitator in Archery and Watercraft experiences. At a moment’s notice, Jennifer has been there for troops when they did not have someone to facilitate. Her positive attitude, even when things did not go as planned, was the biggest impact on girls and made them eager to come back for more!

Brandy Dumas
Brandy Dumas

For the past two years, Brandy has served as the Fossil Valley Encampment Director. Last year due to restrictions from COVID, Brandy had to change gears and helped coordinate the Girl Scout Amazing Race! It was a day of driving from location to location using clues and solving puzzles. It was a major success and is still talked about by the Service Unit to this day. To share in the fun, Brandy included the Strawberry service unit.  In addition to being a dedicated Cadette Troop leader, Brandy continues to volunteer and help with Service Unit level events. So far this year she (and her troop) has volunteered at Recruitment night, Cookie Rally, and has coordinated Sock Valentines for Assisted Living Facilities. Without a doubt, Brandy is a valuable member of her community and a sister to every Girl Scout.

 

  The Thanks Badge

The Thanks Badge, a National Girl Scout Award, is awarded to registered members who have completed the appropriate training for their position, and have delivered outstanding service to the entire council or Girl Scout movement. Thanks Badge recipients have received at least four nominations that clearly outline their extraordinary service. 

Amanda McCarthy

Amanda’s passion and integrity are valuable assets to GSWCF as a whole. Even though she does not hold an official recruiter role, she is continually putting out the word about Girl Scouts and encourages parents to register their girls any time she gets the chance. One can also see this passion within her role as a trainer for both Basic Outdoor Leadership and Advanced Camping. Amanda works to make all leaders feel that camp is accessible to them, no matter their skill level. She is always willing to assist when she is needed. More than once she has ensured that trainings have been brought to volunteers when it was needed most. Her support with volunteer development is irreplaceable.   

Kathleen Antis
Kathy Antis

Kathy’s roles with GSWCF include but are not limited to, Whispering Pine Service Unit Manager, Area Association/Area C Chairperson, CEO Roundtable Member, and Gold Award Committee Member. Kathy tirelessly advocates for all of the High Awards, but especially for the Gold Award. Once a girl achieves this award, it demonstrates to colleges, employers, and the community that this girl is out there changing the world. Kathy clearly explains the guidelines, deadlines, and the Girl Scout Gold Award Steps and Standards of Excellence to the girls, their Leaders, and their parents. She encourages and motivates girls across Council to earn the Gold Award. Whether it is helping girls determine their interests, coaching them through the interview process, or as a calming presence and familiar face during their presentations, Kathy takes the lead in building girls of courage, confidence, and character that make the world a better place.

Lynn Sansspree
Lynn Sansspree

Lynn Sansspree serves Joining Rivers and Land of the Silver Moon Service Units and all of Marion County.  Not only is Lynn a troop leader, but she is also a co-encampment director for Joining Rivers Service Unit, assists with recruitment for both communities, and helps at the Annual Ocala Drive-In event that brings in hundreds of girls from all across the council. Recently Lynn has also assisted the council by lending her knowledge and expertise to the Volunteer Development Department, working to create a new Encampment Director training for Service Units. She is an integral part of the service teams and wealth of knowledge, she is always eager to lend a hand to help not only the girls but other volunteers as well.  

 

  The Thanks Badge II

The Thanks Badge II, a National Girl Scout Award, is awarded to registered members who have already earned the Thanks Badge, have continual high performance and have used their skill or sphere of influence to benefit the entire council in another endeavor. Thanks Badge II recipients have received at least four nominations that clearly outline their extraordinary service. 

Nancy Lynn Tomich
Lynn Tomich

Even after her daughter graduated, Lynn still continues as acting Troop Leader for a multi-level troop in the Joining Rivers Service Unit. Outside of running her troop, she is always quick to jump in to support the events held in Marion County. Lynn is described as instrumental in the work she does for their recruiting efforts, including locating and securing spaces for events. Moreover, she is a key player in Ocala’s Annual Drive-In Camp Out. This event brings in girls from all over council and provides many with a fundamental Girl Scout experience they may otherwise not receive. Lynn always goes above and beyond in supporting the Girl Scout movement but even more importantly ensuring that the experience for the girls is positive and fun.

 

  The Years of Service Pins

The Years of Service Pins recognize registered adult members for years of active volunteer service at five–year intervals up to 40 years. After 40 years, pins are available at 10–year intervals. Years of Service Pins are presented by the service unit for 5 years of service and by Girl Scouts of West Central Florida for 10 years of service and beyond.

5 Years of Service

Jessica Fogg, Smiling Sisters

Emily Suddath, Smiling Sisters

Kathy Yates, Smiling Sisters

Donna Griffiths, Smiling Sisters

Megha Patel, Smiling Sisters

Rini Fredette, Sunny Palms

Amber Godsey, Sunny Palms

Sarah Gremer, Sunny Palms

Michelle Wherley, Sunny Palms

Lara Dickerson, Sunny Palms

Karyn Bersch, Sunny Palms

Brooke Eisenhut, Sunny Palms

Kathleen Hallock, Toppercrest

Jennifer Dillon, Toppercrest

Kelsi Ramdeo, Toppercrest

Alyssa Berst, Go-Fer

Jennifer McCants, Go-Fer

Jennifer DiOnne, Go-Fer

Sarah Chavis, Go-Fer

Catherine Coyle, Rising Daisies

Susan Dennis, Rising Daisies

Christina Eldredge-Lam, Rising Daisies

Shirley Barbosa, Rising Daisies

Felicita Heredia, Beautiful Butterflies

Marisol Hirota, Beautiful Butterflies

Amiee Selah, Beautiful Butterflies

Lynne Darrow, Beautiful Butterflies

Christian Simmons , Sunburst

Melissa Baird, Sunburst

Jennifer Dallner, Brooksville Ridge

Rose Morris, Brooksville Ridge

Barbara Smith, Joining Rivers

Mariella Casafranca, Joining Rivers

Beth Young, Joining Rivers

Shawna Harvey, Joining Rivers

Caroline Cyr, Joining Rivers

Cynthia Rohn, Joining Rivers

Lisa Hennick, Joining Rivers

Marlow Gilbert, Joining Rivers

Alison Vinson, Beautiful Waters

Michelle Zervas, Beautiful Waters

Melissa Parnell, Gulf Sands

Carlene Livengood, Gulf Sands

Marcela Foster, Gulf Sands

Christy Lofton, Old Harbor Bay

Brandy Wileman, Wai Lani

Michelle Powell, Wai Lani

Sara Aldrich, Wai Lani

Jessica Fisher, Wai Lani

Claire Cohn, Wai Lani

Mercedes Santana, Wai Lani

Stacy Mullaney, Wai Lani

Brandy Wileman, Wai Lani

Crystal Maycomer, PALS

Nicole Dividson, PALS

Amee Bailey-Speck, PALS

Michelle Dunlap, PALS

Christy Nichols, PALS

Peggy Shadrick, PALS

Sarah Dockray, PALS

Robin Chaloune, Whispering PInes

Jessica Dees, Whispering PInes

Shaina Lestoric, Whispering PInes

Mandy Blum, Whispering PInes

Tiffany Nopper, Whispering PInes

Lauren Shermn, Whispering PInes

Marcie Hory, Fossil Valley

Angelique Lewis, Fossil Valley

Kollen Osterberger, Fossil Valley

Courtney Paat, Fossil Valley

Amy Southworth, Fossil Valley

10 Years of Service

Shari Cortese, Smiling Sisters

Kelly Figley, Smiling Sisters

Summer Pfeiffer, Smiling Sisters

Rachel Clark, Circle of Springs

Danyele McGeorge, Circle of Springs

Shirley Ormsbee, Circle of Springs

Wendy Stoneman-Shelby, Strawberry

Athena Dicus, Sunny Palms

Mary Alice Floyd-Merlin, Sunny Palms

Jenny Ellen Russell, Sunny Palms

Andrea Andrews, Toppercrest

Cheri Gamm, Toppercrest

Nerissa Casanova, Rainbow

Marisa Langford, Rainbow

Franny Tough, Rainbow

Katherine Pena-Perilla, Rising Daisies

Jacqueline Grimes, Sunburst

Jamie Childers, Sand Eagles

Michelle Cummings, Land O' Lakes

Elizabeth Ellstrom, Land O' Lakes

Stephanie Squires, Land O' Lakes

Andrea Kamat, Land O' Lakes

Amanda Hamilton, Woodlands

Faedra Waymire, Angel Echo

Erik Tweedy, Joining Rivers

Michelle Johnson, Spring Mermaids

Brittany Lockhart, Spring Mermaids

Helen Osterhout, Spring Mermaids

Jim Sirdam, Land of the Silver Moon

Pamela McMillian, Beautiful Waters

Peggy Ortiz, Beautiful Waters

Lorrie Wade-Evans, PALS

Shari Fowler, Whispering Pines

Michelle Kasprzyk, Whispering Pines

Stephanie Benedict, Fossil Valley

Nicole Clay, Fossil Valley

Brenda Sosa, Fossil Valley

Sandra Croughn, Split Pines

Timothy Croughn, Split Pines

Myra Enriquez-Gorr, Split Pines

15 Years of Service

Paula Patterson, Circle of Springs

Meredith Semmel, Toppercrest

Margaret Wintenburg, Go-Fer

Vivian LeNoble, Sand Eagles

Collette Oram, Joining Rivers

Judith Arler, Wai Lani

Heide Tanner, PALS

Patty Fry, Fossil Valley

Regina Amos, Split Pines

Kathy Grieves, Split Pines

Brenda Hover, Split Pines

Sarah Mills, Split Pines

20 Years of Service

Candace Hobbs, Sunny Palms

Nayda Kahlbaugh, Rainbow

Laurie Dever, Rising Daisies

Sylvia McPherson, Beautiful Butterflies

Karen Menendez, Beautiful Butterflies

Briana Bryant, Sunburst

Brenda Napier, Sunburst

Sara Johnson, Angel Echo

Andrea Lockhart, Spring Mermaids

Phyllis Ort, Land of the Silver Moon

Helen Stiles, Land of the Silver Moon

Jenifer Boswell, Crystal Waters

Diana Allen, PALS

Leah Frohnerath, Whispering Pines

25 Years of Service

Barbara Gould, Sunburst

Ann Irland, Split Pines

Nancy Qadamani, Split Pines

Linda Sowell, Split Pines

Jimmy Sowell, Split Pines

30 Years of Service

Candace Roy, Land of the Silver Moon

Sharon Stubbs, PALS

Fran Abilock, Whispering Pines

35 Years of Service

Carol Phillips, Rising Daisies

Barbara (Joyce) Pomnitz, Rising Daisies

Ann Walkowiak, Split Pines

40 Years of Service

Sheryl Vannetta, Sunburst

60 Years of Service

Bonnie Laforme, Wai Lani

 
Special Thanks to the Adult Awards Committee Members

Jeanne Smith, Committee Chairman

Carrie Alexander, Committee Member
Jenifer Boswell, Committee Member
Adrienne Brown, Committee Member
Cathi Kessel, Committee Member
Amy Motta, Committee Member
Laura Welborn, Committee Member

Nicole Jacquot, Adult Learning Manager

If you are interested in representing your Service Unit in the Adult Award process, or assisting at the next Adult Award Ceremony, contact us.