Volunteer Recognition - 2022 Tribute Book - Girl Scouts of ...
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2022
Volunteer Recognition
Tribute Book
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2021 Volunteer
Recognition Program
Letter from the CEO and Chair, Board of Directors .......... 3
Volunteer Awardees List ............................................................. 4
Thank You to Juliette Gordon Low Society Members....... 6
Thanks II Badge Recipient......................................................... 7
Thanks Badge Recipients ........................................................... 7
Platinum Service Award Recipients ....................................... 8
Honor Pin Recipients ................................................................... 9
Appreciation Pin Recipients.................................................... 11
Tenure Numeral Guard Recipients....................................... 20
Years of Service Pin Recipients............................................. 22
Virtual Vanguard Recipients.................................................. 23
2
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Letter from the CEO and
Board of Directors Chair
Dear Honoree,
Your unwavering commitment to the girls and community of Girl Scouts of
Greater Los Angeles has strengthened us during this challenging year! It is
with great honor and excitement that we recognize and congratulate you for
everything you have accomplished and contributed to empowering the future
leaders in the Girl Scout Movement.
It’s no secret that this year has felt a bit like limbo for us all–being caught between
a global pandemic and a hopeful pathway toward a new normal.
You’ve adapted to the needs of the community and the needs of troops
throughout the GSGLA organization, and the support you provided has been
remarkable. You’ve demonstrated how dedication, resilience, and adaptability can
positively impact society, all the while helping girls continue to bring communities
together through service projects and achieve new goals by mentoring them
through Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects. Your boundless creativity shone
through our Fall and Cookie Programs this year and we’ve loved reading every
single Girl Scouts in the Community submission we’ve received!
Our theme for the year 2021 is Leading the Way with Courage, Confidence,
and Character and it was inspired by all of you! You all have found unique and
meaningful ways to carry out the Girl Scout Mission and used your innovation
to lead Girl Scouts to inspiring new paths. Simply put, our mission would not be
possible without you.
Thank you for your impact. We are truly grateful for all you do for the girls,
families, and communities of Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Theresa Edy Kiene Ellen E. Swarts
Chief Executive Officer Chair, Board of Directors
3
2021 Volunteer Awardees
THANKS II BADGE Michelle Apolonio Gloria Halfacre Jasmin Sandige
Linda Harmon Angela Arnold-Brownlee Marya Harrington Elena Sawant
Janice Arnson Annie Heller-Gutwillig Jenifer Schmutz
THANKS BADGE Korina Arvizu Dawn Hentrich Bridget Sibley
Priya Bradfield Vivian Avella Dr. Judy Ho Cicely Smart
Susan Stahl Shana Ballas Kaitlyn Ireland Julie Smith
Nicola Bird Lisa Ireland Kimberly Solomon
PLATINUM Nicole Block Sean Patrick Ireland Flo Speakman
SERVICE AWARD
Bridgette Blue Yukimi Isom Melissa Spence
Bonnie George
Priya Bradfield Laurie Jacobs Francesca Taylor, MD.
Deborah Hess-Wakeland
Julia Bravo Angela Juranek Gail Testa
Janet KC-Jordan
Teresa Brown Laura Katayama Christa Thompson
Julie Miller
Samantha Carpenter Jeannie Keasler Shelley Thompson
Sarah Vento
Cathy Chudzinski Jessica Kelly Darlene Torres
Kathy Vigil
Cristina Coleman Sharon Lei Hager Natalie Torres
Lisa Working
Grace Coopman Jenny Leung Denise Wandel
HONOR PIN Rebecca Cruz Lynn Mack-Costello Nikki Zuleta
Tammi Froh Robin Curtis Juanita Maxwell
Lisette Gold Susan Day George McQueen VIRTUAL
VANGUARD AWARD
Susan Helm Alice Demartino Grace Mellis
Stacey Adler
Danelle Jiorn Nicole Duckworth Beverly Merrill
Herrera Brenda Alcala-Castaneda
Ilene Knebel Candace Millek
Virginia Egebakken Sara Alvarez
Melissa Lynch Micah Modugno
Rachel Eli Ellen Andersen
Debby Masi Erika Nutting
Jacquelyn Ferraro Simona Aranda
Bernadette Perry Elizabeth O’Donnell
Mark Franco Robyn Arnold
Michelle Sarrow Jeanne O’Donnell
Jane Galan Shana Ballas
Jonathan Watts Andy Park
Lisette Gold Heather Berger
Angela Zaidman Paula Parvinjah
Guadalupe “Lupe” Maggie Bertisch
Ruth Perez
Gonzales Joy Blake
APPRECIATION PIN Jenise Ramos
Jennifer Grammer Nicole Block
Christine Abad Tiffany Regecz
Linda Green Nicole Blue
Stacey Adler Stephanie Rivas
Jennifer Gruber Priya Bradfield
Silvia Alvarran Sara Rosas
Sara Gustafson Deb Carson
Kelly Ankwicz
4
2021 Volunteer Awardees
Catherine Chittick Renata Kanclerz Kimberly Schwarz NUMERAL GUARD
Danelle Cole Sheila Kao Jennifer Smolenski AWARD
Sayoko Cox Janet KC-Jordan Susan Spencer
30 Years
Lynn Cunninham Jessica Kelly Heather St. Dennis
Karen Bowlin
Robin Curtis Rachelle Killackey Rachael Suarez
Shamira Brown
Leigh-Ann Danner Ilene Knebel Elizabeth Taddeo
Juanita Maxwell
Juliana Diaz Alicia Lafaurie Erin Tomanek
Phillicia Maxwell
Yesenia Diaz Michele Lakier Kathy Vigil
Stephanie Sampson
Michelle Dragin Jill Lanigan Katy Leigh Villari
Lauren Dussinger Melissa Loeffelholz Michele Wahlig
35 Years
Rachel Eli Saadia Lopez Orantes Annie Walling
Deborah Harris
Christina Evangelista Diane Lumsdaine Matthew Warren
Julie Miller
Jacqueline Ferraro Melissa Lynch Susan Willinger
Renee Flanagan Brynn Malone Lois Young 40 Years
Kamia Fletcher Denise Meier Nichole Beckett Brown
Megan Fleuren Jeannette Mullins YEARS OF SERVICE Kim Krivis
AWARD
Nancy Fontan Kathryn Murray
Dr. Maribel Garcia Jamie Nassour 45 Years
25 Years of Service
Bonnie George Noosha Niv Lissa “Flicker” Alfred
Anett Assillian
Alyse Gleason Kimberly Nordyke Jermaine Beckett
Nichole Brown Beckett
Julie Goldin Megan Norman
Liz Busque
Camilla Good Pamela Pernin 50 Years
Susan Diaz
Carole Mingus
Jill Grass Jacqueline Robinson
Lisa Kwan
Lorraine Simansky
Kimberly Griffin Tammylynn Rodriguez
Jennifer Gruber Isabel Rodriguez 30 Years of Service
55 Years
Jodi Harris Lorraine Romero Juanita Maxwell
Sue Hillendahl
Logan Hawkins Rebecca Root
Annie Heller-Gutwillig Jennifer Rootes 35 Years of Service
60 Years
Dawn Hentrich Anne Ruane Su Guzzardi
Elizabeth Soukup
Melissa Herrera Paula Russell Deborah Harris
Deborah Hess-Wakeland Alayna Sato
Sue Hillendahl Amandalynn Sawyer 40 Years of Service
Lissa “Flicker” Alfred
Angela Juranek Jenna Schumacher
Jermaine Beckett
5
Juliette Gordon Low Society
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles thanks our Juliette Gordon Low
Society members for honoring future generations of Girl Scouts.
Corrine Abel Katharine DeShaw Lise L. Luttgens Margaret Rosenthal
LaNease Adams Christine A. Dean Lynn Mack-Costello Shamira Sadler
Lissa Alfred Carol M. Dedrich Marilyn Marshall Danielle Sager-Ebling
Lisa Axelrod Jennifer N. Devereaux Megan L. Martin Michelle Sarrow
Carolyn Baker Elisabeth L. Dick Toni A. Martinez- Ron Schrantz
Burgoyne
David A. Battaglia Juanita Doplemore Yvonne Schueller
Karen Masini
Julie A. Beals Peggy Edwards Steve Shelton
Kelly Maxwell
Dianne Belk Theresa Edy-Kiene Ellen E. Swarts
Gina McLeod
Betty Berdiansky Sonia Endler Chara N. Swodeck
Eleanor Moninger
Stephen T. Bolkovatz Marie J. Fouts Cortney Szlemp
Ann Moore
Gail I. Boyle Renee W. Fraser Francesca M. Taylor
Frances M. Moreno
Moira Brady Diana L. Freeman Cindy M. Tenn
William M. Nelson
Betsey L. Brewer Liisa Froggatt Shelley B. Thompson
Kathryn E Nielsen
Michele Broadnax Megann Giardino Harry Trust Webb
Denise Nowack
Chrystal Broesel Linda B. Griffey Pj Walker
Erin Oremland
Constance L. Burg Diane K. Grohulski Diane Weaver
Adrienne Pacheco
Amy Caponpon Denise Gutches Janet Whaley
Beverly Padway
Jessica Cardenas Gloria R. Halfacre Michelle C. Wroan
Frances
Katy Carlson Joseph Hirsch Brenda J. Zamzow
Marie H. Parco
Charles E. Carroll Erika Homan Margaret B. Zarate
Melissa M. Pepe
Elizabeth Chadwick Bernice Horst Isabella del Gaudio
Sharis Peters
Hailyn J. Chen Denise Hsu Tania Van Herle
Aileen O. Poehls
Rachel I. Clarke Alana Hyman Marie-Louise Van
Ruth L. Post
Horne
Debbie Cook Laurie Jacobs Janice Rector
Patricia A. Crider Shannon Johnston Elisabeth Rendeiro
Phyllis E. Currie Birgit Kielpinski Leanne J. Rodgers
Steven DePaul Sherry Lapides
Sylvia Rosenberger
6
Thanks II Badge
The Thanks Badge II is the highest National Adult Girl Scout Award. The
Thanks Badge II awardee has continued to take a leadership role at the
GSGLA council level. The service is outstanding and benefits the council or
the entire Girl Scout movement and always exceeds expectations.
2021 Thanks Badge II Recipient
LINDA HARMON
Service Unit Manager
Linda Harmon is a wealth of knowledge for all things in Girl Scouts. Linda goes
above and beyond in her Service Unit Manager role. She provides all leaders with
the knowledge and training they need to excel in their role, providing much-sought
enrichment to the leaders in her community and beyond.
Thanks Badge
The Thanks Badge recognizes an adult volunteer who has delivered
outstanding service to the council or the entire Girl Scout Movement by
taking a leadership role at the council level, expanding membership growth
and retention, increasing funding, and innovating council-wide program
opportunities.
2021 Thanks Badge Recipients
PRIYA BRADFIELD
Service Unit Manager & National Council Delegate
As the old Girl Scout saying goes, Priya Bradfield bleeds green. She exemplifies what it means to
be a Girl Scout Leader. Since becoming Service Unit Manager, she has been an integral member
of our Girl Scout community. She has shaped essential innovative programs while fostering
inclusion. Priya also served as a delegate to the 55th National Council Session, dedicating
countless hours to training and research. Priya is dedicated to Girl Scouts and strives to live by
the Girl Scout Law.
SUSAN STAHL
GSGLA Adult Educator
Susan Stahl is the lead volunteer for the Backpacking Training Go Team. She helps GSGLA by
managing the team and creating a training curriculum. Her passion for getting girl scouts
outdoors has given her the confidence and knowledge girls and volunteers need to have a
memorable experience. Her dedication and ability to provide quality leadership is
truly inspiring.
7
Platinum Service Award
The Platinum Service Award recognizes an outstanding adult volunteer
who continues to give simultaneous service to her or his service unit as well
as their region or the entire council for at least three years after receiving
previous national awards. This council honor is awarded to an adult
volunteer who served in two different positions simultaneously, including in
the service unit and the region or the council; a volunteer who has provided
consistent high-quality service beyond the expectations of the position and
has given service in a manner that sets a positive example for others.
2021 Platinum Service Award Recipients
BONNIE GEORGE KATHY VIGIL
Canyon Star Mar Vista
“This year I discovered how “Being a Girl Scout means
much I needed the rejuvenation making lifetime friends, learning
of spending time with these leadership and business skills,
resilient women in our SU Team and stepping out of your comfort
meetings and the delightful girls zone to help others. Girl Scouts
in my troop meetings. Girl Scouts open doors, and you get to run
is the support, community, and through them.”
laughter we need in tough times.”
JANET KC JORDAN LISA WORKING
Canyon Star Canyon Star
“Midst all the craziness that still “Girl Scouts nurtures growing
surrounds us due to Covid, Girl leaders who make a difference
Scouts continues to be a place wherever they are. By
where we can support and encouraging girls to discover
inspire one another and those their world, connect with issues,
around us through thoughtful and take action in large and small
acts of kindness.” ways, the organization creates real, positive change in
the community.”
SARAH VENTO
Palmdale
“Girl Scouting has provided
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles
a variety of leadership would also like to award
opportunities to the young the following volunteers with the
women in our area. Additionally,
troops are a crucial part of Platinum Service Award:
donation drive efforts for our
local animal and homeless shelters.”
Julie Miller
Deborah Hess-Wakeland
8
Honor Pin
The Honor Pin is a national award that recognizes an adult volunteer who
has delivered outstanding service to two or more service units or to a
region. The awardee has significantly contributed to meeting one or more
council goals in membership growth and retention, fund development, or
increased community visibility in a region or two or more service units. She
or he actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive
behavior.
2021 Honor Pin Recipients
TAMMI FROH ILENE KNEBEL
Covina Oaks Holly Hills
“Girl Scouts means friendship “This was a super challenging year
and community. I am so thankful with most meetings held virtually.
for the friends that I have made We found some leaders were
during this journey. I love being superheroes, engaging their girls
with the girls in my troop and and continuing projects to help the
watching them grow and discover who they are.” community during the pandemic.”
LISETTE GOLD MELISSA LYNCH
Santa Monica Bay Canyon Star
“Girl Scouts is a safe “After 8 years, I can see the
environment to explore your difference Girl Scouts has made
world, learn new skills, and in my own daughters and the
make friends along the way. I other girls in our troop. The
tell my girls that I made my best shy girls now speak up for
friends in my 50s in Girl Scouts. May we all keep learning themselves and others. These girls are all confident and
and keep making friends.” capable. Girl Scouts has proven results.”
DANELLE JIRON DEBBY MASI
Crown Poppy Pali/Mali
“The highlight of the 2021-2022 “I have been a Girl Scout for
membership year for me was over 50 years, and it is part
to see troops in my Service of my DNA. My parents were
Unit continuing to support one involved as my leaders and
another as they weathered my siblings all participated in
the pandemic. As we made progress toward meeting in Scouting. I feel honored to be able to pass on those skills,
person once again, everyone supported one another.” information, and my love for Girl Scouts.”
9
2021 Honor Pin Recipients
BERNADETTE PERRY JONATHAN WATTS
Las Virgenes Woodland Hills
“Girl Scouts has impacted our “Girl Scouts is the only scouting
community by going the extra program that has been developed
mile and being willing to help over 110 years with a focus on
wherever needed, without asking the courage, confidence, and
for recognition, but more for the character of girls and young
good feeling of giving back to others. I am so proud to be women who are making the world a better place. My
part of the Girl Scout Community.” daughter and I are forever grateful for GSGLA.”
MICHELLE SARROW ANGELA ZAIDMAN
Woodland Hills North River
“A highlight for me was having “Girl Scouts has become part of
the ability to lead girls through everything we do. Weaving it
the Premier Girls Leadership into our daily routes, faith, and
Program. It is amazing to see the community service opportunities
girls resolve the obstacles that has shaped our experiences and
arose without fear of the unknown and when they get a allowed others to see that Girl Scouts, indeed, continues
sparkle in their eyes as it comes to fruition!” through high school.”
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles would also like to award
the following volunteers with the Honor Pin:
Susan Helm
10Appreciation Pin
The Appreciation Pin recognizes an adult volunteer who has delivered
outstanding service to at least one service unit. The honoree has significantly
contributed to meeting one or more council goals in membership growth,
retention, fund development, or increased community visibility in one
service unit.
2021 Appreciation Pin Recipients
STACY ADLER ANGELA ARNOLD-
Canyon Star BROWNLEE
“Girl Scouts is about Westchester/Del Rey
togetherness, friendship, and “As an alumnus of Girl Scouts, I
helping girls grow into strong, know first-hand the difference
well-rounded, and kind women. that Girl Scouts made in my life.
It is about these girls learning From the day that I joined my
they can do anything they set their minds to. I love being troop, I felt at home. My troop leader was phenomenal
a leader and watching the girls grow.” and wanted her girls to participate in everything Girl
Scouts offered.”
KELLY ANKWICZ
Manhattan Beach JANICE ARNSON
“My troop had a lot of canceled Manhattan Beach
plans due to Covid. However, “Girl Scouts means friendship,
these 10-year-olds did not let camaraderie, growth, education,
that get them down and they support and so much more. As
continue to stay positive and an adult volunteer, this program
help others. That inspiration keeps me going and that is has done more to propel me than
why I have included a picture of them and not me.” I would have ever guessed.”
MICHELLE KORINA ARVIZU
APOLONIO
East Los Angeles – Boyle
La Brea Heights Heights
“My 2021-22 Girl Scout year has
“Girl Scouts means community
been amazing. I participated as
connections, new and lasting
a Girl Scout National Delegate,
friendships, skill-building, new
taught Girl Scout Gold Award
experiences, giving back, paying
Workshop, and witnessed my daughter receive her
it forward, building confidence, and quality time spent
Gold Award.”
with my daughter!”
112021 Appreciation Pin Recipients
SHANA BALLAS PRIYA BRADFIELD
Canyon Star Canyon Star
“Girl Scouts was an important “Girl Scouts IS my community. I
part of my childhood. I have have met some amazing women
fond memories of my mom as and girls through Girl Scouts and
my troop leader. Girl Scouts collaborated with passionate
offers opportunities to grow women on events and projects.
confidence, learn new skills, and build friendships. I also I love meeting our new leaders every year and getting to
love the opportunity to connect with nature and camp.” know the girls through our events.”
NICOLA BIRD TERESA BROWN
Pali/Mali Chino
“Thanks to Girl Scouts, my scout and “Taking my 3rd-year Cadette
I have made friends with girls and Troop of 18 girls to Maui, Hawaii
their parents from many different to complete our tree badge by
schools that we likely would not planting native trees on the
have crossed paths with, otherwise. island was the highlight of the
Girl Scouts is an organization that celebrates, empowers, year. We camped in tents on the beach, went kayaking,
and uplifts girls and women around the world.” zip-lining, and visited a pineapple farm.”
NICOLE BLOCK SAMANTHA
Canyon Star CARPENTER
“Our Girl Scouts earned virtual Las Virgenes
journeys and badges, had virtual “Girl Scouts means developing
game night, enjoyed horseback female leaders who will make
riding, donated easter baskets, the world a better place. Girl
were PAs for Virtual Twilight Scouts has developed strong
Camp, and worked on their Silver Award. They also female leaders in our community who are committed and
enjoyed a beach day at the Santa Monica pier.” focused on giving their time and talents to help others.”
BRIDGETTE BLUE CATHY CHUDZINSKI
La Brea Heights Las Virgenes
“My highlight of this year was the “Girl Scouts means I am part of a
strength and resiliency of the girls team that works together to help
and adults. Amid a pandemic, the guide our daughters to be helpful
girls were hopeful and determined and kind toward others.”
and the troop leaders were flexible
and innovative. They are true role models.”
122021 Appreciation Pin Recipients
ROBIN CURTIS MARK FRANCO
Holly Hills Campo Verde
“Girl Scouts has been a way to “Girls Scouts means opportunity.
connect deeper with my daughter, The opportunity to show Girl
as well as help make a difference Scouts of all ages what they can
to the girls in our troop. I’m so be, what they are capable of,
proud of these girls and I truly that they matter, that they are of
cherish all the memories we’ve created over the years.” great value, and that they can truly make a difference in
our world!”
SUSAN DAY
West Covina JANE GALAN
“Girl Scouts is tradition and Las Virgenes
evolution. I enjoy teaching “Girls Scouts gave me so many
my girls songs and traditions lessons but through it all, I
I learned when I was a Girl have made some incredible
Scout. I also enjoy helping the friendships. I am so grateful to
girls navigate through the newer STEM and Outdoor God and Girls Scouts for bringing
Adventurer badges. My Girl Scout community is family.” these women into my life.”
NICOLE LISETTE GOLD
DUCKWORTH- Santa Monica Bay
HERRERA “My highlight this year was
Bellflower/Hollymount holding the first-ever 2021
“The best highlight of the year Leadership Summit at Camp
was starting up our troop. Osito Rancho in Big Bear. Over
Considering we started during 40 leaders spent the weekend
a pandemic, just seeing the number of girls we have and creating a stronger sisterhood, learning camping skills,
watching them grow this last year has brought me joy.” hiking, and laughing. A reminder that leaders also need to
escape into nature!”
RACHEL ELI
Canyon Star LINDA GREEN
“Girl Scouts has given my troop a Manhattan Beach
platform by assisting those individuals “This year, instead of using
and organizations in need. It’s a troop money for themselves, my
community for me, as a leader, to troop voted to donate almost
meet and talk with other leaders. It’s $1800 to four local charities that
a community and safe place for my teen Seniors, as they resonated with them!”
grow and mature into young women while engaging in the
community and learning their potential as future leaders.”
132021 Appreciation Pin Recipients
JENNIFER GRUBER DR. JUDY HO
East Los Angeles Board Member
“Girl Scouts means “Dr. Judy Ho is a two-time
enlightenment and change recipient of the National Institute
while honoring the traditions of Mental Health Services
of the past. We teach the next Research Award and hosts an
generation of female leaders to active research program to
make the world a better place while supporting our Girl improve mental health care for high-need populations.”
Scout sisters.”
KAITLYN IRELAND
GLORIA HALFACRE CV/Glendale
Marina “To me, Girl Scouts means
“Despite the pandemic, we were having the opportunity to
able to continue doing the things explore and discover more, not
that were important to us and just about my community and
hold virtual events with girls the world, but myself, as well.
from across the country.” While helping to organize GSGLA Heritage Committee’s
collection, I really enjoyed rediscovering all the various
artifacts and researching more about the history behind
MARYA HARRINGTON
them.”
Woodland Hills
“The highlight of this year has
been connecting with my troop
LISA IRELAND
members, and those I mentored CV/Glendale
for their Gold Award, watching “To me, Girl Scouts means a
them grow into 12th graders time where I can be a part of
through college applications and acceptances, leading my daughter’s life and we can
events, and running meetings.” go on adventures together. Girl
Scouts gives young women in my
community opportunities that they might not have had
DAWN HENTRICH
without the program in their lives.”
Canyon Star
“It is important to raise up our
girls to be leaders and warriors!
SEAN PATRICK
I love working with my girls in
IRELAND
every way so that they can create CV/Glendale
a more equitable and just world.” “My highlight this past year was
helping our local heritage group
with their move. I was very glad that
I could provide some assistance.”
142021 Appreciation Pin Recipients
YUKIMI ISOM JESSICA KELLY
Santa Monica Bay Canyon Star
“I have been honored and “I was a Girl Scout for about
blessed to meet so many 3-4 years when I was younger
wonderful, powerful, and caring (Brownie and Junior). It was
women, some of whom have fun, but being a leader takes on
become lifelong friends. My life a whole new meaning. It’s about
has been enriched beyond my expectations and I am so friendships. It’s about family. These girls are my world,
content and fulfilled to have been a part of this legacy.” and their moms are my best friends.”
LAURIE JACOBS SHARON LEI HAGER
San Pedro Woodland Hills
“Participating as a National Girl “This last year was a difficult time
Scout Delegate was so inspiring, for all. I was blown away by the
especially during a pandemic. girls’ dedication and using their
Another highlight of the last creativity to pivot their respective
membership year was having projects to adhere to Covid
two of my girls earn their Silver Awards despite the restrictions and guidelines. The results were incredible!”
challenges of COVID-19. Superstars!”
JENNY LEUNG
ANGELA JURANEK Alhambra/Rosemead/
Holly Hills Santa Fe Trails
“The highlight of the past Girl “2021 to 2022 was a challenging,
Scout year was seeing my girls but also an amazing year filled
persevere. My girls were able to with many virtual and drive-
find safe ways to set and reach through events. The highlight
goals, learn new things, earn for me was seeing the incredible resilience, creativity, and
badges, AND give back to our community. My girls taught optimism displayed by our Girl Scouts and leaders. It was
me new ways to lead them.” unforgettable!”
LAURA KATAYAMA LYNN MACK-
South Torrance COSTELLO
“I have so much pride in our Pali/Mali
Gold Award Girl Scouts. Covid-19 “I have been continually
challenged them to think very impressed with the leadership
differently and persevere to exhibited by all the leaders in
complete their projects. They my service unit as they adjusted
have proven themselves to be creative, inventive, and schedules and approaches to meetings to ensure they
resilient under very challenging circumstances.” were offering the best program for their girls. They are
great role models for the girls.”
152021 Appreciation Pin Recipients
JUANITA MAXWELL CANDACE MILLEK
Center City Torrance
“I enjoy volunteering for Girl “Girl Scouts has provided
Scouts because it provides invaluable time spent with
opportunities for girls to be my daughter and countless
involved in all sorts of activities memories we have shared over
ranging from camping to crafts. the years. It means learning new
Girl Scouts is an organization to help girls grow into skills, helping others, giving back, building friendships,
leading women.” exploring the world around us, and having fun!”
GEORGE MCQUEEN MICAH MODUGNO
CV/Glendale Manhattan Beach
“I remember seeing a hall “The highlight for this past year
of pictures of Gold Award was absolutely being able to get
recipients. It reminded me of my together with the girls in person
own granddaughter receiving and to see their smiling faces
the award and all the hard work again.”
that goes into achieving that honor. I was proud of my
granddaughter as well as these new trailblazers.”
ERIKA NUTTING
Manhattan Beach
GRACE MELLIS
“The most meaningful part of Girl
San Marino Scouts is the relationships I have
“Our highlight was working made, both as a girl and an adult.
on the UPS Rose Parade Float, Some of my co-leaders have
cutting flowers for the chickens become my closest friends and I
and decoration and then having have mentored girls from Daisies into adulthood!”
the float win the Sweepstakes
Award and knowing that our volunteer work made that
ELIZABETH
possible.”
O’DONNELL
BEVERLY MERRILL Mt. View
Burbank “To be a Girl Scout means being a
part of a sisterhood that transcends
“For me, Girl Scouts means
race, religion, education, and
staying connected with a group
economic status. It means giving
of women who are trying to do
girls the opportunity to learn new things, make new
right by their daughters. It’s a
friends, and to teach them that they can choose who they
sense of involvement with our
want to be!”
service unit and volunteering quality time on Girl Scout
projects.”
162021 Appreciation Pin Recipients
JEANNE O’DONNELL SARA ROSAS
Mt. View Southeast
“I really appreciated the “Girl Scouts means many
commitment and flexibility things to me: fun, friends, new
demonstrated by troops to challenges, exploring, helping
be positive, communicate, others, making others happy,
show empathy, and cultivate and making the world a better
healthy minds during difficult times. It was an honor to place with my Girl Scouts Troop 1553 and our Girl Scout
contribute to this area of personal growth.” sisters.”
ANDY PARK JASMIN SANDIDGE
Board Member Puente Hills
“As a Korean American and “My highlight of the year was
first-generation college graduate, seeing my girls still excited about
Andy is passionate about Girl Scouts after not being able to
the power of education and meet in person for so long.”
opportunity for underserved
students. He is a proud girl dad and serves on the Board
of Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles.” ELENA SAWANT
Las Virgenes
RUTH PEREZ “Initially, Girl Scouts meant
outdoor adventures to me.
West Covina
However, I have discovered there
“To me, Girl Scouts means family.
are many resources, community
I have been blessed to be a co-
service projects, and learning
leader since my daughter was in
opportunities available. I just hope as many girls go all the
kindergarten and many of the
way on this journey and benefit from Girl Scouts.”
girls in our troop have been with
us since the beginning. We have grown together, and I
proudly call them my bonus daughters.” JENIFER SCHMUTZ
Woodland Hills
JENISE RAMOS “Being a National Delegate
for GSGLA was an amazing
Mission Rose
experience where I felt like I
“I genuinely believe for myself,
helped make a difference in the
my three daughters, and our
movement.”
troop, we are more involved
with our community because
we belong to Girl Scouts. The
badges and patches provide a selection of activities that
encourage community involvement.”
172021 Appreciation Pin Recipients
BRIDGET SIBLEY GAIL TESTA
Manhattan Beach RDE/Sil-Dom
“To me, Girl Scouts means getting “Collaborating with enthusiastic
to be able to guide an amazing staff about programs, mission,
group of girls and provide them and vision of Girl Scouts is
opportunities to build and increase remarkable! Supporting girls to
their courage, confidence, and complete Gold and Silver Awards,
character, as they grow into the amazing young women that as well as planning an international trip and being a
they are now. Being a Girl Scout Leader is priceless.” National Delegate have been high points of this year!”
CICELY SMART- CHRISTA THOMPSON
BROOKS Westchester/Del Rey
La Brea Heights “The impact Girl Scouts has had
“The highlight of this past on my community has been
membership year was watching amazing! The girls are the best
many of my girls that I’ve had and brightest and are using their
since kindergarten graduate from time, energy, and creativity to
high school, age out of Girl Scouts, and move into the help our community. From homeless kits to book and
next stages of their lives!” winter coat drives, they are truly making a difference!”
FLO SPEAKMAN SHELLEY THOMPSON
King Harbor Board Member
“Girl Scouts is a place where girls “A Girl Scout alumna from her
and leaders alike get to explore Brownie Days, Shelley Thompson
who they are as leaders and served as Board chair from
members of a larger community. 2018 to 2021 and is GSGLA’s
It is truly a place to express and first Board Chair Emeritus.
explore our growth mindsets and leadership style.” She chaired the “Invest in Girls” task force for GSGLA’s
strategic plan and was instrumental to the fundraising
campaigns for Camp Lakota and the Inglewood
FRANCESCA TAYLOR,
Innovation Center.”
MD.
Pali/Mali
“The highlight of my year was
seeing a Junior girl in my troop
complete Bronze, with an entirely
virtual project all about bats - her
passion! A young adult Girl Scout alumna with expertise
in the field encouraged and guided her...an awesome and
concrete sisterhood!”
182021 Appreciation Pin Recipients
DARLENE TORRES DENISE WANDEL
Marina Manhattan Beach
“Being part of the Girl Scout “I am very proud to have been a
movement means stepping out part of the Manhattan Beach Girl
of my comfort zone, whether Scouts organization - our girls
it’s helping girls reach their full have led numerous projects like
potential or helping others in our ‘Little Libraries,’ book collections,
community. It empowers me and thousands of young coat drives, and collections for shelters, in addition to the
ladies to be effective leaders.” Gold Award projects.”
NATALIE TORRES NIKKI ZULUETA
Las Caballeras Community Partner
“My daughter loves space, and the “Even though I was not a Girl
Girl Scouts of Citrus selected her Scout myself, I love being able
experiment to be conducted aboard to inspire young girls to pursue
the International Space Station. It their passion in STEM and learn
was a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime about the world around them. It’s
experience watching the other Girl Scout winners while great to see them get excited when their designs work or
their items blasted into space.” when they discover something new.”
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles would also like to award the following
volunteers with the Appreciation Pin:
Christine Abad Rebecca Cruz Jennifer Grammer Stephanie Rivas
Silvia Alvarran Alice Demartino Sara Gustafson Julie Smith
Vivian Avella Virginia Egebakken Annie Heller-Gutwillig Kimberly Solomon
Julia Bravo Jacquelyn Ferraro Jeannie Keasler Melissa Spence
Cristina Coleman Guadalupe “Lupe” Paula Parvinjah
Gonzales
Grace Coopman Tiffany Regecz
19Tenure Numeral Guard
The Numeral Guard (tenure) recognizes the combined number
of years accumulated as a registered member, girl and adult,
in five-year increments.
*Receiving both Numeral Guard and Years of Service Pins
NICHOLE BECKETT * LISSA (FLICKER)
Center City ALFRED*
40 Years Holly Hills
“Throughout my years, I have
45 Years
created companions and
“My highlights this year were
enhanced my leadership skills.
volunteering at the Cookie
Throughout my Girl Scout
Cupboard in Culver City
journey and Girl Scout Leader
and running a Sing-along for the Pacific Palisades
journey, I have joined and enhanced companions
Service Unit!”
accompanying astonishing girls/women.”
JUANITA MAXWELL* DEBORAH HARRIS*
Center City Center City
30 Years 35 Years
“Girl Scouts, to me, means
“I enjoy volunteering for Girl
helping to develop girls’
Scouts because it provides
confidence, encouraging them
the opportunity for girls to be
to experience something new,
involved in all sorts of activities
and giving them a platform to display their leadership
ranging from camping to crafts. Girl Scouts is an
skills.”
organization that helps girls grow into leading women.”
PHILICIA MAXWELL SUE HILLENDAHL
Center City Mission Rose
30 Years 55 Years
“Girl Scouts has played an
“Girl Scouts has allowed
important role in my life, as
girls to create a lot of first-
a girl member and then as a
time memories. Make the
leader. It has been rewarding to
unimaginable, tangible. Change
watch young girls grow into adults and become leaders
ceilings to glass. Girl Scouts is like a good adventure
themselves. Most of all, it’s given me friendships for life.”
book-- excited about what will happen next.”
20Tenure Numeral Guard
CAROLE MINGUS LORRAINE
Mission Rose SIMANSKY
50 Years Stoneyridge
“I have developed leadership and
50 Years
“My highlight for the 2021
life skills, as did the girls, but
membership year was seeing all
more importantly, I have also
the activities that were available
made lasting friendships. Lasting to Girl Scouts through GSUSA
friendships, for girls and adults, gives them the support and GSGLA websites, as well as through their troops
they need, as they continue to live their lives.” while we were operating during Covid-19.”
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles would also like to recognize the
following volunteers receiving the Tenure Numeral Guard:
30 Years 35 Years 45 Years
Karen Bowlin Julie Miller Jermaine Beckett*
Shamira Brown
Stephanie Sampson 40 Years 60 Years
Kim Krivis Elizabeth Soukup
21Years of Service Pin
The Years of Service Award is presented in five-year increments to
candidates active as registered Girl Scout adult members. These pins
represent only the years of active service as an adult.
*Receiving both Numeral Guard and Years of Service Pins
LISSA (FLICKER) ALFRED* SUSAN GUZZARDI
Holly Hills Stoneyridge
40 Years 35 Years
“Girl Scouts means lifelong friends, “This year’s highlights were
sisterhood, and affecting the future being able to hold Service Unit
of all the girls and leaders.” Adult Recognitions and Bridging
Ceremonies for the troops, while
observing pandemic restrictions. It was wonderful to
be able to recognize everyone’s hard work under trying
NICHOLE BECKETT* circumstances.”
Center City DEBORAH HARRIS*
25 Years Center City
“Throughout my years, I have
35 Years
created companions and enhanced
“Using technology allowed us to
my leadership skills. Throughout
keep the connection going with
my Girl Scout journey and Girl Scout
our girls. The highlight was to be
Leader journey, I have joined and enhanced companions
able to coach them to become more
accompanying astonishing girls/women.”
confident by doing presentations and leading virtual
cooking workshops.”
LIZ BUSQUE
Bonita LISA KWAN
25 Years Las Caballeras
“It was truly heartwarming 25 Years
watching the girls step up to help “I feel Girl Scouts provides
those in need during the difficulties young girls and ladies with the
everyone was experiencing opportunities to experience things
because of the pandemic.” they may not have at home. It
builds confidence, compassion, and self-esteem. I feel my
SUSAN DIAZ four daughters have benefited from being Girl Scouts for
North Redondo so many years.”
25 Years JUANITA MAXWELL*
“Girl Scouts helped me become the Center City
person I am, starting in 1st grade. I 30 Years
have been involved with Girl Scouts
“I enjoy volunteering for Girl Scouts
ever since. I have led three troops of
because it provides opportunities
girls through 12th grade and have kept in touch with many
for girls to be involved in all sorts of
over the years. They all love camp and lasting friendships.”
activities ranging from camping to
crafts. Girl Scouts is an organization that helps girls grow
22 into leading women.”Years of Service Pin
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles would also like to recognize the
following volunteers receiving the Years of Service Pin:
25 Years 40 Years
Anett Assilian Jermaine Beckett*
Virtual Vanguard Award
The Virtual Vanguard Award honors the incredible contributions our volunteers have
made to connect Girl Scouts to virtual experiences, provide innovative opportunities in
a virtual format for girls in a troop, service units, or the community, and exceeded all
expectations to continue to mentor Girl Scouts during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
2021 Virtual Vanguard Award Recipients
Alayna Sato Denise Meier Jill Grass Matthew Warren Renata Kanclerz
Alicia Lafaurie Diane Lumsdaine Jill Lanigan Megan Fleuren Renee Flanagan
Alyse Gleason Dr. Maribel Garcia Jodi Harris Megan Norman Robin Curtis
Amandalynn Sawyer Elizabeth Taddeo Joy Blake Melissa Herrera Robyn Arnold
Angela Juranek Ellen Andersen Juliana Diaz Melissa Loeffelholz Saadia Orantes Lopez
Anne Ruane Erin Tomanek Julie Goldin Melissa Lynch Sara Alvarez
Annie Heller- Heather Berger Kamia Fletcher Michele Lakier Sayoko Cox
Gutwillig Heather St. Dennis Kathryn Murray Michele Wahlig Shana Ballas
Annie Walling Ilene Knebel Kathy Vigil Michelle Dragin Sheila Kao
Bonnie George Isabel Rodriguez Katy Leigh Villari Nancy Fontan Simona Aranda
Brenda Alcala- Jacqueline Ferraro Kimberly Griffin Nicole Block Stacey Adler
Castaneda
Jacqueline Robinson Kimberly Nordyke Nicole Blue Sue Hillendahl
Brynn Malone
Jamie Nassour Kimberly Schwarz Noosha Niv Susan Spencer
Camilla Good
Janet KC-Jordan Lauren Dussinger Pamela Pernin Susan Willinger
Catherine Chittick
Jeannette Mullins Leigh-Ann Danner Paula Russell Tammylynn
Christina Evangelista Rodriguez
Jenna Schumacher Logan Hawkins Priya Bradfield
Danelle Cole Yesenia Diaz
Jennifer Gruber Lois Young Rachael Suarez
Dawn Hentrich
Jennifer Rootes Lorraine Romero Rachel Eli
Deb Carson
Jennifer Smolenski Lynn Cunninham Rachelle Killackey
Deborah Hess-
Wakeland Jessica Kelly Maggie Bertisch Rebecca Root
23girlscoutsla.org
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