Volunteer Awards and Recognition

Being a Girl Scout volunteer is rewarding but a big commitment. Our volunteers go above and beyond making a difference in the lives of girls across central Indiana.

Each year they give their time and talents, helping girls gain confidence to try new activities and become positive forces in their community. The Girl Scouts of Central Indiana and Girl Scouts of the USA awards have been updated and there are new awards for volunteers to earn. A complete listing of all awards is described below along with the criteria and tips for writing a successful nomination. All nominations are due March 15 each year.

GSCI Award Recipient Master List coming soon...

Nominate a volunteer today!

Potential GSCI Legacy Award

2025 Volunteer Award Recipients toggle arrow

GSCI Outstanding Leader of the Year

Heather Pegg
Kristen Gross
Rachel Backfish
Sheila Lacy

Thanks Badge

Christina Schwab
Sarah Bowmer

Honor Pin

Amber Lightle
Barbara Hillger
Danielle Rush
Garrett Hawk
Jill Ferguson
Shannon Nevins

GSCI Lead the Way

Aimee Formo
Alicia Cushing
Amy Deckard
Amy Jennings-Smith
Ashley Harris
Beth Frank
Christina Richardson
Christine Siders
Crystal Pryor
Doris Miller
Heather Capps
Jessica Miller-Schroeder
Jocelyn Piechocki
Karen Buchholz
Kimberly West
Lisa Martin
Lisa Martin
Megan Ramsey
Melanie Brunett
Sandra Saha
Sarah Hasecoster
Stephanie Mariani-Parshley
Tiffany Lingenfelser

Appreciation Pin

Alice Moyars
Beckah Sipes
Betsy Wilkerson
Brandon Sherman
Brandy Albers
Brenna Lowry
Candice King
Courtlyn Bales-Hall
Courtney Boyll
David King
Dinorah Sapp
Haley Milholland
Heather Wildrick-Holman
Jennifer Pinson
Kacie Lynch
Karen Payne
Kirstin Milks
Laura Overmyer
Layla McKnight
Oliver Callahan
Samantha Hughes
Samantha Sparks-Spire
Sarah Rozmin
Sarah Smith
Sarah Walton
Stacey Miller
Susan Curtis
Tiffany Flint
Vesper Miller

Volunteer of Excellence

Aimee Hughes
Alice Thompson
Alicia Lemons
Alisa Dunson
Alison Grooms
Allison Crouch
Alyssa Stevens
Amanda Ewing
Amanda McCalment
Amanda Reynolds
Amanda Robbins
Amanda Smith
Amanda Wade
Amanda White
Amber Kelly
Amber Mackey
Amy Holland
Andrea Buergler
Andrea James
Angel Elder
Angela Evans
Angela Webb
Angie Watts
Arie Childs
Aryah Thurston
Ashley Biesemeier
Ashlyn Carroll
Bailea Fegett
Becky Melton
Becky Schwantes-An
Becky Wojotowicz
Beth Tentler
Bianca Leigh
Brandy Collyear
Brett Pearlman
Brianna Kern
Bristi Ward
Brittani Henderson
Brittany Knick
Brittany McCorstin
Brooke Hedrick
Brooklyn Morris
Caitlyn Pierson
Carey LaBella
Carrie Grant
Carrie Pankiewicz-Burns
Cassy Stockton
Cedar Rabun
Chrissy Hudacin
Christiana Lahmon
Christy Hickman
Chrstiana Lahmon
Cierra Hill
Collette Campbell
Courtney McDonald
Danielle Kirby
Danielle Pugh
David Mackey
Dawn Thomas
Deborah Matthews
Deidre Werner
Delaney Tharp
Edna Ellis
Elizabeth Grimes
Elizabeth Yost
Elly MAE Pierce
Eman Biltaji
Emily Harlow
Erica Metz
Genisee Baird
Gretchen Eggers
Halie Cerbone
Heather Boltinghouse
Heather Dick
Heather Powell
Hillary Weber
Hillary May
Isaac Wafzig
Jackie McDonald
Jackie Ruiz
Jamie Palmer
Janea King
Janette Whitly
Jennifer Lamberson
Jessica Evans
Jessica Rooney
Jessica Solomon
JoAnn Spurlock
Joanne Dozza
Joel Hedquist
Julie Collenbaugh
Julie Jordan-ketcham
Julie Schaefer
Julisa Parsons
Kaitlin Gbur
Kaitlyn Ross
Kandice Franklin
Katelynn Brack
Katherine Purple
Katie Lewis
Katie Smith
Katie Brown
Kayla Lamm
Kayla Reed
Kaylin Monyhan
Kaylin Monyhan
Kelly Rocco
Kelsie Sausaman
Kelsie Caudill
Kristen Childers
Kristin Childers
Kylonda Clark
Laura Knudson
Lauren McKinney
Leah Smith
Lexxa LaPointe
Liz Powers
Lori Smith
Louisa Mattingly
Lucy Mobley
Madison Bousum
Mae Pierce
Makala Baker
Mallory Klausmeier
Margaret Perkins
Marty Hadley
Mary Harter
Matt Smith
Maura Durkin
Meghan Reasner
Melinda McGuire
Melissa Buehler
Melissa Clark
Melissa Daniels
Michelle Barbush
Michelle Jenkins
Nicole Fishback
Pam Grohman
Rebecca White
Renee Majors
Risa Gethers
Sadie Smith
Samantha Atri
Sandra Decker
Sara Galbarth
Sara McMahon
Sarah Brown
Sarah Bruner
Shania Childers
Shannon Akers
Shannon Johnson
Shantel Telljohann
Shauna Abdullah
Shawn Craighead
Shaylee Boyer
Sheena Kuyper
Shelley Phillips
Sherry Gibson
Sydney Sills
Tamela Cunningham
Tara White
Tara Schatzer
Tarra Ziegler
Teresa Johns
Terica Immormino
Timara Turman Shepeard
Tisha Jarboe
Tonya Quinton
TRACY WILSON
Valery Chappell
Zachary Anderson

GSCI Legacy Award

Amy Bohley
Amy Carter
Amy Gerardot
Andrea Martin
Angela Swenson
Anne Tordai
Becky Cole
Christina Smith
Christine Lowery
Christy Barlow
Christy Parker
Courtney Bender
Deborah Wheat
Erika Bryenton
Heather Bechdol
Helen Riley
Holly Bales-Hall
Jane Jones
Jane Lingenfelser
Janet Hinds
Janine Lowery
Jennifer Crooks
Jennifer Davee
Jessie Sutton-Laguna
Jodi Kunstek
Jordon Marcombe
Kareston Hall
Kathy Andrews-Ault
Kathy Blake
Kim Myers
Kimberly Harlow
Kimberly Norris
Kristin Hatfield
Laura Helderbrand
Mary Broadstreet
Melanie Beach
Melanie Hinze
Monica Brownewell- Smith
Rachael Phillips
Rhonda Krebs
Robyn Penny
Sarai Armstrong
Stasia Veramallay
Susan Crissafulli
Talytha Hamilton-Collins
Tamara Searcy
Teresa Estrada
Tiffany Lingenfelser
Tracy Funkhouser

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana Volunteer Recognition Information Packet

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana Volunteer Awards Training Video

Descriptions and Guidelines

Volunteer of Excellence toggle arrow

The Volunteer of Excellence award recognizes volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through use of the National Program Portfolio, or who have contributed outstanding service in support of the council’s mission delivery to girl and adult members. Guidelines

Example Nomination: Pooja Thakkar

Pooja Thakkar, a dedicated and energized newcomer, deserves recognition for her outstanding contributions to Girl Scouts. Leading a new Daisy troop, she goes above and beyond, planning weekly activities to help the girls earn badges and gain new experiences, often accommodating their requests for additional meetings. Pooja's commitment is evident as she actively participates in every Service Unit meeting, connects with experienced volunteers for guidance, and embraces the role of a county representative. Despite her personal aversion to camping, she is planning a camp experience for her girls to ensure their enjoyment. Pooja focuses on building the girls' confidence, offering to present their first-year experiences to prospective Daisies and encouraging them to try new activities. Her exceptional dedication places the girls at the forefront of her leadership.

Appreciation Pin toggle arrow

The Appreciation Pin recognizes adult volunteer who has delivered outstanding service to at least one service unit in a way that impacts the council’s goals and objectives. Guidelines

Example Nomination: Beth Rosales

Beth has been a tremendous help in developing leadership skills as a troop co-leader. The immeasurable leadership as the cookie manager for the service unit shows our troop and the rest of the unit good leadership skills. Beth co-leads a bilingual troop that encourages the use of culture and language as a symbol of pride. This in turns gives girls courage to be themselves and set an example for the community. Beth has always been a cheerleader, guide, and mentor, while helping Girl Scouts develop essential life skills and build courage, confidence, and character that will last a lifetime. Beth has been the Cookie Service Unit Manager. BUT she has answered questions far and wide, she is always available, and is very kind to confused leaders/cookie managers. If she doesn't know the answer then she can find the person who does.

Lead The Way Award toggle arrow

The Lead the Way Award recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This service has had a measurable impact on one service unit or local area. The individual had previously earned GSUSA’s Appreciation Pin. Guidelines

Example Nomination: Amber Abdullah

Watching Amber lead this year's Cookie Rally was truly heartwarming. She orchestrated a delightful cooking experience for the girls, crafting recipes that incorporated a variety of Girl Scout cookies. The girls from Service Unit 614 Decatur Township had the chance to slice strawberries, mix shakes, and test these innovative recipes. Under Amber's guidance, they honed their culinary skills, from dicing to presentation, all while gaining valuable insights into effective cookie sales. Amber consistently provides girls with opportunities to explore new activities at service unit events and within her troops. Her commitment to inclusivity is evident, as she readily welcomes new girls into her troop. Amber's dedication extends to both her role as an Ambassador and her leadership of an active troop of 11 girls at the Islamic School of Plainfield. Her impact is truly commendable.

Honor Pin

The Honor Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which has had measurable impact on two or more geographic areas of service, allowing the council to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals. Guidelines

Example Nomination: Crystal Pryor (Putnam)

Crystal's dedication to our Girl Scout community has been truly remarkable. She went above and beyond, driving over an hour and a half to our monthly service unit meeting to provide training on CheddarUp. Her clear and user-friendly guidance managed to convert several initially resistant volunteers. Thanks to Crystal's efforts, our event chairs now use CheddarUp to effortlessly promote events and collect payments, streamlining a previously chaotic process. Crystal's impact has significantly improved service unit event planning, relieving leaders and SU Teams of unnecessary burdens, allowing them to focus on creating exceptional events. Beyond her contributions with CheddarUp, she has also traveled to SU meetings to discuss and recruit for camp. Her unwavering commitment makes her an exceptional volunteer, and her positive influence cannot be overstated.

Thanks Badge toggle arrow

Thanks Badge honors an individual whose ongoing commitment, leadership and service have had an exceptional. measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement. Guidelines

Example Nomination: Helen Weber Mcreynolds

Helen is a driving force within our High Adventure Group Outings, certified to lead backpacking expeditions in the great outdoors. Her expertise is invaluable and ignites a passion for experiential learning in girls. She imparts emergency preparedness skills for adventurous journeys and encourages Girl Scouts to handle their meals from start to finish. Over the past year, Helen has led three overnight High Adventure trips, inspiring girls to step out of their comfort zones for weekend adventures at Shades, Chain of Lakes State Park, and Camp Dellwood. These programs have opened doors for our CSA girls to explore new horizons, with participation growing exponentially. Helen's activities empower girls to embrace independence, courage, physical activity, and self-confidence. Her dedication extends to volunteering for Kaleidoscope trainings, Service Unit meetings, and contributing a substantial supply of backpacks to lower the costs for girls attending High Adventure Group's programs. Helen's selfless commitment is enriching the Girl Scouts council-wide, fostering outdoor enthusiasm and personal growth.

Thanks Badge II toggle arrow

Thanks Badge II honors an individual whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission delivery goals and priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement. Guidelines

Example Nomination: Abbie Wehr

Abbie Wehr, a dedicated day camp volunteer for 5 years, has positively impacted over 1,250 girls from across the council as Camp Dellwood. Her influence extends beyond her local area, attracting volunteers from counties like Wayne, Rush, and Randolph, some traveling more than 2 hours one way to support her. In a critical lifeguard shortage last summer, Abbie went above and beyond, volunteering three times a week to ensure no gaps in pool time scheduling, benefitting an additional 750+ girls council-wide. Abbie's unwavering commitment extends to various leadership roles, including Rush Service Unit Cookie Manager, Service Unit Fall Product Manager, Troop cookie manager, and assisting at the Indy cookie office. Her exceptional customer service, infectious spirit, and boundless energy make her an invaluable asset. Abbie has also served as a service unit manager, council facilitator teaching outdoor skills, air riflery, and archery. Her generosity in sharing time, talents, and treasure is greatly appreciated.

GSCI Outstanding Leader Award toggle arrow

The GSCI Outstanding Leader Award recognizes four troop leaders who have contributed outstanding service to their troop, going above and beyond their responsibilities. The troop leader has made a significant, positive impact on the lives of girls. His/her service empowers girls to develop courage, confidence and character through troop activities, Girl Scout Journeys and Badges and take action projects. With the troop leader’s guidance, girls have opportunities to work cooperatively and learn by doing in a safe, girl-led environment. These four recipients will be invited to the United We Lead award ceremony on June 26, where one will receive the GSCI Outstanding Leader of the Year Award. Guidelines

Example Nomination: Shannon Nevins

Shannon excels in creating an empowering environment for girls to lead and learn according to their individual abilities and age levels. Her encouragement pushes girls to step out of their comfort zones safely, promoting the exploration of new experiences, whether successes or setbacks. This mindset extends to adult volunteers, fostering resilience and a willingness to try new things. Shannon emphasizes the importance of sisterhood, promoting kindness and respect among Scouts. Having experienced her dedication as both a youth and adult in Girl Scouts, Shannon's boundless energy and enthusiasm continue to make a significant impact. As a Service Unit Leader, she offers support and resources to leaders, excelling as a Cookie Cupboard Manager during cookie season. Shannon's commitment ensures that Girl Scout events are not only enjoyable but also memorable, making her a delight to work with and an asset to camporees and similar opportunities.

GSCI Legacy Award toggle arrow

GSCI Legacy Award This award is given to every Girl Scout troop leader or co-leader who has led a troop from kindergarten through grade 12. Guidelines.

Informal Adult recognitions

Recognition—do it often and make it meaningful. We have put together 10 Simple Ways to Thank Volunteers to get you started along with thank you card templates, get creative, there are so many great ideas! Informal recognitions are day-to-day ways to say “thank you” to volunteers. These sincere expressions of appreciation are based on specific contributions and are given in a timely manner. Informal recognition is powerful and effective, because volunteers feel valued by a personal touch.