Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Around the Council: August 2018

Troop #1639 enjoyed a visit to Holiday World and Lincoln's Boyhood Home National Park

Clinton County Troop #688 leanred to tie a friendship knot

Cadettes from Staunton and Mount Olive ran a s'mores station and registration tent at the Staunton Balloon Glow.

Jefferson County Troop #8872 rededicated themselves to the Girl Scout Promise & Law.

Troop #74 from Belleville bridged to Cadettes and were honored by the Belleville Area Humane Society for their Girl Scout Bronze Award project.

Brownie Troop #8165 from Carbondale helped their leader Daisy C. with her official Monarch Waystation!

Highland Girl Scout Troop #342 held a bridging ceremony at Camp Torqua

Maddie D. addressed City Council about her Girl Scout Silver Award project.

Troop #191 from Belleville bridged from Brownies to Juniors.

Clinton County Girl Scouts held a fishing derby and raingutter boat race. 

Girl Scouts held a boat race family informational event at John A. Logan College.

New Girl Scouts have been signing up in Mt. Vernon.

GSSI's street team have been out thanking members of the community for their support of Girl Scouting. 

New Girl Scouts have been signing up in Mt. Vernon.

Girl Scouts bridged in Waterloo.

Girl Scout Alumna: Norma Dyer, Girl Scout Volunteer with a Heart of Gold

(L-R): Michelle Barnes, Norma Dyer, Hannah Barnes, GSSI CEO Loretta Graham

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) honored Mt. Vernon resident Norma Dyer with its prestigious Heart of Gold Award during its 9th Annual Meeting on April 7 at the Doubletree Hilton in Mt. Vernon. The Heart of Gold Award recognizes the long-term impact a volunteer has had on girls and adults in his or her community through involvement in Girl Scouts.

“Norma sees the benefits girls reap from participation in Girl Scouts and she has taken on leadership responsibilities,” said fellow Jefferson County volunteer Ruthie Alexander. “She leads by example and encourages her Girl Scouts to give back to their community through service and volunteering.”

See Norma Receive her Heart of Gold Award

Dyer was a Girl Scout for 6 years as a girl and 40 years as an adult volunteer. Her family currently has three generations active in the movement – including daughter Michelle Barnes and granddaughter Hannah Barnes, who recently earned the Girl Scout Silver Award, which is the highest award a Girl Scout in 6-8th grade can earn.

“I believe a girl can do anything because she can apply the skills she has learned to change the world and inspire future generations,” said Dyer.

This month, Girl Scouts launched its new “Lifetime of Leadership” PSA highlighting famous alumnae including regional standouts such as U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee from East St. Louis, singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow from Kennett, Missouri and model turned STEM entrepreneur Karlie Kloss from St. Louis – along with many other famous female change-makers in fields such as politics, technology, media and sports. To celebrate the historic impact of Girl Scouts in our communities, GSSI invites local alumnae to reach out and share their stories by calling 800.345.6858, connecting with the council on social media, or e-mailing customercare@gsofsi.org.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Around the Council

Check out the exciting things that Girl Scouts have been up to all around Southern Illinois!  See our photo album to catch Girl Scout troops in action!

Junior Troop #83858 from Vandalia, IL has been honoring community members as "Everyday Heroes" - including a local police officer and the town's only crossing guard.

Daisy Troops #283 and #676 stayed overnight at Camp Torqua.

Girl Scouts testing water at Scott Air Force Base

The Bioenvironmental Unit at Scott Air Force Base helped Girl scouts do water testing for PH, chlorine and bacteria as the girls worked on their World of Water Journey.

On April 21, Girl Scout Seniors from Service Unit 101 Alton/Godfrey/Roxana/Wood River hosted an Enchanted Friendship Day for younger Girl Scouts.  Girls played games, put on friendship skits, made flower pots for each other and learned to pass the friendship squeeze. 

Girl Scout Troop #8653 from Mount Vernon, IL discussed respecting authority at their April troop meeting.  They had special guests including Mr. Wayne Stone, Field School Principal, Casey Hanes and Lynne Mulch, parents of Girl Scouts and Police Officer Christina Drage.  Visitors discvussed how to show and give respect to peers, adults, parents and authority figures in charge.  

Troop #688 from Clinton County has been working on their Girl Scout Bronzw Award.

West Willamson County Girl Scouts helped welcome veterans home from an Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

Girl Scouts from Troop #8125 from Pinckneyville, IL introduced STEM activities to local pre-K students.

Girl Scout Troop #8626 from Mount Vernon, IL donated 26 baby baskets to Angel Cove.

Katie, Mia and Delaney from Troop #8115 discussed earning their Girl Scout Bronze Award and community service with the audience at Girls World Expo.

Girl Scout Troop #8597 at the Anna Veterans Home

Girl Scout Troop #8597 created a Fairy Garden for the Anna Veterans Home.

Girl Scout Troop #8843 from DuQuoin, IL went to Build-A-Bear. 

Madison County Girl Scout Troop #130 visited Sherry's Snacks in Alton to earn their Business badges and learn what it takes to operate a small business. 

Service Unit 42 Marion held a weekend campout.

Girl Scout Victoria was honored at Girls World Expo.

Jackson County Girl Scouts held a successful Arbor Day event.  Girls helped plant trees in Attucks Park in Carbondale, potted their own dogwood saplings, made seed paper, created nature-inspired paintings and chalk pictures, learned nature photography, made bamboo windchimes and made rain sticks. 

Girl Scout Junior Troop #145 from Staunton explored Chicago together.  Over the course of the weekend, the girls walked nearly 22 miles while visiting Willis Tower, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Millennium Park and Pizano's. 

Girl Scout Troop #8349 from Freeburg has been busy lately - including attending Tab Top Pandemonium with Ronald McDonald House, enjoying Great American Human Foosball and visiting Lincoln's New Salem Home. 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Recieves $3,100 Grant from Schweinfurth Foundation Trust

Schweinfurth Advisory Committee Chairman Bill Beck &
GSSI Communications & Development Manager Tricia Higgins

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois has received a $3,100 grant from the Schweinfurth Foundation Trust. 

The Schweinfurth Foundation Trust was created by Mt. Vernon philanthropist and businessman Dr. Carl Lincoln Schweinfurth.  One of the purposes of the trust is to develop and carry out plans and programs for the recreation and education of young people in the greater Mt. Vernon area.

The Schweinfurth Foundation Trust grant supports the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in Jefferson County. The majority of funds will support financial assistance to girls, assuring that no girl is turned away from Girl Scouting due to her family's financial circumstances. 

Earning Girl Scout Gold Award Helps Emily Hocking Receive Full Scholarship

by Nicolle Patton, GSSI Intern

Emily Hocking with GSSI CEO Sarah Durbin

Girl Scouts is a huge staple in helping girls grow not only in various skills to help them in their future endeavor, but to grow into a better them. Nobody knows that better than Emily Hocking, from Mount Vernon.

Emily has been a part of the organization since Kindergarten. Now, she’s about to graduate High School with major accomplishments under her belt including a full tuition scholarship - and it’s thanks to earning Girl Scouts highest award, the Gold Award.

“The college I chose offers special scholarships for those girls who have earned the Girl Scout Gold award,” Emily explained. “I have worked very hard in school to have good grades and I also earned my Gold Award, these both allowed me to have the privilege to get a full tuition scholarship.” Emily will be attending MacMurray College in the fall of 2017 where she’ll be studying Nursing.

Knowing that earning the Gold Award helps Girl Scouts get scholarships, I asked her if earning her Gold Award gives her other advantages over others.

She said, “I don’t necessarily believe it is so much an advantage, but as that through my thirteen years of Girl Scouting it has taught me a lot. Thanks to Girl Scouts and earning my Bronze, Silver and Gold Award, I have learned a lot about what being a true leader in my community is. Girl Scouting has made me into the woman I am today. There is no doubt that if I wasn’t in Girl Scouts, I probably would not be as outgoing and have the leaderships skills I do.”

Emily received the Girl Scout Gold Award in 2016. 

Emily has some words of advice about those who are on the fence about pursuing their Gold Award. “I say go for it. I know that it is very time consuming and seems like a lot of work, but you never realize all the lessons you learn and the accomplishments you can make by having your Gold Award. Be the girl that can say ‘yes, I did that.’ Be proud and work your butt off because in the end it’s worth it.”

When asked if girls should stick with Girl Scouts until they graduated, she replied, “I believe as you get older in scouts you learn the true meaning of being a scout. As a Daisy or Brownie Scout you have a lot of fun doing crafts, going to events, but once you get to the higher levels you learn a lot more and get to experience the power of what being a leader in your community actually is. You get to be that girl that all the little scouts look up to and hope to be like.”

Knowing Emily personally, I can say that younger girls truly indeed look up to her for guidance when they work on something Girl Scout related or something connected to the community. It’s wonderful to see older Girl Scouts like Emily that are stepping up and being a role model for these younger scouts to emulate.

I wanted to know what exactly Girl Scouts meant to her and how it’s impacted her life so far, she answered, “Girl Scouting to me has meant learning to become a leader and knowing you can accomplish any task you set your mind to. It has lead me to lifelong friendships. One of my best friends today I met in Girl Scouts our Kindergarten year. We have done so much together from getting our Gold Awards to going to the father daughter dances. Without Girl Scouts who knows if I would have even met her.”

Emily Hocking and Danielle Patton

It seems like Emily has had a fulfilling Girl Scouting career with the many personal growths and connections she’s made through the years. With her heading off to college soon, she’ll bound to make more, but would she be able to put any skills she’s learned when doing her Gold Award into her new college life?

“I believe the organizational skills I learned from planning out my project will help me a lot through college and studying to become a nurse. I also believe the outgoing personality I have acquired through scouting will help me a lot to make friends and bond with my future patients. Scouting has definitely got me out of me shell.”

It’s good to know that she’ll be using the skills she’s gained through the years in Girl Scouts as well as the work she dedicated to earning her Gold Award to aide her on this new journey. It goes without saying that that she’s grown thanks to her years and lessons she’s gained in Girl Scouts. 

NEW! STEM Programs Coming to Mt. Vernon

Look out! We have some awesome new STEM programs coming your way!

Dr. Seuss’ Silly Science
Who: Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies
Date: October 22, 2016
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Deadline: October 6, 2016
Location: Girl Scout House (100 N 20th St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864)
Price: $8

Do you love Dr. Seuss? What about science? Join us as we play and discover the magic of science in Dr. Seuss’ World.

If you are interested in the science of Seuss
Think pretty highly of chemistry’s use
Join us here, where fun knows no bounty
The Girl Scout house in Jefferson County!

Watts, Wands and Wizards
Who: Girl Scout Juniors – Ambassadors
Date: October 22, 2016
Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Deadline: October 6, 2016
Location: Girl Scout House, 100 N. 20th St, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Price: $12

About: Let’s make some magic! Well, not real magic, but how about a light-up wand that only works when you hold it. Girl Scout Juniors – Ambassadors can create a special magic wand which lights up when you hold it. But if you give the wand to your friend nothing happens. That’s the magic of circuits! During this program you will wire your wand using a reed switch. Learn about basic wiring and electricity while creating this one of a kind costume prop.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Receives Schweinfurth Foundation Grant

GSSI's Tricia Higgins receives a $3,100 check from
Schweinfurth Advisory Committee Chairman Bill Beck

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois received a $3,100 grant from the Schweinfurth Foundation Trust

The Schweinfurth Foundation Trust was created by Mt. Vernon philanthropist and businessman Dr. Carl Lincoln Schweinfurth.  One of the purposes of the trust is to develop and carry out plans and programs for the recreation and education of young people in the greater Mt. Vernon area.

The Schweinfurth Foundation Trust grant supports the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for nearly 270 girls in Jefferson County. The majority of funds will support financial assistance to girls, assuring that no girl is turned away from Girl Scouting due to her family's financial circumstances. 

Emily Hocking From Mt. Vernon Earns the Girl Scout Gold Award

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is pleased to announce that Emily Hocking from Mt. Vernon has received the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can receive. 

For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, called Babies First, Emily worked with Angels’ Cove in Mt. Vernon. One of the services Angels’ Cove provides is assistance to teenagers with unplanned pregnancies. Emily worked with Angels’ Cove by repainting and decorating a room for an expectant mother. She also provided 25 filled diaper bags for babies as well as 25 expectant mother bags. In addition, Emily also restocked the organization’s pantry.

Through her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Emily gained valuable leadership skills that she’ll be able to use throughout her life. “I learned that public speaking and being outgoing, organized and dedicated are important leadership skills to have in a project such as this,” said Emily. “I learned that it’s important to have the support of your friends, family and community when working on a project of this magnitude,” she added.

Emily is the daughter of Amanda and Kenneth Karrick. She is currently a junior at Mt. Vernon Township High School. Emily has been a Girl Scout for 12 years. 

The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, recognizes a Girl Scout's commitment to excellence as she develops skills and values to meet present and future challenges in her life. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, a Girl Scout Senior or Girl Scout Ambassador must design and carry out a project that fulfills a need within a girl’s community, creates change, and is sustainable. The project must be completed with a suggested minimum of 80 hours of work. Only about 5 percent of eligible girls earn the prestigious Gold Award.

Danielle Patton from Mt. Vernon Earns the Girl Scout Gold Award

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is pleased to announce that Danielle Patton from Mt. Vernon has received the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can receive. 

For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, called A Fresh Start From My Heart, Danielle worked with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to brighten the lives of the children being served by the organization. Danielle created age appropriate Birthday Boxes which contained the necessary items for a child’s birthday party. She also created Blessing Bags for the children that were filled with such things as personal hygiene products, toys, books and socks. The final step of Danielle’s project consisted of her making Life Books for the children. These notebooks contained autographed pictures of local celebrities that provided encouragement and inspiration to the children who received them.

Danielle gained valuable life skills from completing her Girl Scout Gold Award project. “I learned that I am very fortunate to have such unconditional love and support from my family and friends,” said Danielle. “I learned to recognize a problem, take control, be a leader and take action to help make a difference,” she added.

Danielle is the daughter of Greg and Lesa Patton. She is currently a junior at Mt. Vernon Township High School. Danielle has been a Girl Scout for 12 years. 

The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, recognizes a Girl Scout's commitment to excellence as she develops skills and values to meet present and future challenges in her life. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, a Girl Scout Senior or Girl Scout Ambassador must design and carry out a project that fulfills a need within a girl’s community, creates change, and is sustainable. The project must be completed with a suggested minimum of 80 hours of work. Only about 6 percent of eligible girls earn the prestigious Gold Award.

Save the Date! GSSI's Annual Meeting & All That Glitters Will Be April 9 in Mt. Vernon

Dancing With Our Stars Raises $21,000 for Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

2015 Dancing With Our Stars Winner The Bollywood Twisters

 

 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois raised more than $21,000 during its 7th Annual Dancing With Our Stars (DWOS) fundraiser at Krieger’s Convention Center at the Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon on Saturday, Aug. 22. Dance team The Bollywood Twisters, sponsored by Kaushal Pediatrics, took home the Mirror Ball Trophy for first place. Carolyn and Dean Montague, sponsored by Paulette and Ron Schneider, won the Judges Choice award.  See Photo Album

 Also participating were the dance teams of: Centre Stage Dancers, sponsored by Centre Stage Studios; Devin Riley and Kara Bachelor, sponsored by Poppy’s; Mt. Vernon High School Drama Club, sponsored by Candy and Fred Isberner; Lesa Woods, sponsored by Larry and Bobbie Drury; Sister Suffragettes, sponsored by Centre Stage Studios; The Hocketts, sponsored by Higgins Custom & Collision; Drama Mamas, sponsored by Diane and Rick Siemer; and The New Evolution, sponsored by National Railway Equipment Co.

This is the second time the Bollywood Twisters participated in Dancing With Our Stars. Gauri is a freshman at University of Missouri Kansas City in a 6-year medical program. Younger sister Priyanka is a Mt. Vernon High School freshman. Their parents own Kaushal Pediatrics Services LTD in Mt. Vernon.

 “What a wonderful night during our 7th Annual Dancing With Our Stars,” said Villie M. Appoo, GSSI Chief Executive Officer. “We are so grateful to everyone who participated in and supported this year’s DWOS fundraiser,” said Appoo. “Everyone from our DWOS committee, to our dancers and the generous Mt. Vernon community helped make this fundraiser very successful.” According to Appoo, funds raised during DWOS will help Girl Scouts continue to develop leadership programs for girls, maintain and improve its camps and help outreach to at-risk girls.

Co-hosts for the event were Brandon Bullard with RARE and Bria Ashby with Community First Bank. Celebrity judges were Mike Beard from The Insurance Store, Joe Gliosci with Peoples National Bank, Finny Mathew of Crossroads Community Hospital and Mary Beth Mezo with Smokin’ T’s Competition BBQ.

 

2015 Dancing With Our Stars Judges

Teams competed to win DWOS’ Mirror Ball Trophy by earning the top spot in a two part scoring system. The judges’ scores provided the first element to the dancers’ scores. The second element added a dash of audience participation and even more excitement, as dancers accrued points with donations from their supporters and attendees at the event.

Other DWOS sponsors included: Trophy Sponsor: Crossroads Community Hospital; Vote Tabulation Sponsor: Community First Bank; Silent Auction Sponsor: First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, Premier Radio Sponsor, WDML; Fred and Tammy Klapetzky, DJ; and Krieger’s Convention Center at Holiday Inn.

 

 

Judges Choice Award Winners Carolyn & Dean Montague

All proceeds from DWOS will be used to provide financial assistance to at-risk girls, to maintain and improve GSSI camps and to develop Girl Scout leadership programs for nearly 14,000 girls throughout southern Illinois.

Interview: Brandon Bullard, Dancing With Our Stars Co-Host

Interview by GSSI Intern Nicolle Patton

With August approaching, that means it’s the tail end of the summer season and that school will shortly be back in session, but it also means that the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ annual Dancing With Our Stars event is around the corner!

This year’s event will be held on Saturday August 22nd at the Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon Illinois. This year will be the 7th year Girl Scouts have hosted this dancing competition in which the proceeds donated throughout the night go towards the upcoming year to help with new activities, financial assistance, volunteer training and camp maintenance for the 14,000 girls registered in the southern Illinois region.   You can see more about the event at GSSI's website, www.gsofsi.org.

I recently spoke with one of the hosts of this year’s event, Brandon Bullard, who’s the Marketing Director at RARE Chop House located in Mt. Vernon Illinois. I asked him a few questions about the event as well as routines and memories he’s had from past events. Some of his answers were nothing short of hilarious.

 

Brandon Bullard & DWOS Co-Host Bria Ashby from Community First Bank 



NP: How long have you helped with Dancing with our Stars?

BB: “Since day one, I was on the committee when we started, and was a ‘Dancer’ in the first year’s show.”

NP: What’s your favorite memory from this event?

BB: “So many good ones, it’s hard to narrow. I’d say it was a tie between doing my own ‘routine’ the first year, and also just enjoying the total community support getting behind this event and supporting Girl Scouts each and every year.”

NP: Why do you help Girl Scouts with this event?

BB: “They give me a microphone and no script. Dangerous, but a lot of fun.”

NP: Anything new you’d wish to see at this event in the future?

BB: “More acts!! It’s not a professional, choreographed, studio ran event…it is amateurs who love to have fun, dance, enjoy the music, and like to help a great cause. Simply put, come out, have fun, show us your fun side and raise some money for Girl Scouts!”

NP:Do you have a favorite group that performs every year?

BB: “Yes…the judges. They crack me up with every review…I find myself having to catch my breath while the applause is ringing so I can gather myself for the next routine. I love them all! And they never disappoint!”

NP: Do you hope to continue to help the Girl Scouts with this event?

BB: “Every year, no question…yes! My daughter is a Girl Scout and I love the programs and the foundation that she is building…and I am happy to give back.”

 

NP: f you had to choose a dancing partner from the past events, who would they be and why? What dance would you two do?

BB: “Derrick Quitsch, our City Inspector…he danced with a blow up doll one year and I really felt like I could have taken the doll’s place and guided him to victory. The doll didn’t give him a chance to show his raw theatrical talent and if I could go back, I would help him show the world his true shining star.”

 

NP:

I’m not sure what Bullard will say with his free range power of the microphone or if there will be blow up dolls at this year’s event, but I will say that it’s a wonderful opportunity to show your support for Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois by buying a ticket ($45 which includes dinner and an entertaining night of dancing). There are also table sponsorships available for $500 and include a table for 10 people.

You can also vote for your favorite dancer online and make a small donation that way. Each dollar donated is a “vote” towards the dancer you select. Either way you can support, big or small, it’s a great opportunity to help donate to an organization that helps build girls and gives them wonderful opportunities they wouldn’t find anywhere else.

 

 

 

Four Girls Receive Girl Scouts' Medal of Honor at All That Glitters Awards Ceremony

Girl Scouts were shining stars during Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ (GSSI) All That Glitters Award ceremony on March 28, 2015 at Rend Lake Resort in Whittington, Illinois. Each year, the banquet recognizes Girl Scouts from across southern Illinois who achieve significant accomplishments in community service and leadership.

At All That Glitters, Girl Scouts of the USA's Medal of Honor, a national Lifesaving Award, was presented to four GSSI Girl Scouts for their heroic actions. Lifesaving Awards have been a part of the Girl Scout program since the movement started in 1912 and are a form of recognition given to a registered Girl Scout who has saved or attempted to save a human life under circumstances that indicate heroism or risk of her own life. These awards are reserved for Girl Scouts who have performed heroic acts beyond the degree of maturity and training expected at their age. Awardees are:

Cheynne Chalkus of Salem

Cheyenne was 18 years old last August when she saved the life of her 22 month old nephew Skyler after he had an accidental fall into the hot tub. She immediately laid him on the deck and started chest compressions while her mother called 911. After several compressions, Skyler started to faintly cry and breathe on his own. Cheyenne then sat him up and waited for paramedics to arrive. Once there, the paramedics found Skyler fully alert.

“They said it was a good thing I knew CPR,” said Cheyenne. “Today he is a completely healthy and happy boy, and I am so glad I could help him,” she added. Cheyenne is the daughter of Scott and Carole Chalkus.

Kayli Kohn of Fairfield

Kayli was 10 years old when she rescued her two year old brother Hudson in 2013. Kayli was putting Hudson into the van as the family was leaving a local business. Before her father and stepmother got into the car, Hudson accidentally hit the gear shift and the van began to roll backwards into the street, although the keys were not in the van’s ignition. Kayli began to yell to get the attention of the oncoming traffic. Her attempts were successful as the cars came to a stop before colliding with the family vehicle. After crossing two lanes of traffic, the van struck a building and came to a stop. Hudson was unharmed when he was taken out of the vehicle, and it was later determined that the van’s gear shift was defective. 

“My brother was so scared, and he was crying in my arms. Nobody got hurt; we are so lucky. I love my brother so much,” said Kayli. Kayli is the daughter of Jessica and Jeremy Kohn.

Brianna and Brittany McGehee of Mt. Vernon 

Brianna and Brittany, twins from Mt. Vernon, were 11 years old in June 2014 when they came to the aid of their sister Shelia. Brianna and Brittany were going to babysit for Shelia’s three young children when they found their sister face down on the bathroom floor. From their Girl Scout First Aid/CPR training, the girls believed Shelia showed signs of having had a stroke. Brittany and Brianna called the hospital and turned Shelia to her side. With their First Aid training and assistance from the hospital operator, the girls gave their sister aspirin and cool rags and kept her talking. Once stable, Brianna and Brittany helped their sister into their mother’s truck to go to the hospital. 

“We had CPR/First Aid training, but it was really scary when it’s your own sister that you love,” said Brianna. “I’m glad that I was going to babysit that day and that I have my First Aid/CPR certificate,” added Brittany. Brianna and Brittany are the daughters of Gary and Donna McGehee.

Norma Dyer from Mt. Vernon Named February Pearl of the Month

 

 

GSSI is pleased to announce that Norma Dyer of Mt. Vernon is the February Pearl of the Month. The Pearl of the Month Award recognizes a Girl Scout volunteer who has delivered service beyond expectations and helped to ensure that the approximately 14,000 Girl Scouts in southern Illinois benefi t from a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Nominees must meet several criteria, including completion of all required training for his or her volunteer position as well as providing outstanding service to his or her Service Unit or the Council.

 Norma is a very seasoned Girl Scout volunteer who currently leads three troops and has recently taken the responsibility of Service Unit Treasurer. She also volunteers to clean the Girl Scout “Little House” that many troops use for meetings.


In addition to her Girl Scout roles, Norma serves her community through many programs and exhibits all aspects of the Girl Scout Law on a daily basis. To her peers, Norma is known as a Girl Scout phenomenon and is always the first volunteer to come to help and the last to leave.

For more information about GSSI’s Pearl of the Month Award, please contact Volunteer Services Manager Amanda Kaemmerer at 800.345.6858, ext. 1142 or e-mail akaemmerer@gsofsi.org.

 

Brianna and Brittany McGehee from Mt. Vernon Awarded Girl Scouts Medal of Honor

 

Brianna and Brittany McGehee, twins from Mt. Vernon, were 11 years old in June 2014 when they came to the aid of their sister Shelia.  Brianna and Brittany were going to babysit for Shelia’s three young children when they found their sister face down on the bathroom floor.  From their Girl Scout First Aid/CPR training, the girls believed Shelia showed signs of having had a stroke.  Brittany and Brianna called the hospital and turned Shelia to her side.  With their First Aid training and assistance from the hospital operator, the girls gave their sister aspirin and cool rags and kept her talking.  Once stable, Brianna and Brittany helped their sister into their mother’s truck to go to the hospital. 

“We had CPR/First Aid training, but it was really scary when it’s your own sister that you love,” said Brianna.  “I’m glad that I was going to babysit that day and that I have my First Aid/CPR certificate,” added Brittany.  Brianna and Brittany are the daughters of Gary and Donna McGehee.

 

The Medal of Honor is a lifesaving award given by Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) to girls who have saved or attempted to save a human life under circumstances that indicate heroism.  This award is reserved for those Girl Scouts who have performed heroic acts beyond the degree of maturity and training to be expected at their age.

 

GSSI had four Girl Scouts earn the Girl Scouts Medal of Honor in 2014.  Medals will be presented at the All That Glitters Awards Ceremony on March 28 at Rend Lake Resort in Whittington.

Nichole Williams of Mt. Vernon Named GSSI's December Pearl of the Month

 

 

Nichole Williams of Mt. Vernon has been named GSSI’s December Pearl of the Month. The Pearl of the Month Award recognizes a Girl Scout volunteer who has delivered service beyond expectations and helped to ensure that the approximately 14,000 Girl Scouts in southern Illinois benefit from a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Nominees must meet several criteria, including completion of all required training for his or her volunteer position as well as providing outstanding service to his or her Service Unit or the Council.

 

Nichole is a supportive and energetic leader to more than 70 girls ranging from Daisy to Cadette grade levels. While that alone is quite a feat, she also serves as the Service Unit Registrar for Jefferson County. Nichole also coordinates many spectacular events including as parade floats, Halloween Bash, Father/Daughter dance, and a self-defense class. She always makes sure she is an enthusiastic cheerleader for the girls. In her "spare" time, Nichole also volunteers at GSSI’s Regional Service Center.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Dancing With Our Stars Raises $17,000 for Girl Scouting

 

 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ Dancing With Our Stars event was held Aug. 23 at Krieger’s Convention Center in Mt. Vernon. The event raised more than $17,000 while local dancers competed for the coveted mirror ball trophy. This year’s winner was The New Evolution (sponsored by National Railway Equipment Co.), while Lesa Woods (sponsored by the Woods family) took home the Judges Choice award.

Other dance teams and sponsors included:  

Dan & Neth Huelbel sponsored by St. Mary’s Good Samaritan

Mt. Vernon High School Sailors from South Pacific sponsored by Mike Beard, Candis Isberner, Newell Furniture, David Overstreet and Stewart Producers

Centre Stage Studios sponsored by Centre Stage Studios

Salem Community Theatre Spamalot sponsored by Ashdon Farms, Bella Chez and Jefferson County Fraternal Order of Police

 

“What a wonderful night during our 6^th Annual Dancing With Our Stars,” said Villie M. Appoo, GSSI Chief Executive Officer.  “We are so grateful to everyone who participated in and supported this year’s DWOS fundraiser,” said Appoo. “Everyone from our DWOS committee, to our dancers and the generous Mt. Vernon community helped make this fundraiser very successful.”  According to Appoo, funds raised during DWOS will help the Girl Scouts continue to develop leadership programs for girls, maintain and improve its camps and help in its out-reach to at-risk girls. 

Co-hosts for the event were Brandon Bullard from Rare Chop House and Lynn Hutchison from United Way of South Central Illinois.  Celebrity judges were Mike Beard from The Insurance Store – a Division of Diamond Bros., Joe Gliosci with Peoples National Bank, Finny Mathew of Crossroads Community Hospital and Mary Beth Mezo with Smokin’ T’s Competition BBQ.   

Teams competed to win DWOS’ the Mirror Ball Trophy by earning the top spot in a two part scoring system. The judges’ scores provided the first element to the dancers’ scores.  The second element added a dash of audience participation and even more excitement, as dancers accrued points with donations from their supporters and attendees at the event.  Following the dance competition, guests then took to the dance floor for an evening of music and dancing. 

Additional DWOS sponsors included:

Trophy Sponsor:  Crossroads Community Hospital

Vote Tabulation Sponsor:  Community First Bank

Judge Sponsor: National Railway Equipment Co.

Dance Floor Sponsor: Crossroads Physician Corporation
Premier Radio Sponsor: WDML
Special Giving Sponsors: Bennett Metal Products, Inc., Continental Tire, MidCountry Bank, St. Mary's Good Samaritan

Other DWOS supporters: Associated Lumber, Brenda Breeze, Sandy Evans, Dan and Linda Hoffman, Hughey Funeral Home, ISB Insurance Agency - A Division of Diamond Bros. Fred and Tammy Klapetzsky, Krieger's Convention Center at Holiday Inn, Morning Sentinel, Mt. Vernon Register News, David Nichols, WVYN - 90.9 The Vine.

GSSI Seeking Dancers for Dancing With Our Stars Event in Mt. Vernon

 

 

GSSI is seeking a few more dance routines for our upcoming Dancing With Our Stars gala being held in Mt. Vernon on Saturday, August 23rd. Soloist, partners and group routines are welcome. Those who participate compete for the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. Past routines have included lyrical jazz, Bollywood, clogging, ballroom and Zumba. If you are interested in more information on how to participate please contact Emily Kimmey at 618.692.0692, ext. 1144.

Girl Scout Robotics Team Introduced to Surgical Robot at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon

One of Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' Robotics Teams, Purple Robot Penguins from O'Fallon, learned more about premier  robotics technology during February's "Healthy Woman" event at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon. 

 

Purple Robot Penguins are one of GSSI's FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams, which build and program autonomous robots to perform tasks on a themed-competition board.   Teams also learn vital skills such as problem solving, active participation and collaboration.   Robotics are one of many programs that GSSI offers to help engage more girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) -- areas which Girl Scouts sees as crucial to America's future success.

 

Dr. David Asbury and Dr. Andrew Johnson presented the Four Arm Robotic Surgical System to members of Crossroads' "Healthy Woman" program, as well as the Purple Robot Penguins.   The girls were able to examine the surgical robot before demonstrating their own robotics skills with their FIRST LEGO League model. 

 

Purple Robot Penguins were able to attend the exciting event through the consideration of Debi Richardson, current Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the hospital and former GSSI Board Member.  She was familiar with GSSI's Robotics Program and thought girls would enjoy getting a firsthand glimpse of modern medical technology and could show the "Healthy Woman" crowd that today's Girl Scouts are investing in the future through STEM programming such as robotics.

In connection to the event, Crossroads Community Hospital made a donation to GSSI.

See Photos






Members of Purple Robot Penguins with Finny Mathew,
Crossroads Community Hospital's Chief Executive Officer