Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Presents Penny Pejka with Thanks Badge

GSSI CEO Sarah Durbin, Penny Pejka, GSSI Board Chair Sarah Durbin

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois has awarded Penny Pejka from O'Fallon with the Thanks Badge, which honors an individual whose ongoing commitment, leadership and service have had an exceptional, measureable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals of the entire council or entire Girl Scout Movement. The award was presented during GSSI's Annual Meeting on April 1 at Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon. 

“I volunteer with Girl Scouts because I enjoy the camaraderie of the adults who are all focused on the girls," said Pejka. "We all have positive aims and a lot of compassion for the girls, that makes us a very important group of people in girl’s lives. I would tell a person that volunteering with Girl Scouts is always an adventure. The girls supply never ending amounts of joy, thanks, and fun.  Try it, you’ll like it!”

Nancy Smallie from Granite City Receives Thanks Badge for Exceptional Volunteer Service

Nancy Smallie from Granite City has received the Thanks Badge for her exceptional volunteer service to Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. The Thanks Badge recognizes an adult member whose performance is truly outstanding and benefits the total council or the entire Girl Scout movement. 

“Nancy’s love of the Girl Scout program is apparent. She is directly responsible for the growth in our area and the pride we have in our local and national Girl Scout program," said fellow volunteer Chris Scarborough.

Mary Alice Sims from Benton Earns Girl Scouts' Thanks Badge

Top volunteers were recognized at Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' 6th Annual Meeting on March 28 at Rend Lake Resort. GSSI’s 4,500 Girl Scout volunteers play an instrumental role in providing leadership programming and opportunities for more than 14,000 girls in southern Illinois. 

“Girl Scouting in southern Illinois would not be what it is today without the dedication, passion and leadership of all of our volunteers,” said Appoo. “We are honored to present these awards to our exceptional volunteers as they are the driving force behind carrying out GSSI’s mission of building leaders for America. I Can’t Wait To continue working with these amazing volunteers to ensure all girls in southern Illinois can benefit from a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience,” Appoo added. 

Mary Alice Sims from Benton received the Thanks Badge, which  recognizes an adult member whose performance is truly outstanding and benefits the total council or the entire Girl Scout movement. 

Mary Alice Sims, Service Unit #51, North Franklin

“I love Girl Scouting because it has been my life, ” said Mary Alice

Lois Green from Edwardsville Receives Girl Scouts' Thanks Badge

Top volunteers were recognized at Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' 6th Annual Meeting on March 28 at Rend Lake Resort. GSSI’s 4,500 Girl Scout volunteers play an instrumental role in providing leadership programming and opportunities for more than 14,000 girls in southern Illinois. 

“Girl Scouting in southern Illinois would not be what it is today without the dedication, passion and leadership of all of our volunteers,” said Appoo. “We are honored to present these awards to our exceptional volunteers as they are the driving force behind carrying out GSSI’s mission of building leaders for America. I Can’t Wait To continue working with these amazing volunteers to ensure all girls in southern Illinois can benefit from a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience,” Appoo added. 

Lois Green from Edwardville received the Thanks Badge, which  recognizes an adult member whose performance is truly outstanding and benefits the total council or the entire Girl Scout movement. 

Lois Green, Service Unit #108, Edwardsville/Glen Carbon

“Girl Scouting is a place where girls can try new adventures and make lasting memories,” said Lois.