Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois
(GSSI) is pleased to announce that Poonam Jain from Staunton has been named the
July 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.
Poonam is Service Unit Director for SU 107 in South Macoupin County,
organizing many events, including a science fair and a 5K run/walk. She
also mentors a very busy Girl Scout Junior troop, leads a GSSI Robotics team,
coordinates STEM activities in her area and serves as a council trainer.
This summer, she also organized SU 107’s first GSSI day camp.
Poonam is commended for the incredibly high level of energy and dedication she
brings to her many roles. She has given girls in the communities she serves the
opportunities to explore science, develop outdoor skills and value
healthy living in fun and innovative ways.
The mission of
Girl Scouting states: Girl
Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world
a better place. Girl Scouts is the world's pre-eminent organization dedicated solely to
girls - all girls - where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls
build character and skills for success in
the real world. In partnership with
committed adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their
lives - like strong values, social
conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.
Today’s Girl Scouts not only enjoy camping
and crafts, but they also explore math and science and learn about diversity,
good citizenship, leadership and teamwork.
Girl Scouting is the place where girls experience the fun, friendship
and power of girls together. Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50 million
girls and women since its founding in 1912.
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a
not-for-profit organization supported by various United Ways throughout the
region. Girl Scouts is a Proud Partner
of United Way.
