Thursday, April 28, 2016

What's Happening Around the Council: April 2016



Ever wonder what Girl Scout Troops have been up to?  Looking for ideas?  Check out what's been happening around the 40 1/2 counties that make up Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' council!







Here's some of what's been happening:

Junior Troop #129 planted a tree at the Mascoutah Dog Park to celebrate Earth Day.

Perry County Senior Girl Scout Troop #8138 went ziplining.

Nearly 150 Girl Scouts attended an Earth Day event hosted by Anna-Jonesboro Troop #8597 held at Camp Cedar Point.

Girls camped, made Earth Day posters and learned about animals and the environment. Special thanks to adult volunteers.

Melissa W., David W., Chelena D. and Cupquake, Rockcat, Peanut and Kaleidoscope.

Girl Scout Troop #68 held a bake sale to purchase a Buddy Bench for St. John Neumann School in Maryville.

Daisy Troop #4321 from Marshall picked up trash in honor of Earth Day.

Daisy Troop #8713 donated supplies and visited with cats and dogs at Jefferson County Animal Shelter.

Troop #8130 from Du Quoin planted a dogwood tree in Keyes City Park for Earth Day.

Freeburg Junior Troop #8349 recently enjoyed letterboxing.

Troop #8487 learned about taking care of horses by helping clean the barn and clear trails, fill water troughs and cleaningtackle gear and saddles.

Glen Carbon Troop #611 donated supplies and treats to Cindy’s Critters Lab Rescue for the GSSI’s Paw-Some Pets Council-Wide Service Project.

Du Quoin Junior Troop #8123 earned their Digital Photographer badge with the help of Faith Photography. Belleville Troop #525 had fun at the “Drive-In/Camp-Out” program at Camp Chan Ya Ta. They made campfire spaghetti and Elvis s’mores and then watched a movie while sipping hot chocolate.

SU 105 - Jersey/Calhoun had a painting party for Leader/Co-Leader Appreciation Day.
Troop #130 worked with 5A’s Animal Shelter in Godfrey for their Paw-some Pets Service Project. The troop made and donated 80 scratch pads out of Girl Scout Cookie cases...and then got to see the cats there enjoy their gifts.

Girl Scouts from Perry County celebrated Earth Day by attending a recycled craft event in Du Quoin. Each girl brought an item to donate to Twin Oaks Children’s Home, which serves people with developmental disabilities.

Service Unit 521 - Western Coles County held a GirlCon program on April 16 at Eastern Illinois University that was attended by 153 girls, 53 adults and 30 volunteers. Girls got to design their own superhero costume, create a Creeper from Mindcraft, make a Harry Potter wand and work with polymer clay. Attendees could also sit on panels to learn about topics such as Cosplay, writing books and fan fi ction and being a comic artist. The End Zone, a local gaming business, set up board games and taught girls to play. Comic artist Todd Black helped girls learn to draw comics, as well.

Troop #8062 from Carterville recently had a blast attending a “He & Me” dance.
Troop #2 finished the Welcome to the Daisy Flower Garden Journey by completing their Take Action Project at St. John United Methodist Church’s Mission Garden in Edwardsville.

Troops #8240, #8084, #8086, #8064, and #8896 from Johnston City planted flowers around the local Scout Cabin.

Hamilton County volunteer Rebecca Irvin decorated the window of Irvin Jewelry in McLeansboro for Girl Scout Week.

Brownie Troop #8133 donated 125 items for the Perry County Humane Society - including food, treats, litter, pet bowls, collars and leashes. They also enjoyed spending some time with the animals there.

Members from Troops #8853 and #89178 volunteered over their spring break to serve meals at Herrin House of Hope.

Make Sure Your Area is Represented!
E-mail Erin Johnson at ejohnson@gsofsi.org to share what your troop is up to! While not every submission can be published, we will make an effort to reflect the diverse interests, activities and areas that make GSSI so great.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Dara Weaver-Holmes: Girl Scout National Young Woman of Distinction




Since 1916, Girl Scouts have been making meaningful, sustainable change in their communities and around the world through their Girl Scout Gold Award projects. The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn, acknowledges the power behind each recipient’s dedication to not only empowering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. As the Girl Scout Gold Award celebrates 100 years of girls changing the world, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) will highlight some of our shining stars who exemplify the greatness of this award.

Dara Weaver-Holmes

Dara Weaver-Holmes of Carbondale, IL was always active in Girl Scouts. As a teen, she didn’t just stick with Girl Scouting – she excelled – earning the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award her senior year. For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Dara organized a highly successful career fair and virtual career website. “I kept hearing how young Americans were not trained to enter the work world,” she said. “I have never liked to be at the bottom. It’s just not me. I got tired of hearing how we were not preparing American youth and decided to startt preparing us,” added Dara.
Dara’s initiative and successful Gold Award project paid off. Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois chose to nominate her for the highly honored award of National Young Woman of Distinction. Each year, ten exceptionally inspiring Girl Scout Gold Award recipients from throughout the country are chosen by Girl Scouts of the USA as National Young Women of Distinction. Dara was selected by GSUSA as a 2012 Young Woman of Distinction which also came with a $3,000 scholarship, an all-expense paid trip to GSUSA’s national convention and exclusive leadership opportunities with the organization.

Dara contributes a lot of who she is today to Girl Scouting and earning the Girl Scout Gold Award. “Earning the Girl Scout Gold Award gave me the opportunity to give speeches around the country, allowed for networking opportunities and provided a strong sense of family. Several of us Gold Award recipients remain in touch today,” she said. And, she encourages other Girl Scouts to set goals and achieve the Gold Award. “Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do it. I heard that a lot throughout my life, but Girl Scouts pushed me forward and allowed me to fulfill my dreams,” Dara added.

Dara’s success continues today. She currently attends Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. In 2012, Dara co-founded their local chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists with Jasmine Jackson. Dara was President of the chapter until the fall of 2015. This spring, she will graduate from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in American Sign Language. Upon graduation, Dara will be applying to attend law school.

The Girl Scout Gold Award 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.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Save the Date! #GiveSTLDay is May 3



Save the Date! On May 3, GSSI is one of 910 nonprofits from around the bi-state area to join together for 24 hours of giving! When you give to GSSI on Give STL Day, your gift goes to help us continue to provide the world's premier leadership experience for girls right here in southern Illinois.

#GiveSTLDay is an area campaign of Give Local America - a national movement to raise funds and awareness for nonprofits in their respective communities. All funds raised by GSSI will be used to provide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to our 40 1/2 county jurisdiction.

Donors who give $10 or more can win Cardinals tickets!   See prize schedule...

Monday, April 25, 2016

Camp Cedar Point Retirement Ceremony Will Be Sept. 26, 2016


Save the date! The Camp Cedar Point Retirement Ceremony will be on September 25, 2016. If you are interested in being on the planning committee for this celebration, please contact Director of Program Angie Suhre at asuhre@gsofsi.org.

The Retirement Ceremony will be the day after Fall Fest at Camp Cedar Point. If you are interested in volunteering at Fall Fest, please contact Outdoor Program Manager Anne Townsend at atownsend@gsofsi.org. We hope to see you there!

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois and East St. Louis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Partnering to Provide STEM Opportunities to Underserved Girls


The East St. Louis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (J&J) is partnering with Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) to offer underserved girls an opportunity to participate in summer enrichment programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). A grant of $3,000 from Jack and Jill of America Foundation will enable girls from East St. Louis to attend GSSI's STEM Day Camps in July.

Photo ID: (From L to R) Michele Henry-McGee, J&J Chapter President, Carolyn Brooks (GSSI), Dr. Lillian Parks (J&J), Villie M. Appoo, GSSI CEO, Lauren A. Parks (J&J), D’Jamildo Graham (J&J), Angie Suhre (GSSI) 


About Jack and Jill of America
Jack and Jill of America is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.

About Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois
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.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

2016 Girl Scout Cookie Program Top Sellers


Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) recently wrapped up a successful Girl Scout Cookie Program. The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls gain five valuable skills – goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics – that will benefit them throughout life. In addition, proceeds from the cookie program help Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois recruit and train adult volunteers, provide financial assistance so Girl Scouting is available to all girls, improve and maintain camp properties, and develop and deliver extensive program activities for girls. 

“This year’s Girl Scout Cookie Program was a huge success! I’d like to thank all of our girls, their parents and the fantastic volunteers who contributed to the success of the cookie program,” said Kelly Jansen, Director of Product Program for GSSI. “The dedication and commitment of all those involved allow us to provide girls throughout southern Illinois with a great Girl Scout Leadership Experience.” 

Congratulations to the following Girl Scouts who were top sellers for their Service Units or GSSI Cookie All Stars who sold over 2,016 boxes of cookies.  Please note that girls are associated with Service Units based on where her troop is located, rather than her hometown: 

Service Unit 7 - Bond County:  Haley Carter, Greenville
Service Unit 9 - Centralia: Mariah Winegarner, Centralia
Service Unit 12 - Clay County: Elizabeth Lagle, Rinard
Service Unit 15 -  Clinton County: Zoe Luth, Breese
Service Unit 21 - East Marion County: Alli Young, Vernon
Service Unit 24 - Fayette County: Gwyneth Miller, Vandalia
Service Unit 27 - Jackson County: Ashlie Zlotnicki,  Murphysboro
Service Unit 30 - Jefferson County: Lexi Scrivner, Bluford
Service Unit 33 - Johnson/Pope Counties: Sadie Hinkle, Cypress
Service Unit 39 - Lawrence County: Allison Pachoeski, Lawenceville
Service Unit 42 - East Williamson County: Victoria Shore, Marion
Service Unit 45 - Massac County: Addyson Johnson, Grand Chain
Service Unit 51 - North Franklin County: Abbagail Watkins, Thompsonville
Service Unit 54 - Perry County: Karina Brehm, Pinckneyville
Service Unit 57 - North Randolph County: Alaina Smith, Ruma
Service Unit 60 - South Randolph County: Addison Gottschammer, Ellis Grove
Service Unit 63 - Richland County: Carlene Weiler, Olney
Service Unit 66 - Shawnee:  Eliana Kingston, Shawneetown
Service Unit 72 - Union Pulaski Alexander Counties: Karleigh Ellis, Alto Pass
Service Unit 78 - Wabash/Edwards Counties: Lyndsey Delong, Mount Carmel
Service Unit 81 - Washington County: Susan Kressin, Okawville
Service Unit 85 - Wayne/Hamilton/White Counties: Dallas Sullivan, Norris City
Service Unit 87 - West Frankfort: Madilyn Kelton, West Frankfort
Service Unit 90 - West Williamson County: Sophia Silger, Carbondale
Service Unit 90 - West Williamson County: Stormi
Service Unit 101 - Alton/Godfrey/Wood River/Roxana: Sarah Hill, Godfrey
Service Unit 102 - Granite City/Madison/Venice: Molly Lewis. Granite City
Service Unit 105 - Jersey/Calhoun Counties: Trinity McQuay, Medora
Service Unit 105 - Jersey/Calhoun Counties: Claire Meininger, Shipman
Service Unit 106 - Bethalto: Hope Rosales, Bethalto
Service Unit 107 - South Macoupin County: Cadence Miller, Staunton
Service Unit 108 - Edwardsville/Glen Carbon: Ella Martinez, Edwardsville
Service Unit 109 - Troy/St. Jacob: Leah Connelly, Troy
Service Unit 110 - Highland: Emmah Reppond, Highland
Service Unit 111 - Collinsville: Danielle Cary, Caseyville
Service Unit 201- O'Fallon/Shiloh: Erin Hanny, O'Fallon
Service Unit 202 - ClinClair: Lynn Shirley, Summerfield
Service Unit 203 - Fairview Heights/Caseyville: Erin Connor, Washington Park
Service Unit 204 - East St. Louis/Cahokia: Carre Webster, Granite City
Service Unit 207 - Belleville/Swansea: Allison Patterson, Belleville
Service Unit 209 - Millstadt/Columbia/Dupo/Smithton: Madeline Collins, Cahokia
Service Unit 210 - New Athens/Marissa/Freeburg: Chelsea Sinn, Freeburg
Service Unit 211 - Waterloo: Addison Koppeis, Valmeyer
Service Unit 511 - Effingham County: Hattie Sumner, Mattoon
Service Unit 521 - Western Coles County: Madison Parks, Mattoon
Service Unit 522 - Eastern Coles County: Ariana Sluder, Ashmore
Service Unit 531 - Edgar County: Destiny Gray, Paris
Service Unit 533 - Clark/Cumberland Counties: Anastasia Turner, Marshall
Service Unit 544 - Crawford/Jasper Counties: Kaylynn Paddick, Willow Hill


See 2016 Cookie Program Pics

Monday, April 18, 2016

Juliette Gordon Low Society Members Recognized at GSSI's Annual Meeting


Members of Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' Juliette Gordon Low Society were recognized during its Annual Meeting on April 9 in Mt. Vernon.  
 
Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scouts' founder, believed in the movement so much that she sold her treasured string of pearls to keep the organization going.  Today, GSSI's Juliette Gordon Low Society helps ensure that all girls in southern Illinois benefit from a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience.




Founding Members:
Ruthie Alexander, Sarah Anderson, Villie M. Appoo, Terry and Mary Armes, Micah Bolandis, Barbara Boley Adelman, Angela Boyd, Warren and Laurie Carter, Lorraine Cavataio and Randy McDowell, Phil Climaco, Dusty Copple, Angus and Connie Crome, C Cronin, Alicia Dixon, Bobbi Drotos, Ellar Duff, Sandra Evans, Richard and Linda Falat, Laurie Foster, Julie Furst-Bowe, Kathryn Greenwood, Chuck and Cheryl Heimerman, Rebecca Irwin, Candis and Fred Isberner, Teresa Katubig, Mike and Laura Keiser, Jay and Emily Kimmey, Fred and Tammy Klapetzky, Sandra Magnus, Alan and Sharon Mayo, John and Stacey McCracken, Stephen and Toni Miller, Susanna Mills, Mary Mueller, Elisabeth Murphy, Carla Nilson, Jon and Penelope Pejka, Gretel Pierpoint, Julie Reed, Pamela Reynolds, Rick and Diane Siemer, Mary Alice Sims, Scott and Nancy Smallie, Jay Strobel, Victor and Marsha Turner, Dixie Travelstead, David and Kay Werner, Vanessa Worthington, Angie Zahn


Current Members:
Villie M. Appoo, Terry and Mary Armes, Micah Bolandis, Barbara Boley Adelman, Robert and Susan Bowman, Mary Buchanan, Warren and Laurie Carter, Ellar Duff, Jill Gobert, Chuck and Cheryl Heimerman, Rebecca Irvin, Candis and Fred Isberner, Drs. Johnny and Neeta Kaushal, Mike and Laura Keiser, Jay and Emily Kimmey, Linda Manley, Alan and Sharon Mayo, Margo McAfoos, John and Stacey McCracken, Susanna Mills, Mary Mueller, Elisabeth Murphy,. Gleen Seeber, Rick and Diane Siemer, Scott and Nancy Smallie, David and Kay Werner, Ronald and Dianne Winney, Vanessa Worthington, Angie Zahn. 


You can make a difference and ensure Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois continues to be the premier leadership development organization for girls by becoming a member of the Juliette Gordon Low Society. Give a gift of $1,000 or more and become a member of GSSI’s prestigious society and make a difference in so many girls’ lives!

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Presents 38 Volunteers with the Volunteer of Excellence Award


Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois presented 38 volunteers with the Volunteer of Excellence Award at its Annual Meeting on April 9 at Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon.

The Volunteer of Excellence Award recognizes those 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.


Kudos to the following volunteers who received 
the Volunteer of Excellence Award: 


Betsy Back, SU 72 - Union/Pulaski/Alexander (UPAC)

Deena Ballard, SU 511 - Effingham

Deb Beckmann, SU 15 - Clinton

Mandy Bizaillion, SU 30 - Jefferson

Elizabeth Bruchhauser, GSSI Intern

Holli Campbell, SU 202 - ClinClair

Jane Cornelius, SU 7 - Bond

Vanessa Downey, SU 81 - Washington

Natalie Durbin, SU 207 - Belleville/Swansea

Lucinda Fulton, SU 107- South Macoupin

Beth Gregson, SU 211 - Waterloo

Melissa Griffith-Olmstead, SU 544 - Crawford/Jasper

Audra Haarman, SU 511 - Effingham

Jaime Herman, SU 202 - ClinClair

Hannah Hodge, SU 511 - Effingham

Rebecca Huller, SU 201 - O’Fallon/Shiloh

Carol Kaempfe, SU 60 - Randolph South

Angie Koester, SU 511 - Effingham

Tracey Lamczyk, SU 81 - Washington

Jennifer Larrison, SU 45 - Massac

Shelly Lemons, SU 202 - ClinClair

Kristine Luth, SU 15 - Clinton

Kathleen May, SU 211 - Waterloo

Samantha McCann, SU 72 - Union/Pulaski/Alexander (UPAC)

Jennifer Melton, SU 101 - Alton/Godfrey/Wood River/Roxana

Kevin Ponciroli, SU 201 - O’Fallon/Shiloh

Tammy Spour, SU 544 - Crawford/Jasper

Krissy Rietz, SU 511 - Effingham

Angela Sewell, Program Volunteer

Sarah Smith, SU 57 - Randolph North

Cassandra Townsend, SU 109 - Troy/St. Jacob

Lisa Wagner, SU 544 - Crawford/Jasper

Dawn Walker, SU 57 - Randolph North

Lynn Westphaelinger-Torres, SU 201 - O’Fallon/Shiloh

Wendi Wilson, SU 51 - North Franklin

Melanie Wright, SU 78 - Wabash/Edwards

Marea Yagow, SU 511 - Effingham

Jennifer Zinschlag, SU 108 - Edwardsville/Glen Carbon

Thirteen Volunteers Receive the Appreciation Pin From Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

Thirteen adult volunteers were recognized with the Appreciation Pin by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois during its Annual Meeting on April 9 at Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon.  

The Appreciation Pin recognizes an individual's exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE).  This service, which has had measurable impact on at least one geographic area of service, helps the council reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals for the area. 

Kudos to the following volunteers for 
receiving the Appreciation Pin:


Christine Bennett, Scott Air Force Base / SU 202 - ClinClair



Jason Dothager, Staunton / SU 107 - South Macoupin



Sarah Drury-Dothager, Staunton / SU 107 South Macoupin



Joanna Espique, Lebanon / SU 202 ClinClair



Emily Myers, Newton / SU 544 - Crawford/Jasper




Marsha Nichols, Centralia / SU 9 - Centralia




Tina Rabe, Ava / SU 60 - Randolph South 




Darcy Rowland, Godfrey / SU 101 Alton/Godfrey/Wood River/Roxana



Amy Taylor, Herrin / SU 90 - West Williamson



Vicki Thompson, Red Bud / SU 57 - Randolph North






Honorees Not Pictured: 

Stacey Gerdes, Bartelso / SU 15 - Clinton
Jamie Gross, Glen Carbon / SU 108 Edwardsville/Glen Carbon
Rita Rhodabarger, Effingham / SU 511 - Effingham







Friday, April 15, 2016

Katie Albert from Waterloo Receives Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarship from Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois



Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is pleased to announce that Katie Albert from Waterloo, Illinois has received its 2016 Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarship. She was recognized April 9 during GSSI's annual All That Glitters Ceremony held at the Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. 

Katie Albert from Waterloo: Katie is a Girl Scout Ambassador who is also a Girl Scout Gold Award and Trifecta recipient. Katie states that the most memorable part of her Girl Scout career cannot possibly be limited to one event; it is the cumulative experience of thirteen years. Katie is currently a senior at Waterloo High School and plans to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the fall. 

“The best thing I could tell others about Girl Scouts is that it is not about the badge, the pin or the award. It is about the program and all that it represents. It is a door to opportunity. All you have to do is walk through that door and discover all it has to offer,” said Katie.

Also receiving scholarships from Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois were Bailee Warsing from Granite City and Alexandra Lloyd from O'Fallon. 

The Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarships are funded from proceeds from the annual Brownie Haunted Camp, which is planned, organized and conducted by older Girl Scouts. Two scholarships are awarded each year. This year, an additional scholarship was funded by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' staff campaign. To earn the scholarship, girls submitted an application and reference letters which were reviewed by a committee of staff and volunteers.

Bailee Warsing from Granite City Receives Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarship from Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois


Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is pleased to announce that Bailee Warsing from Granite City, Illinois has received its 2016 Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarship. She was recognized April 9 during GSSI's annual All That Glitters Ceremony held at the Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. 

Bailee is a Girl Scout Ambassador who is also a Girl Scout Gold Award and Trifecta recipient. She states that through Girl Scouting she has gained the communication and leadership skills necessary to become a community member that makes a difference in the lives of others. Bailee is currently a senior at Granite City High School and plans to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the fall. 

“During my eleven years in Girl Scouting, I have been able to participate in so many activities I wouldn’t have otherwise had the opportunity to. I have become a leader. It is the most influential activity I have participated in,” said Warsing. 

Also receiving scholarships from Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois were Katie Albert from Waterloo and Alexandra Lloyd from O'Fallon. 

The Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarships are funded from proceeds from the annual Brownie Haunted Camp, which is planned, organized and conducted by older Girl Scouts. Two scholarships are awarded each year. This year, an additional scholarship was funded by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' staff campaign. To earn the scholarship, girls submitted an application and reference letters which were reviewed by a committee of staff and volunteers.

Alexandra Lloyd from O'Fallon Receives Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarship from Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois



Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is pleased to announce that Alexandra Lloyd from O’Fallon, Illinois has received its 2016 Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarship. She was recognized April 9 during GSSI's annual All That Glitters Ceremony held at the Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. 

Alexandra is a Girl Scout Ambassador who received her Girl Scout Gold Award in 2015. She is also a Trifecta recipient. Alex states that the Girl Scout program has empowered her to try new things and helped prepare her to make a difference as an adult. Alex is currently a senior at O’Fallon Township High School and plants to attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall.

“Growing up as a Girl Scout, I have always known that girls are strong and powerful. My leaders always challenged me to try new things, and having the opportunity to grow and learn in a community of supportive women and girls helped me to become more confident and adventurous,” said Alex.


Also receiving scholarships from Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois were Katie Albert from Waterloo and Bailee Warsing from Granite City. 

The Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarships are funded from proceeds from the annual Brownie Haunted Camp, which is planned, organized and conducted by older Girl Scouts. Two scholarships are awarded each year. This year, an additional scholarship was funded by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' staff campaign. To earn the scholarship, girls submitted an application and reference letters which were reviewed by a committee of staff and volunteers.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Awards Three Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarships

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is pleased to announce that Alexandra Lloyd from O’Fallon, Illinois; Bailee Warsing from Granite City, Illinois and Katie Albert from Waterloo, Illinois have been selected as its 2016 Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarship winners. 

The girls were recognized April 9 at GSSI’s annual All That Glitters Ceremony held at the Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. In addition to earning this prestigious award, Alexandra and Bailee each received a $500 scholarship and Katie received a $1,000 scholarship for the college or university she will attend this fall. 

Alexandra Lloyd from O’Fallon 


Alexandra is a Girl Scout Ambassador who received her Girl Scout Gold Award in 2015. She is also a Trifecta recipient. Alex states that the Girl Scout program has empowered her to try new things and helped prepare her to make a difference as an adult. Alex is currently a senior at O’Fallon g\Township High School and plants to attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall. “Growing up as a Girl Scout, I have always known that girls are strong and powerful. My leaders always challenged me to try new things, and having the opportunity to grow and learn in a community of supportive women and girls helped me to become more confident and adventurous,” said Alex. 


Bailee Warsing from Granite City


Bailee is a Girl Scout Ambassador who is also a Girl Scout Gold Award and Trifecta recipient. She states that through Girl Scouting she has gained the communication and leadership skills necessary to become a community member that makes a difference in the lives of others. Bailee is currently a senior at Granite City High School and plans to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the fall. “During my eleven years in Girl Scouting, I have been able to participate in so many activities I wouldn’t have otherwise had the opportunity to. I have become a leader. It is the most influential activity I have participated in,” said Bailee. 



Katie Albert from Waterloo


Katie is a Girl Scout Ambassador who is also a Girl Scout Gold Award and Trifecta recipient. Katie states that the most memorable part of her Girl Scout career cannot possibly be limited to one event; it is the cumulative experience of thirteen years. Katie is currently a senior at Waterloo High School and plans to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the fall. “The best thing I could tell others about Girl Scouts is that it is not about the badge, the pin or the award. It is about the program and all that it represents. It is a door to opportunity. All you have to do is walk through that door and discover all it has to offer,” said Katie. 


 “We are so pleased to honor Alexandra, Bailee and Katie with our Outstanding Graduating Girl Scouts Scholarship,” said Villie M. Appoo, GSSI Chief Executive Officer. “All three of these exceptional young women are shining stars. They have done amazing things in their Girl Scout adventures – from giving back to their communities to traveling the world. They are great examples of Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ mission of Building Leaders for America,” Appoo added. 

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Beverly Vanover from Campbell Hill Receives Honor Pin From Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois



Beverly Vanover from Campbell Hill has received the Honor Pin for her volunteer service with Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. The Honor Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), which has had measurable impact on two or more geographic areas of service, allowing the council to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals.

“Bev’s enthusiasm for Girl Scouting, her years of scouting knowledge and ability to train other leaders is what makes her an irreplaceable piece of our Girl Scout family," said fellow volunteer Becky Hohgrefe

Elizabeth Frisbie from Dorsey Receives Honor Pin from Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois


Elizabeth Frisbie from Dorsey has received the Honor Pin for her volunteer service with Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. The Honor Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), which has had measurable impact on two or more geographic areas of service, allowing the council to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals.

“Elizabeth is always available – whether it be to answer questions, to provide physical support or to simply listen. Her knowledge has touched hundreds of Girl Scouts young and old, ” said fellow volunteer Denise Coad

Valerie Clark from Willow Hill Receives the Honor Pin from Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois


Valerie Clark from Willow Hill has received the Honor Pin for her volunteer service with Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. The Honor Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), which has had measurable impact on two or more geographic areas of service, allowing the council to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals.

“The girls have learned crocheting, book making, sewing, just about anything. Valerie’s generosity has truly proven to be the core of what we stand for in Girl Scouts," said fellow volunteer Sarah Bohnhoff. 



Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' 2016 President's Award Recipients

Girl Scouts' President’s Award recognizes the efforts of a service-delivery team or committee whose exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience surpassed team goals and resulted in significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council’s overall goals.


Well done to the following Service Unit Teams 
who received the President's Award in 2016:




Service Unit Team from SU 7 - Bond County





Service Unit Team from SU 15 - Clinton County





Service Unit Team from SU 30 - Jefferson County 



Service Unit Team from SU 51 - North Franklin County 



Service Unit Team from SU 54 - Perry County



Service Unit Team from SU 57 - Randolph North*
*earned Service Unit Trifecta for earning the President's Award three consecutive years



Service Unit Team from SU 60 - Randolph South



Service Unit Team from SU 107 - South Macoupin County



Service Unit Team from SU 110 - Highland
*earned Service Unit Trifecta for earning the President's Award three consecutive years



Service Unit Team from SU 201 - O’Fallon/Shiloh



Service Unit Team from SU 202 - ClinClair



Service Unit Team from SU 211 - Waterloo



Service Unit Team from SU 544 - Crawford/Jasper

Stan Clark from Trenton Receives the Thanks Badge II, Girl Scouts' Highest Adult Volunteer Award



Stan Clark from Trenton has received the Thanks Badge II for his exceptional volunteer service to Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. The Thanks Badge II is the highest adult volunteer award and honors a previous Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role, resulting in a measurable impact that benefits the total council or entire Girl Scout movement.

“Stan is dedicated, reliable and tireless! He is a wonderful ambassador for Girl Scouting," said fellow volunteer Angie Zahn.

Mary Anne Hopper from Waterloo Receives the Thanks Badge II - Girl Scouts' Highest Adult Volunteer Award


Mary Anne Hopper from Waterloo has received the Thanks Badge II for her exceptional volunteer service to Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. The Thanks Badge II is the highest adult volunteer award and honors a previous Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role, resulting in a measurable impact that benefits the total council or entire Girl Scout movement.

“Mary Anne continues her long standing commitment to the Girl Scout program and Waterloo Service Unit. Mary Anne IS the reason Girl Scout membership is thriving in this area, ” said fellow volunteer Sara Hilgedieck

Rosemary Gruber from Belleville Receives Thanks Badge II, Girl Scouts' Highest Adult Volunteer Award


Rosemary Gruber from Belleville has received the Thanks Badge II for her exceptional volunteer service to Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. The Thanks Badge II is the highest adult volunteer award and honors a previous Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role, resulting in a measurable impact that benefits the total council or entire Girl Scout movement.

“Rosemary has been in Girl Scouts for 50+ years. She has had so much experience in teaching adults and girls how to be a true Girl Scout. She is the reason I became a leader," said fellow volunteer Jodie Herbstritt. 

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.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Presents the Girl Scout Silver Award to Nearly 100 Girls


Girl Scouts were shining stars during Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ (GSSI) All That Glitters Award ceremony on April 9, 2016 at Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon. Each year, the banquet recognizes Girl Scouts from across southern Illinois who achieve significant accomplishments in community service and leadership. This year, GSSI recognized nearly 100 girls who earned the Girl Scout Silver Award.
The Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn, is symbolic of accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as a girl becomes her best self and builds the world around her. The Girl Scout Silver Award project benefits a girl’s community and can be earned as an individual or as part of a group. This year’s Girl Scout Silver Award recipients include:

Belleville: Amanda Aaron, Bailey Burman and Megan Huller

Benton: Gwendolyn Emrich

Bluford: Kadi Petersen

Bonnie: Grace Seidel

Centralia: Lakeisha Barczewski and Madaline Ruez

Charleston: Mikayla Kuznicki

Chester: Hannah Miller and Hannah Wilson

Columbia: Mia Boyer-Edwards, Shelby Crook, Alyssa Elie, Cailyn Haubein and Loren Koenigstein

Coulterville: Rachel Hall

Dow: Alaina Herman

Edwardsville: Isabella Doyle, Makenzie Keiser, Emily Kloostra, Lauren McGarr, Allison Paur, Emily Paur, Kylie Schumacher and Gwendolyn Thomas

Ellis Grove: Jessica Penford

Glen Carbon: Lindsay Ahlers, Jacquelin Anderson, Briann Beyer, Tessa Bunselmeyer, Dakotah Charleston, Abreya Deckard, Justine Dioneda, Erin Dowdy, Hannah Garde, Alanna Kaminsky, Makenzi Keller, Beth Anne Mislan, Nadia Msakni, Connie Reynolds, Autumn Scott, Carli Scott, Lena Tennant and Marcia Williams

Godfrey: Nina Grant

Granite City: Kaylee Barlow, Bree Brock, Katie Reagan and Sierra Smallie

Hoyleton: Elizabeth Bierman

Jerseyville: Abigail Womack

Marine: Samantha Maddox, Holly Plantz and Samantha Tipton

Marissa: Megan Buss, Cassie Campbell and Hailey Krause

Mascoutah: Ashley Szabo

Mattoon: Alyssa Deremiah, Maggie Plush, Hannah Retzer and Katherine Shamdin

Mt. Vernon: Emi’Jha Butler, Brianna McGehee, Brittany McGehee and Zoe Merriman

New Baden: Kristina Hilmes and Alison Smith

O’Fallon: Allison Brantley, Mary Buchanan, Alexa Huller, Elana Melzer, Alicia Reed, Lauren Reis and Jackie Simpson

Paris: Rachel Fiscus, Sarah Fiscus, Mary Floyd, Kadrianne Henry and Linden Hess

Round Lake: Katherine Freimuth

St. Jacob: Denise D’Antonio and Lane Sedlacek

Staunton: Rowan Dothager

Swansea: Elizabeth Tapen

Troy: Natalie Blaies, Katherine Jones and Kassandra King

Waterloo: Lace Brandenburg, Mara Dalman, Elise Dodel, Emma Kramer, Emily Roth and Hailey Runyon

Congratulations to GSSI's 2016 Girl Scout Gold Award recipients

Congratulations to the Girl Scouts from southern Illinois who earned the Girl Scout Gold Award - the highest award in Girl Scouting! "Going Gold" displays leadership, effort and makes a meaningful impact in our communities. Only about 5% of eligible girls take the rigorous path toward earning this prestigious award, but those who complete the journey change the lives of others, as well as their own, in amazing and significant ways!