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.

Alicia Dixon of Benton named January Pearl of the Month

GSSI is pleased to announce that Alicia Dixon of Benton has been named the January 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.

Alicia serves as Troops Leader for Troops #8039 and #8044.  She is also Service Unit Director for SU 51/ North Franklin County.  This year, she organized a Cookie Rally that 100 girls attended to kick off the Girl Scout Cookie Program. She is always recruiting more Girl Scouts, even though over 230 girls are currently part of the organization in her area.   She also goes beyond expectations to make things fun and interesting for volunteers.  For example, she shares a recipe that uses Girl Scout Cookies during every volunteer meeting.  Her peers consider her a true role model for both girls and adults.

 

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.