Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Alumna Madalyn Farrar Receives Truman Scholarship

2018 Truman Scholar Madalyn Farrar

Trinity College announced that Madalyn Farrar has received a prestigious Truman Scholarship for her leadership, public service and academic achievement.  An Edwardsville native, she was a member of Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois through high school graduation and earned the Girl Scout Gold Award - the highest award in Girl Scouting - in 2015. She currently attends Trinity College as an anthropology major with an interest in "creating a healthy environment through public health policies." 

Farrar is one of 59 Truman Scholars for 2018, selected from an applicant pool of 756 nominated by 311 colleges and universities, a record number of institutions. Students were nominated by their institutions based on their history of leadership, public service, and academic achievement. Recipients of the Truman Scholarship receive a $30,000 scholarship toward graduate school and the opportunity to participate in professional development programming to help prepare them for careers in public service leadership.

"I am incredibly honored to become part of the Truman community and be connected to like-minded people who share my passion for public service. This award opens up many opportunities that will support my goals in public health and my career in public service,” said Farrar.

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Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Seeking Scholarship Applicants

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois will award a scholarship to two GSSI Graduating Girl Scouts who stand out in Girl Scouts, leadership, school and service to the community. In addition to these two scholarships, as part of a staff campaign, GSSI Staff will award one additional scholarship! To be eligible, you must be a registered Girl Scout Ambassador who is graduating high school in 2017. 

You must also fill out an application and have one person fill out a reference form and submit them by February 12, 2017. Applications and reference form can be mailed or dropped off to either GSSI office or e-mailed to girlawards@gsofsi.org.

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. 

Three Receiving Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarships

Three GSSI Girl Scouts were presented with college scholarships at All That Glitters Awards Ceremony on March 28 at Rend Lake Resort in Whittington.  Each year, GSSI presents two scholarships to graduating Girl Scout Ambassadors who stand out in Girl Scouts, leadership, school and service to the community.  The Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarships are funded from proceeds from the annual Brownie Haunted Camp program, which is planned, organized and conducted by older Girl Scouts. This year, GSSI staff was able to present an additional scholarship due to funds raised during the 2014 Staff Campaign.  To receive an Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarships, girls must complete a detailed application with references.  From these, a panel of staff and volunteers selects the top applicants.  Recipients were:

Lainey Brown from O’Fallon

Lainey a member of Troop #915 and has been a Girl Scout for over 9 years. She earned the Girl Scout Gold Award this year by working with a local nursing home where she planned events and created sensory boards for patients with Alzheimer’s. Lainey attends O’Fallon Township High School and plans to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville upon graduation.

“The greatest things I’ve gained through Girl Scouts are confidence, leadership and family,” said Lainey. “I learned that taking charge of yourself and what you care about can turn out to be amazing.”

Megan Kraus from Waterloo 

Megan is from Troop #32 and has been a Girl Scout for 13 years. She earned the Girl Scout Gold Award this year by incorporating art into various service projects at her school and church. As part of her Girl Scout community service, she also volunteers at day camp and plans to come back to camp as a unit leader upon graduation. Megan attends Waterloo High School and plans to pursue a degree in Spanish at Truman State University.

“At the end of the day, I am glad I’ve been involved with Girl Scouts for the past 13 years rather than soccer or skating,” said Megan. “When training, athletes only focus on their sport; in Girl Scouts, I have been able to learn a variety of things and build up so many dreams that I otherwise never would have known I had.”

Deanna Hohgrefe from Chester

Deanna is from Troop #8239 and has been a Girl Scout for 12 years. She has also earned her Girl Scout Silver Award and Girl Scout Bronze Award. Deanna also went on a Girl Scout destination travel experience to Germany and serves as a council delegate for her Service Unit. She currently attends Chester High School and plans to attend Concordia University in Wisconsin.

“I would tell someone thinking about putting their daughter into Girl Scouts that the skills I have learned from being a Girl Scout have made me the person I am today,” said Deanna. “I am so grateful that I have been able to do all of the many things I have gotten to do – from ice skating and skiing to traveling around the world.”

GSSI Offering Three Scholarships to the Class of '15! Apply By Feb. 12!

2014 GSSI Outstanding Graduating Girl Scouts
Shelby Wratchford & Dalaney Plott

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois will award a scholarship to two GSSI Graduating Girl Scouts who stand out in Girl Scouts, leadership, school and service to the community. In addition to these two scholarships, as part of a staff campaign, GSSI Staff will award one additional scholarship! To be eligible, girls must be registered Girl Scout Ambassadors who are graduating from high school in 2015. Girls must also fill out the following application and have one person fill out the following reference form and submit them by February 12, 2015. Applications and reference form can be mailed or dropped off to either GSSI office or e-mailed to jfox@gsofsi.org.

GSSI's Staff Giving Campaign Funds Scholarships & Camp Equipment

 

GSSI Staff in Mount Vernon

GSSI Staff & Interns in Glen Carbon

 

GSSI's recent Staff Giving Campaign raised $1150 in scholarship funds and $1150 for the purchase of stand up paddleboards to use during outdoor programming.

 

"I'm proud to report that we had 100% participation in our Staff Giving Campaign," said Director of Development Emily Kimmey.  "GSSI's staff is deeply committed to the Girl Scout mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character and very grateful for the chance to work for such a worthwhile cause." 

Dalaney Plott and Shelby Wratchford Named GSSI's 2014 Outstanding Graduating Girl Scouts

(left to right): GSSI Board Chair Dixie Travelstead,
Shelby Wratchford, Dalaney Plott

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is pleased to announce that Dalaney Plott from Anna, Illinois and Shelby Wratchford from Fults, Illinois have been selected as its 2014 Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarship winners.  The girls were recognized April 5 at GSSI’s annual All That Glitters Ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn in O’Fallon.    In addition to earning this prestigious award, each girl receives a $500 scholarship for the college or university she will attend this fall. 

Dalaney is the daughter of Juanita and Billie Plott from Anna.  She is a member of Troop #8542 and has been a Girl Scout for 13 years.  She has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, which is the highest award for girls in Girl Scouting and recognizes leadership, effort, and impact that Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors have on their community.  Only about 6% of Girl Scouts earn the Gold Award.  Currently, Dalaney attends Anna-Jonesboro Community High School and plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University upon graduation where she will pursue a bachelors degree in History. 

“Girl Scouting is an extraordinary way of life,” said Plott.  “Girl Scouts provided me with incredible opportunities to discover more about myself, establish leadership skills, and give back to my community.”  As part of her Girl Scout community service, Dalaney helped plan and implement a Homework Pals Tutoring Program in 2013 which helps younger students with their homework by providing them a high school tutor.  

  

Shelby is the daughter of Jamie and Phillip Wratchford from Fults and has been a Girl Scout for 13 years.  She currently attends University of Missouri “MU High” and wants to attend college to pursue a degree in Art Conservation.  Shelby earned her Girl Scout Bronze Award in 2007 and is currently working on her Girl Scout Gold Award. 

“The most memorable part of Girl Scouting has been the opportunity to travel both domestically and internationally,” Wratchford said.  “I attended a Camporee in Wisconsin and most recently spent 10 amazing days in Paris, France as part of the Girl Scout’s Destination Program.”  Shelby added that she has also learned leadership skills in Girl Scouting and believes the best leaders lead by example with kindness, patience and sincerity.

“We are so pleased to honor Dalaney and Shelby with our Outstanding Graduating Girl Scouts Scholarship,” said Villie M. Appoo, GSSI Chief Executive Officer.  “Both of these exceptional young women have done amazing things in their Girl Scout journey and have been very active in providing community service to people in their communities.  They both are great examples of Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ mission of Building Leaders for America,” Appoo added. 

The Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarships are funded from proceeds from the annual Brownie Haunted Camp, which is planned, organized and conducted by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois older Girl Scouts.   The Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout Scholarships are a great example of girls working together to make the world a better place.