Congratulations 2024 Volunteer Award Recipients
Help us congratulate all the outstanding volunteers leading the way for Girl Scouts in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. On April 20, 2024, all volunteer-award recipients were recognized for their dedication to making the world a better place. We are thankful for the support volunteers have provided Girl Scouts and the work they have done to help build girls of courage, confidence and character. Check out this year’s list of honorees:
Thanks Badge II
Thanks Badge II is the highest exemplary volunteer honor recognizing their ongoing commitment and exceptional service to the entire council or Girl Scout movement.
Ruthanne Weighton, SU 808 Central City, Iowa
Ruthanne Weighton has significantly impacted the success of our council’s Cookie Program, driving substantial increases in participation and per-girl-average sales. She has created many opportunities for Girl Scouts to see themselves as entrepreneurs and raise funds for their troops. Ruthanne’s tireless efforts and unwavering support have been pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of the Cookie Program and empowering Girl Scouts to achieve their goals. Her commitment to Girl Scouts also extends to mentoring volunteers, managing multiple troops, and facilitating essential training sessions in Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and lifeguarding.
Thanks Badge I
Thanks Badge is the highest volunteer honor, recognizing their ongoing commitment and exceptional service to the entire council or Girl Scout movement.
Melissa Johnston, SU 882 Monmouth, Illinois
Melissa Johnston has shown exemplary leadership on the High Award Committee, where she has been instrumental in guiding Girl Scouts toward achieving their Gold Award. Through her commitment to upholding the Gold Award standards and providing mentorship, Melissa has facilitated the completion of numerous impactful projects, benefiting both the Girl Scouts and their communities. Her dedication extends beyond committee meetings, as she actively supports troop leaders and organizes enriching activities as a service unit director. Melissa’s passionate approach and dedication to Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois make her a deserving candidate for recognition.
Rosemary O’Hara, SU 811 Robins, Iowa
Rosemary O’Hara has committed more than five years of service on the High Award Committee, where she has supported numerous Girl Scouts to achieve the Gold Award. She consistently demonstrates a strong understanding of the award standards set by Girl Scouts USA and provides invaluable mentorship to the Girl Scouts, ensuring their projects meet the criteria while encouraging their growth. Rosemary’s dedication extends beyond committee meetings as she offers guidance and support to girls through email communication and personal meetings, exemplifying her commitment to the Girl Scout Movement. Her contributions have impacted the lives of many girls, empowering them to achieve their highest potential and create positive change in their communities.
Andrea Peery, SU 811 Marion, Iowa
Andrea Peery has significantly enhanced participation in the Product Program Committee, leading to a notable increase in service unit engagement, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Andrea’s initiatives, including virtual programs and hundreds of take-home rally kits, have ensured that every Girl Scout, regardless of circumstance, can participate in cookie rallies and develop essential skills. Her efforts have not only improved program participation but also fostered a sense of inclusivity and empowerment among Girl Scouts, earning her widespread recognition and appreciation from her peers and the council.
Honor Pin
Honor Pin recognizes volunteers who deliver exemplary service in two or more service units.
- Derrick Anderson, Bettendorf, Iowa
- Beth Graves, Marion, Iowa
- Tracy Kimler, Bettendorf, Iowa
- Margaret Limkemann, Marion, Iowa
- Mary Mcwherter, Davenport, Iowa
- Elizabeth O’ Daniel, Galesburg, Illinois
- Deanna Wiezorek, Dubuque, Iowa
Appreciation Pin
Appreciation Pin honors volunteers who deliver exemplary service in their service unit.
- Amanda Johnson
- Persida Cortez-Lester
- Susan Curry
- Chanel Dawson-Pfiffner
- Cathy Fasano
- Kala Fox
- Jennifer Garrett
- Carrie Gerdts
- Laura Torgerud
- Terra Van Dusen
- Joy Math
- Pamela Osborne
- Sally Sklarsky
- Torrina Thomas
Commitment to Service Award
Commitment to Service Award honors volunteers who deliver exemplary service in one service unit for two or more years after receiving the Appreciation Pin.
- Sandy Davisson, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Tammy Hamilton, Decorah, Iowa
- Brigitte Hovden, Decorah, Iowa
- Colinne McCann, Marion, Iowa
- Taunya McGee, Davenport, Iowa
- Anna Nallie, Galesburg, Illinois
- Diane Sadler, Dubuque, Iowa
Volunteer of Excellence
Volunteer of Excellence is awarded to volunteers who have contributed outstanding service in delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, or contributed service in support of the council’s mission delivery goals.
- Robyn Aaron
- Darin Adams
- Jeanne Adams
- Amy Allen
- Amy Bahl
- Leisha Bahr
- Kayle Boggs
- Daphne Booth
- Dawn Bos
- Jennie Cardo
- Brandi Clark
- Erica Cowles
- Michelle Daniels
- Amy Delire
- Kimberly Dyer
- Sarah Eiben
- Kerry Federonich
- Meredith Foreman
- Becky Fritcher
- Jessica Getz
- Catana Goedert
- Krystal Goodrow
- Lindsey Greer
- Jaynie Henry
- Merideth Hirsch
- Stephanie Hirsch
- Nicole Hoppman
- Trisha Johanson
- Marsha Johnson
- Kristi Kerkenbush
- Sarah Kingland
- Samantha Lahr
- Vicki Main
- April Mayers
- Katherine Michaels
- Audra Murphy
- Lia Nightingale
- Wayne Parson
- Jessica Philipp
- Misty Rains
- Jodi Reitmajer
- Cari Rusnak
- Lynda Schaefers
- Anna Schuster
- Rachel Troutman
- Danelle Truitt
- Beth Trulson
- Destiny Van Hauen
- Jennifer Wasson
- Kay Wenzel
- Claire Whittaker-Smith
- Reille Worby
- Alison Youngren
Sustained Service Award
Sustained Service Award is presented to volunteers who have continued to deliver outstanding service, two or more years after receiving Volunteer of Excellence.
- Laura Bentley
- Rosie Carpenter
- Kari Chesterman
- Brianna Cleland
- Cheryl Frisbie
- Kerry Good
- Stacey Hall
- Candace Isaacson
- Jessica Kieffer
- Terri Kraus
- Diane McAfee
- Melissa McNally
- Amelia Milligan
- Brittney Morford
- Rebecca Pankow
- Sally Rayzor
- Karen Watson
- Angela Webb
Outstanding Service Award
The Outstanding Service Award is presented to volunteers from the community and organizations who have gone above and beyond to support Girl Scouts in their communities.
- Amy Jones
- City of Central City
- Grace Church
- Hope Wesleyan Church
- Jacklyn Goodman
- Kevin Flynn and the Nichols Volunteer Fire Department
- Pamela Duball
- Stephanie Hintermeister
- Therese Cummiskey
Rising Star Award
Rising Star recognizes volunteers during their first three years of service who have gone above and beyond the expectations of their position.
- Darrell Aaron
- Kaitlyn Abrams
- Melsie Anderson
- Janelle Beckman
- Natalie Bigelow
- Abigail Blatz
- Chelsey Blum
- Kellie Brady
- Taalor Brodigan
- Crystal Buesing
- Lydia Chittick
- Ashley Cook
- Tabitha Cooper
- Stacy Deike
- Christina Dunkin
- Megan Dursky
- Lyndsey Eastman
- Brittany Elrod
- Lydia Fine
- Kelli Gallo
- Mona Garvin
- Robin Gaskell
- Katie Giannakouros
- Joanne Hansen
- Jayla Hanson
- Jessica Hanson
- Tiara Hanson
- Kelly Hart
- Brandee Hawe
- Cammie Heald
- Merialyce Herman
- Sara Herzog
- Jessica Hesselman
- Holly Hessenkemper
- Susan Hoadley
- Alli Inhelder
- Jessica Jaeger
- Elaine “Lyndi” Johnson
- Amy Jones
- Jacqueline Kehr
- Katie Knabel
- Lauren Kovarna
- Leah Kurka
- Samantha Lange
- Becky Lawton
- Megan Lorenz
- Tracy Lydick
- Katie Machacek
- Kelly McCulloh
- Brooke McMurl
- Kathy McWethy
- Brooke Moore
- Kira Moore
- Samantha Mowder
- Amanda Newman
- Danelle Newman
- Molly Newquist
- Courtney Paul
- Michael Peetz
- Samantha Pierce
- Melissa Rains
- Brittany Reiter
- Kelli Rickertsen
- Mary Roffman
- Nichole Rotenburger
- Lindsay Sauer
- Alejandra Schell
- Abby Schmidt
- Brandi Scott
- Amber Sisler
- Sasha Smith
- Angela Speers
- Casey Stoffel
- Sandy Sutherby
- Blossom Thorsten
- Melissa Walen
- Kimberly Walljasper
- Janna Wesselink
