Congratulations 2025 Volunteer Award Recipients
Help us congratulate all the outstanding volunteers leading the way for Girl Scouts in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. On April 5, 2025, 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.
Mollie Schmelzer - SU 857 Bettendorf, IA
Mollie has served as Girl Scout troop leader, service unit volunteer, and National Delegate for both the 56th and 57th National Council Sessions, ensuring the voices of local girls and volunteers are represented at the national level. She has been instrumental in expanding outdoor programming, mentoring teen leaders at Conestoga Day Camp, and Program Aide training to equip older Girl Scouts with leadership skills. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, she has pioneered mental health education within the council, helping secure a Youth Mental Health First Aid training grant that has equipped over 50 staff and volunteers with the skills to support the well-being of Girl Scouts in their care.
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.
Alyson Anton - SU 867 East Moline, IL
Over 23 years, Alyson has contributed to the success of Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Her archery and outdoor skills have helped countless girls develop confidence, leadership, and essential skills, making her a key figure in service unit and council-wide programs. Alyson has mentored youth Girl Scouts and troop leaders, guiding Girl Scouts seeking the Gold Award. She has also expanded and strengthened the leadership development programs at Conestoga Day Camp, growing participation and engagement among older Girl Scouts.
Amanda Adrian - SU 805 Cedar Rapids, IA
Amanda has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the Girl Scout mission through leadership, mentorship, and service. As Kitchen Director for Camp Echo since 2019, she ensures well-fed campers and turns the kitchen into a space for learning and confidence-building. She plays a pivotal role in Courage, Confidence, and Campfires, equipping volunteers with essential outdoor skills, and contributes significantly to GLAMP; a major fundraiser supporting camp programs. Her efforts extend beyond local programs, as she has represented the council as a National Delegate, advocating for Girl Scouts on a broader scale. Known for her tireless dedication, reliability, and passion for empowering girls and volunteers, Amanda’s impact reaches across the entire council.
Amanda Taets-Overton - SU 867 Carbon Cliff, IL
Amanda made a lasting impact on the council through her dedication to outdoor adventure programming and volunteer leadership. She has played a vital role in facilitating rock climbing, zip-lining, and low ropes courses at Camp Conestoga and Camp Liberty, ensuring that Girl Scouts from multiple service units can experience challenging and confidence-building activities. Amanda’s commitment extends beyond her service unit, as she collaborates with others to provide high-quality outdoor experiences across the council.
Bonnie Banks - SU 857 Bettendorf, IA
Bonnie has made a profound impact in our council through her leadership in outdoor education and volunteer training. As chair of the Courage, Confidence, and Campfires program, she has played a key role in organizing high-quality outdoor training for leaders across the council. She is an experienced Outdoor Skills trainer and archery instructor, ensuring volunteers have the confidence and knowledge to lead girls in outdoor activities. Bonnie also contributes to the Volunteer Outdoor Skills committee; helping to shape training materials and policies. Her dedication to strengthening adult volunteer education enhances the Girl Scout experience for countless troops. Through her passion, leadership, and commitment, Bonnie has made lasting contributions to the council.
Cheryl Porter - SU 867 Rock Island, IL
Cheryl has been an invaluable Girl Scout volunteer for over 18 years, making a lasting impact across multiple service units and day camps. She has coordinated successful Fall Product Sales for Service Units 855 and 867. Known as “Aunt Cheryl” ro campers, Cheryl played a key role in planning, paperwork, and leading craft activities at Conestoga Day Camp. Beyond camp, she has mentored new troop leaders, led PA training, and played a vital role in community service projects. Cheryl’s dedication and leadership have enriched the Girl Scout experience for countless girls and volunteers.
Jill Dashner - Board, Cedar Falls, IA
Jill has served our council for over 14 years, first as a board member in 2010 and later as Board Chair in 2019. She brings her expertise as a lawyer to the council, ensuring sound governance and strategic direction while leading with vision and passion. Jill has played a crucial role in mentoring young leaders, engaging with Girl Board members, and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment. Under her leadership, the counci has arrived, achieving high retention, participation, and programming success. Her advocacy and hands-oin involvement have made a lasting impact on the organization.
Honor Pin
Honor Pin recognizes volunteers who deliver exemplary service in two or more service units.
- Camille Loughner, SU 805
- Chelsea Hillman, Board
- Erin Wilde, SU 810
- Heidi Haney, SU 805
- Lily Mitchell, SU 858
- Sarah Klima, SU 805
- Tracy Schwind, Board
Appreciation Pin
Appreciation Pin honors volunteers who deliver exemplary service in their service unit.
- Aleq Pobanz
- Allison Parr
- April Mayers
- Belle Canney
- Cheryl Frisbie
- Dawn Bos
- Katie Schnedler
- Marie James
- Melissa Boe
- Melissa Plummer
- Nicholas Hartmann
- Pollianna Adams
- Rebecca Parker
- Rheannon Ehlers
- Stefanie Hillmann
- Stephanie Sides
- Vicki Brendes
- Johanna Liscum
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.
- Astrid Wyers
- Jacqueline Komnick
- Jennifer Brade
- Jennifer Donovan
- Jessica Pierce
- Joyce Marinaccio
- Karen Cripe
- Karen Watson
- Kendra Marinaccio
- Laura Zimmerman
- Melissa McNally
- Sherry Garringer
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.
- Alice Rogers
- Alicia Grimm
- Allison Donovan
- Amanda Goad
- Amy Wuthrich
- Brittany Bellows
- Carol Hightower
- Carrie Hill
- Cassie Kimler
- Cassie Sonderberg
- Christine Finney
- Cindy Griffith
- Cindy Ungs
- Danielle Newman
- Dawn Emery
- Diana Rasmussen
- Dina Rashid
- Elisabeth Pomeroy
- Elizabeth Opitz
- Elizabeth Snaith
- Emily Salow
- Gail Farley
- Jamie Schroeder Badker
- Jennifer Kolwey
- Jessica Jeager
- Jon Looney
- Kara Sterago
- Kathy Kipp
- Katie Knabel
- Keia Miller
- Kim Clarke
- Kim Woodward
- Kimberly Hotchkiss
- Kristen Olinger
- Lacy Knipper
- Lisa Brecht
- Lizbeth Rosales
- Lyndsey Eastman
- Mary Beth Davis
- Melinda Gassman
- Melinda Miller
- Melissa Walen
- Merialyce Herman
- Michelle Hruby
- Patricia Bowman
- Paula Graff
- Rachel Brown
- Rosie Carpenter
- Samantha Lange
- Sara Herzog
- Sierra Huggins
- Stephanie Cobert
- Stephanie Hintermeister
- Stephanie Meier
- Talia Ciemnoczolowski
- Taylor Smith
- Wendy Manning
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.
- Amber Miller
- Angel Ealy
- Ashley Howard
- Bridget Daly Wilhelm
- Crystal Olson
- Elizabeth Davison
- Emma McKeon
- Erin Kenny
- Jamie Ostwinkle
- Kalisha Lutz
- Kayla Wagner
- Kimberly Reesink
- Kristine Murrens
- Laura Bentley
- Malissa Kappes
- Melanie Arnold
- Michelle Sinnott
- Rhonda Miller
- Rosanne Lahr
- Ruth Peters
- Sarah Keffeler-Gibson
- Sarah Switalski
- Shannon Gebel
- Shannon Neebel
- Stacey Ryan
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.
- Carla Sullivan
- Chandler Roberson - Culver’s Decorah
- Chuck Larson
- Adam Clark - Clark’s Outfitters
- Deborah Patch
- FaithLife Church
- Melissa Keating - The Speede Shop
- Melissa Regenwether
- Sarah Rieck
- Timothy Eastman
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.
- Abbigail McGee
- Abby Mohs
- Abby Van Anden
- Abigayle Allen
- Aimee Oetzel
- Alison Noe
- Ally Nelson
- Ally Sapp
- Amanda Wagg
- Amber Gudenkauf
- Amy Leitch
- Amy Sabelka
- Angela Schrodt
- Ann Soenksen
- Anna Dorsey
- April Blong
- April DeGroot
- April Murrell
- Ashley Clark
- Ashley Cobert
- Ashley Lowman
- Ashley Rosas
- Beatriz Daxon
- Beverly Jacobs
- Bobbi Jo Duneman
- Brianda Salamanca
- Brittany Kuethe
- Cassandra Kotek
- Catherine Ohlert
- Charissa Hickenbottom
- Christy Tice
- Constance Kremer
- Corinn Shannon
- Courtney Hageman
- Danielle Guard
- Dawn MacLennan
- Dr. Karla Solheim
- Eliza Farley
- Ellen Wagner
- Ellie Sevigny
- Emily Bintz
- Erica Diehl
- Faith Bladel
- Hilda Williams
- Hollie Ewers
- Holly Pline
- Holly Welborn
- Jackie Wedeking
- Jami Depew
- Jamie Siela
- Jennifer Bormann
- Jennifer Gorman
- Jennifer Zeglis
- Jenny Forbes
- Jessica Baker
- Jessica Basse
- Jessica Meier
- Jodie King
- Kale Gates
- Kara Burg
- Karen Bushanam
- Karry Dolash
- Kassie Jones
- Katie Gates
- Katie Jochim
- Katie Paulson
- Katie Usher
- Katy Castaneda
- Kelli Anselmo-Easterly
- Kelsey Kirby
- Kelsey Newton
- Kelsie Berggren
- Kennedy Judkins
- Kilee Tully
- Kimber Johnson
- Kirstyn Payne
- Kristen Ernzen
- Lacy Harris
- Laura Fisher
- Leah White
- Leisha Doeppke
- Lindsay Handy
- Lisa Noesen
- Lizbeth Rodriguez
- Lorrie Graves
- Lou Leitzen
- Madison McDonald
- Madyson Newhall
- Makaila Nobis
- Malena Billups
- Matt Cooney-Cox
- Mattie Moses
- Megan Andresen
- Megan Daugherty
- Melody Hocke
- Michelle Harris
- Michelle May
- Michelle Stevens
- Mindy Schlader
- Miranda Morrison
- Molly McGuire
- Molly Mekus
- Nelle Brunetti
- Nichole Martin
- Nichole Santana
- Nicki Ruthaivilavan
- Nicole Lehman
- Nikole Moore
- Paula Rogers
- Priscilla Marlar
- Rachel Arguello
- Rachel Earhart
- Rebecca Bultinck
- Rene Teel-Mulka
- Rubia Ruiz
- Samantha Brozovich
- Samantha Davis
- Samantha Jacobs
- Sara Legore
- Sarah Fleer-Pinckney
- Sarah Kempenaar
- Sarah Kingland
- Sarah Portugue
- Sarah Prang
- Sharyl Wanzek
- Shirley Bliss
- Siarra Jones
- Stacey Mueggenberg
- Stephen Westcott
- Stephianna Tompkins
- Susie Pittard
- Taelor Donnolly
- Tara Dunn
- Tessa Potter
- Tony Holland
- Tricia Burns
- Wyvonia Cullum
- Yolanda Peterson
