Adult Recognition

Volunteers are the heart of our organization, and we work to honor their contributions throughout the year!

Council Excellence and Legacy Award nominations are now open until Tuesday, December 15!

Congratulations to the following volunteers honored at our annual Service Unit Leadership Kickoff and FALL events! Click below to view.

View Award Earners toggle arrow

Service Units Volunteers (Honored at Service Unit Leadership Kickoff) toggle arrow

Troop Volunteers (Honored at FALL) toggle arrow

Our Awards:

For Troop Volunteers

For Service Unit Volunteers

For Council Wide Volunteers

For Organizations

Numeral Guards and Years of Service Pins toggle arrow

Numeral Guard (5-30 Years) and Yeras of Service (5-20 Years) are purchased and presented by the Service Unit. Request HERE

Numeral Guard (35+ Years) and Years of Service (25+ Years) will be honored at the GSEP Annual Awards starting May 2027. Submit Years of Service HERE

The Numeral Guard recognizes an individual’s total years of registered membership including years as a girl and an adult member in 5-year increments starting at 35 years.
The Years of Service Pin recognizes a volunteer’s length of service in five-year increments starting at 25 years.

Awards for Troop Volunteers toggle arrow

The nomination window for Troop Volunteers is closed.

Awardees will be honored during the Fall Adult Lead and Learn (FALL) event in October.

Rising Star Award toggle arrow

This award recognizes the service of a volunteer who is new to the role of Girl Scout leader/co-leader and has hit the ground running. This adult volunteer has been in this role for a short time but has made a big impact on their troop or service unit, fully embraced the Girl Scout movement with energy and passion. This leader has performed outstanding work within their first two years.

Eligible

1st – 2^nd Year Troop Leaders

Criteria:

Active Registered GSEP Volunteer
Helps provide a safe, inclusive, and enriching experience for Girl Scouts
Volunteered for two (2) years or less with a troop as a leader/co-leader
Completed all required GSEP training for new leaders
Attended, or had a proxy attend, local service unit meetings
Girls in the candidate’s troop participated in the Girl Scout Product Program
Made a significant impact on their troop and performed outstanding work

Campfire Catalyst Award toggle arrow

This award recognizes a Troop Volunteer who provides girls with robust, varied, and meaningful outdoor experiences that build girls’ outdoor skills and confidence. The volunteer puts significant energy and creativity in designing and facilitating experiences that build girls’ respect and appreciation for the outdoors.

Eligible	Troop Volunteers
Criteria:	Active Registered GSEP Volunteer Organized and helped the troop go on multiple outdoor adventures Multiple specific instances of building girls’ outdoor skills and confidence Designed and implemented multiple activities that increased girls’ respect and appreciation for the outdoors.

Heart of the Troop Award toggle arrow

This award honors a Troop Helper or other non-Troop Leader/non-Troop Cookie Manager volunteer who constantly volunteers and gives significant amounts of time and energy to the troop. The contributions of this volunteer allow the troop to engage in more activities and experiences because of the time they spend volunteering and supporting. Other volunteers’ roles become easier because of this volunteer’s commitment and efforts.

Eligible	Troop Volunteers
Criteria:	Active Registered GSEP Volunteer Supported the troop as a volunteer in a helper role for at least two years Consistently goes above and beyond to support the troop Directly supports the Troop Leaders or Troop Cookie Manager in ways that make their roles easier.

Giving Heart Award toggle arrow

This award honors a Troop Leader that teaches the value of service and ensures her troop gives back to their community in powerful ways. This volunteer goes above and beyond to organize and facilitate events and activities that allow girls to make a measurable impact on the community.

Eligible	Troop Leaders
Criteria:	Active Registered GSEP Volunteer Has facilitated multiple service projects with the troop Has designed and implemented multiple activities that build girls’ understanding of the importance of giving back to the community The troop’s projects and service have measurable impacted the greater community

Voice of the Troop Award toggle arrow

This award honors a Troop Leader that builds and strengthens girls’ teamwork and leadership skills by designing and implementing a troop structure that puts girls fully in charge. In this leader’s troop, girls take the lead in all parts of troop functioning – making decisions, implementing activities, setting up and planning events, and more. This Troop Leader goes to incredible efforts to rise up girls and their voices.

Eligible	Troop Leaders
Criteria:	Active Registered GSEP Volunteer Constantly and thoughtfully designs and implements activities that foster girl leadership Goes above and beyond to ensure the troop reflect the voices and opinions of the girls involved Girls in the troop have significant opportunities to make decisions and plans Girls lead the troop in multiple concrete ways

Roots to Wings Honor toggle arrow

This honor recognizes Troop Leaders who started as a Troop Leader with girls when they were Daisies or Brownies and has continued leading that troop as girls grew to Ambassadors.

Eligible	Troop Leaders
Criteria:	Active Registered GSEP Volunteer Has been a leader with the troop from when at least 3 girls in the troop were Brownies or younger Currently leads a troop where at least 3 girls are currently ambassadors. Has made a significant impact on their troop and performed outstanding work.

Top Cookie Award toggle arrow

The Top Cookie Award honors Troop Cookie Managers who have gone above and beyond in their support of the Girl Scout Cookie Program, including being a cookie expert in their community, supporting others throughout the cookie program, encouraging girl-led activity and entrepreneurship throughout the cookie program, and facilitating cookie program engagement in their community.

Eligible	Troop Cookie Managers
Criteria:	Active Registered GSEP Volunteer Has made a positive impact on their troop Has provided outstanding service related to the success of the cookie program. Has exhibited strong communication with families, the Service Unit, and the Council regarding the Cookie Program. Has modeled honesty and responsibility during every step of the Cookie program including managing inventory appropriately.

Lasting Sisterhood toggle arrow

This award honors Troop Leaders who have created a strong community with their troop and troop caregivers ensuring long term girl retention and investment. This volunteer goes above and beyond to ensure every girl feels welcome and included in the troop, thoughtfully designing activities and interactions that strengthen friendships and connections.

Eligible	Troop Leaders
Criteria:	Active Registered GSEP Volunteer Majority of girls have been with the troop for at least 4 years Facilitates activities that strengthened the bond between girls Designs and facilitates activities that strengthen the connection of families and caregivers to the troop Goes above and beyond to ensure an inclusive and welcoming experience for all girls in the troop

Awards for Service Unit Volunteers toggle arrow

The nomination window for Service Unit Volunteers is closed.

Awardees will be honored during the Volunteer Kick Off Event in August.

Super Service Unit Award toggle arrow

The Super Service Unit Award recognizes a service unit volunteer who has gone above and beyond providing time, skills, and leadership in their role on the Service Unit team.

Eligible	Service Unit Volunteers
Criteria:	Active Registered GSEP Volunteer Actively served as a service unit team member for five years or more Service performed has measurable impact on at least one service unit Service performed is above and beyond the expectations for the position held, offering programs, events and support services to its members. Actively recognizes, understands and practices the values of inclusive behaviors

Super Service Rookie of the Year toggle arrow

Recognizes first or second year SU team member that goes above and beyond their position description and has made a significant impact within their Service Unit or Council.

Eligible	Service Unit Volunteers
Criteria:	Active Registered GSEP Volunteer Serving for the first time in a Service Unit role and are in Year 1 or Year 2 Takes initiative, contributes new ideas, and supports Service Unit activities Service performed is above and beyond the expectations for the position held Helps provide a safe, inclusive and enriching experience for Girl Scouts Inspires and encourages fellow volunteers

Top Cookie Award toggle arrow

The Top Cookie Award honors Service Unit Cookie Managers who have gone above and beyond in their support of the Girl Scout Cookie Program, including being a cookie expert in their community, supporting others throughout the cookie program, encouraging girl-led activity and entrepreneurship throughout the cookie program, and facilitating cookie program engagement in their community.

Eligible	Service Unit Cookie Managers
Criteria:	Active Registered GSEP Volunteer Has made a positive impact on their Service Unit Has provided outstanding service related to the success of the cookie program Has exhibited strong communication with families, Troop Cookie Managers, the Service Unit, and the Council Modeled honesty and responsibility during every step of the Cookie Program including managing inventory appropriately

Awards for Council Wide Volunteers toggle arrow

Council Wide Award nominations are open and will remain open until Tuesday, December 15.

Awardees will be honored during the Annual Meeting in May each year. Years of Service (25+) and Numeral Guard (35+) will also be honored at the Annual Meeting.

Lights of Loyalty toggle arrow

This award honors a volunteer whose long-term commitment and service to the organization and the mission are extraordinary.

Eligible Positions: Volunteers with 30 or more Years of Service

Criteria:

The candidate is an active, registered Girl Scout member for 30 or more years (Years of Service only, please do not count years as a girl).
The candidate's long-term commitment to the organization and the mission span at least one geographic area, service unit, or entire Council.
The service performed by the candidate is above and beyond the expectations for the position(s) held.
The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behaviors.

Thanks Badge toggle arrow

This award honors a volunteer who has provided exceptional, outstanding service that benefits the total Council or entire Girl Scout Movement.

Eligible Positions: Active, registered Volunteer

Criteria:

The candidate is an active, registered Girl Scout member.
The service performed benefits the Council or entire Girl Scout Movement.
The candidate demonstrates an ongoing commitment to leadership and service that has a measurable impact.
The service is so significantly beyond expectations, that no other award is appropriate.
The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behaviors

Thanks II Badge toggle arrow

This award honors a Thanks Badge recipient who has since provided continuing distinguished service benefiting the total Council that significantly surpasses the original achievement.

Eligible Positions: Volunteer who previously received the Thanks Badge

Criteria:

The candidate is an active, registered Girl Scout member.
The candidate must have already received the Thanks Badge.
The service performed benefits the Council or entire Girl Scout Movement.
The candidate demonstrates an ongoing commitment to leadership and service that has a measurable impact.
The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behaviors.

Honor Pin

This award honors a volunteer whose outstanding service has impacted multiple service units.

Eligible Positions: Volunteer with role(s) in at least 2 Service Units

Criteria:

The candidate is an active, registered Girl Scout member.
The candidate has provided outstanding service in any role to at least two service units in a way that furthers the Council’s goals.
Their service goes beyond the expectations of their position and has a measurable impact.
The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behaviors.

Diversity Award toggle arrow

This award honors a volunteer who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to promoting diversity in her/his community, service unit, or Council.

Eligible Positions: Active, Registered Member

Criteria:

The candidate is an active, registered Girl Scout member.
The service performed made a measurable impact.
The service performed by the candidate is above and beyond the expectations for the position held, not only establishing the presence of, but engaging social, ethnic, and other groups in Girl Scouts.
The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behaviors.

Gertrude K. McGonigle toggle arrow

This award honors an individual who has proven to be a positive role model while working directly with girls and has exemplified the values and traditions of Girl Scouting. This award is given in honor of Gertrude K. McGonigle by her daughter, in recognition of her mother’s long-standing interest and support of Girl Scouting in the Reading/Berks County area.

Eligible Positions: Active, Registered Member for At Least 10 Years

Criteria:

The candidate is an active, registered Girl Scout member for at least ten years.
The service performed made a measurable impact on at least one geographic area within the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania.
The service performed by the candidate is above and beyond the expectations for the position held.
The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behaviors.

Appreciation Pin toggle arrow

This award honors an individual's exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE).

Eligible Positions: Active, Registered Member

Criteria:

The candidate is an active, registered Girl Scout member.
The service performed has measurable impact on at least one geographic area, service unit, or program audience in a way that furthers the Council’s mission-delivery goals.
The service performed is above and beyond the expectations for the position held.
The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behaviors.

GSEP Award toggle arrow

The GSEP Award is the highest Council level award and recognizes “the ultimate GSEP volunteer.” This award honors three legacy Council leaders: Janet A. Clark (Girl Scouts Freedom Valley), Ellen Mary Cassatt (Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania), and Ronnie Backenstoe (Girl Scouts- Great Valley Council).

Eligible Positions: Active, Registered Member for At Least 10 Years

Criteria:

The candidate is an active, registered Girl Scout member for at least ten years.
The candidate exemplifies commitment and dedication that is remarkable and of extraordinary service to the entire Council.
The service performed by the candidate is above and beyond the expectations for the position(s) held.
The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behaviors.

Awards for Organizations toggle arrow

Award nominations for organizations who go above and beyond to support GSEP are open and will remain open until Tuesday, December 15.

Awardees will be honored during the Annual Meeting in May each year.

Friend of GSEP toggle arrow

This award honors a business or organization who supports GSEP by providing meeting space, hosting programs, providing financial support, or other means of visible support to one or more Service Units.

Eligible Positions: Business or Organization who Supports GSEP

Criteria:

The candidate's commitment to the organization and the mission played an integral role that furthers the Council's mission-delivery goals.
The service performed is above and beyond the expectations for the business or organization and has a measurable impact on one or more service units.
The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behaviors.

Resources

2025 Award Recipients toggle arrow

25 Years of Service

Carol Tritt
Amanda Graziola
Beth McCall
Rosealind Robinson

30 Years of Service

Robin Fiola
Barbara Markovitz
Carol Harper
Tia Hope

35 Years of Service

Ruth Nowrey
Diane Nordmark
Dawn Harper-Pinkett
Diana Dimattia
Nancy Schnader

40 Years of Service

Barbara Krisack
Barbara Moore
Linda Lane
Evelyn Boykin

50 Years of Service

Juanita Dyson
Sylvia Goldsmith

35 Year Numeral Guard

Robin Fiola
Carol Harper
Samantha Laudenslager
Gloria Hinderliter
Caterina Fuhrmeister

40 Year Numeral Guard

Felicia Menna
Diane Nordmark
Dawn Harper-Pinkett
Diane Barlett
Wendy McCleskey
Nancy Schader
Beth Stanislaw

45 Year Numeral Guard

Tia Hope
Susan Edgren
Julia Nakleh

50 Year Numeral Guard

Laurie Peters-Beers
Judith Samans-Dunn
George Grastic
Sandy Faust

55 Year Numeral Guard

Sylvia Goldsmith
Beth Hoagland
Cathy Stewart

60 Year Numeral Guard

Ann Donley
Cheryl Hamm
Nancy Sahms

65 Year Numeral Guard

Debbi Zvanut
Bonnie Young
Juanita Dyson

Lights of Loyalty Award

Janet Thompson
Louise Naklicki
Carol Harper
Vicki Coleman
Sally Kinsey

Appreciation Pin

Marisol Timmons
Marie-Luise Faber
Sarah Beck
Jennifer Schaub
Kathleen Huff
Wendy Martin
Jennifer Hixson
Kathleen McKeever
Christy Hileman
Debbie Letham
Jen Bojarski
Jodi Kirstein

GSEP Super Service Unit Volunteer Award

Nicolette Davis
Lisa Hoppes
Leslie Merrigan
Wendy Hughes
Rebecca Smirk
Anne Hubbard
Joanne Tidwell
Staci Zeman
Karen Jani
Demitria Cachia
Marsha Ney

GSEP Honor Pin

Heather Kelley
Katya Nieburg-Wheeler
Rebecca Rimby

Top Cookie Award

Karen Leopold
Kristen Henry
Bridget Powell
Amanda Cheng
Cynthia Bucklin
Suzanne Knightly
Miriam Burkhardt
Kim Giangrante
Anne Wagner
Gisele Commins
Tiffany Hamu
Shannon Long

Rookie of the Year Award

Danielle DeMarco
Jeanette Harpold

GSEP Award

Beth Gutierrez

Friend of GSEP Award

Church of the Holy Comforter
Dryland United Church of Christ

Service Unit Growth

SU 521 Inter-Delco

Service Unit Retention

SU 520 Friendship Hollow

GSEP CEO Award

SU 507, Marple Newtown
SU 515, Mill Creek
SU 520, Friendship Hollow
SU 534, Phillis Wheatley
SU 537, Springfield
SU 539, Schuylkill Hills
SU 558, Ginder
SU 562, Mundock
SU 624, Sandy Run
SU 627, Historic Trails
SU 707, Nazareth
SU 725, Nor-Bath

Leadership Knot Award

SU 515, Mill Creek
SU 619, Jericho
SU 616 Tohikanee

Interested in joining the Volunteer Recognition Committee? Fill out this form.

If you have questions, please contact memberservices@gsep.org with the subject “Adult Recognition”

2025 Ceremony Photos

PHOTO GALLERY