Volunteer Celebration

Thank you for your interest in Volunteer Celebration! This year, the event is on a brief hiatus and is set to return in 2026.

Girl Scouts San Diego (GSSD), in collaboration with its volunteer Recognitions Task Group (RTG), will be exploring ways to revamp this beloved event, so it reaches more members while celebrating volunteers for their contributions in a new, meaningful way.

Beginning April, GSSD will still open a nomination period for volunteer awards, and 2025 honorees will still be presented with awards. More details will be shared at a later date.

GSSD and the RTG plan to collect volunteer feedback on how best to celebrate volunteering this year in lieu of the event. There will also be an opportunity for volunteers to share their thoughts on what the future of Volunteer Celebration may look like.

Any questions? Please email customercare@sdgirlscouts.org.

2024 Volunteer Award Honorees

Appreciation Pin toggle arrow

The Appreciation Pin honorees went above and beyond this year at the service unit level to increase diversity, membership, visibility, and participation. We are proud to honor this year’s recipients for their exceptional leadership and service to our Girl Scout community.

These leaders brought unparalleled dedication and thoughtful planning, driving new initiatives that enhanced community visibility, engagement, and membership retention. Through innovative events like “Khaki Vest” for older girls and a commitment to inclusivity for girls and adults, their volunteer leadership has revitalized programs and elevated the spirit of Girl Scouts. Thank you to each of you for going the extra mile and inspiring us all with your passion.

Christine Bishop, Coronado

Leslie Delaney, Sunrise Valley
"In rural communities like mine, there is a lack of opportunities for girls. Public transportation is nearly non-existent, there are few resources, no community center or YMCA, and schools are underfunded, meaning there are few clubs for girls outside of sports or agriculture, both of which require a monetary and/or time investment on the part of parents. Due to long commutes and low wages, many caregivers are unable to provide those resources. Girl Scouts is one of the few options for girls in my community that provides a safe place for girls to build life skills and experiences."

Traci DeMarco, University City

Sidnie Flood, Coronado
"As a military family that moves often, Girl Scouts provides an immediate welcoming community for myself and my daughters wherever we land. Girl Scouts emphasis on developing youth leaders and fostering their unique talents and interests, allows my children to find supportive peers and mentors."

Alma Harder-Ortega, Chula Vista
"I like helping girls and volunteers learn new skills and find new things they love to do, or know that they tried it and that thing is not for them and that is ok."

Celeste Jacob, Canyon Crest

Bonnie Kirkland, Sunrise Valley

Julia Robles, Sunny Trails
"Contributing to the Girl Scout mission aligns with your values and provides a sense of purpose. It’s fulfilling to support an organization that fosters personal and communal growth."

Marin Vaughn, Carlsbad

Karin Volkmann, Solana Ranch
"I love seeing our girls experience different activities than they might at home, which helps them grow as people. It's a big world out there. Love demonstrating how to think BIG too!!"

Cookie Award toggle arrow

Their dedication as service unit cookie coordinators ensures that their troops feel supported, from securing extra booth locations to helping new leaders and Troop Cookie Managers navigate their first cookie season. By streamlining processes and introducing helpful initiatives like office hours, these leaders make it easier to distribute information and are always available to assist with questions or to offer an encouraging message of support.

Cheryl Bauman, Coronado
"I believe in the value that Girl Scouts has had on my daughters and my life. I want to continue to spread all that I have learned and providing the girls with experience and knowledge they would not get elsewhere."

Katherine Martinez, Encinitas
"I volunteer as a Girl Scout leader so I can help young girls find confidence in themselves and provide leadership experiences that they might not be able to find in other organizations. I believe that girls' lives are enriched when we provide them with new challenges and provide them a safe space to learn and grow together. I have been volunteering as the TCM for my troop and now as the SUCC because I believe that girls learn valuable skills from the cookie program such as learning how to communicate with adults (especially ones they don't already know), how to manage finances, and setting attainable goals and making plans for obtaining their goals."

Amanda Wall, Blue Sky
"It is meaningful to see our Girl Scouts grow and become more confident in their adventure called life."

Fall Product Award toggle arrow

This honoree has been a volunteer for 10 years and has shown dedication through her many roles. Recently, as fall product program coordinator, she made the process simple, organized, and stress-free for troops in Sunny Trails. Through her consistent efforts and leadership, she also fostered teamwork within her own troop, helping them start their new membership year off with success.

Karen Pickens, Sunny Trails
"I love the impact that Girl Scouts has on our community as well as on our daughters, helping them grow into resilient, confident, and compassionate members and leaders in our community. Being a volunteer allows me to give back to the organization that has given so much to my family and friends. I love to witness firsthand the growth and development of our members."

Fran Styles Lifetime Achievement Award toggle arrow

Judy Pritchett, Clairemont

Friendship Award toggle arrow

Ranger Melanie Fontana has long been a dedicated partner, working closely with Girl Scouts to create and preserve healthy environments for generations to come. Her leadership goes beyond environmental stewardship—she has become a trusted friend and role model to countless Girl Scouts, both young and old.

In one memorable instance, when a girl encountered a rattlesnake, Ranger Melanie calmly turned the situation into a valuable learning experience, teaching about the importance of snakes in the ecosystem and how to stay safe. Her kindness, knowledge, and generosity have made a lasting impact, helping Girl Scouts across our region experience the wonders of nature.

Melanie Fontana, Rancho Benardo

Get Outdoors Award toggle arrow

Our Get Outdoors Award honorees went above and beyond to provide opportunities that encouraged exploration and leadership in the great outdoors. By organizing encampments, reintroducing beloved camps from years past, guiding hiking and backpacking trips, or leading impactful trainings for leaders and Girl Scouts, their dedication has enriched the lives of hundreds of our members. Thank you for encouraging Girl Scouts and adults to step outside their comfort zones, grow in confidence, and build skills while connecting with nature.

Michelle Hamand, Rancho Bernardo
"I enjoy leading my daughter’s troop and encouraging others to enjoy the outdoors."

Stephanie Sack, University City
"I've enjoyed leading my daughters troops through graduation and now enjoy passing along my experience to our newer leaders."

Kristy Parker, Fallbrook
"I love being able to provide Girl Scouts the opportunity to try new things and explore the outdoors. Girl Scouts is sometimes the only chance girls get to hike, camp, fish, try archery, and experience the wonder of camp and all the special memories made there."

Lisa Sanchez, Council Volunteer
"Girl Scouts gave me so many great skills and memories as a child and I love giving back. I love to see the smiles and accomplishments of our youth backpackers."

Kristi Surran, Fallbrook
"I love running events for older girls, providing them with new experiences and hopefully helping to retain them. I was like many older girls, I quit in 6th grade."

Alex Swift, La Mesa

Honor Pin

These honorees have led multi-service unit events, revitalized roles, and mentored new leaders, always sharing traditions with dedication and grace. Their tireless efforts have expanded Girl Scout opportunities through networking and leadership.

Their positivity and enthusiasm as treasurers, coordinators, and organizers inspire both girls and volunteers. By providing exceptional support during cookie season and creating innovative training resources, they have helped troops grow in confidence across their service areas and made a lasting impact.

Sarah Doney, Fallbrook
"Being part of Girl Scouts with my daughter has brought so much joy, friendship and experiences that we would have never thought possible. I want to do everything I can to lend what I'm good at to support GSSD because many hands make light work. This time with GSSD is so special to me because my daughter is getting older and will begin starting to not want mom around all the time, I found this niche I can keep volunteering and forging bonds with other adults and not cramp her style or stifle her growth. I am very thankful she still wants me around on adventures with her."

Michelle Lyons, Rancho Bernardo
"I believe in what Girl Scouts is offering to so many girls. I also enjoy the people with which I volunteer."

Dolly Purificacion, Sunny Trails

Wendy Romagnoli, Vista
"I never set out to be a troop leader...it just sort of happened. But it's been a huge blessing because I've gotten to have a direct impact on not only the life experiences of my daughters, but also all the girls in my troops who continue to make a priority in their schedules to continue our sisterhood and bond. It has not always been easy, but I've met some incredible women along the way and my life is richer having participated in GS. I also appreciate that my husband shares my feelings on scouting and there are ways for him to be involved as well."

Hannah Santero, Canyon Crest

Anne Marie Wilson, Sunrise Valley

Brett Wilson, Sunrise Valley
"I believe in this program and what it stands for. I enjoy watching these young women grow and achieve their goals. Being a part of Girl Scouts is an honor and I will participate as long as they will let me."

Deanna Woodworth, Sunrise Valley
"I love to help and mentor! The Girl Scouts is a rewarding experience with many opportunities to share knowledge to both youth and adults. I feel appreciated and that drives me to continue to help."

Philanthropist Award toggle arrow

Carlo and Nadine Daleo

Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation

Thanks Badge I toggle arrow

Michelle Fischer, Mountain Shadow

Michelle’s unwavering dedication to creating inclusive spaces and ensuring all voices are heard has been instrumental in her leadership roles. As a regional product program manager for eight years, Michelle was crucial to the success of these initiatives in the Canyon Trails region, overseeing six service units and providing essential support.

Currently, Michelle is in her second term as a National Council Delegate, where she represents our council’s members on a national level.

She has also been appointed to the National Council Session Advisory Team at the recommendation of our CEO, Carol Dedrich. As one of seven delegates from around the country, she works directly with the national board to help improve the democratic process across the Girl Scout Movement.

"All my children were involved in scouting. I believe that it helped to form them to be the adults they are today. It’s meaningful for me to volunteer with Girl Scouts and Diego because the organization gives girls a safe space to explore different avenues and makes them strong women."

Jennipher Harris, Council Volunteer

Jennipher has been involved in Girl Scouting for decades! As a Gold Award Girl Scout herself, she now uses her knowledge and passion to help inspire the next generation of leaders as a volunteer member of the Gold Award Committee. Each year, she dedicates more than 200 hours to mentoring and guiding Gold Award candidates toward achieving the highest award in Girl Scouting.

Her encouragement and problem-solving mindset have been a cornerstone of her work. Maybe most importantly, she always makes sure to tell her Girl Scouts: “I’m proud of you.”

This year alone, Jennipher assisted 13 Girl Scouts in earning their Gold Award, surpassing her previous records since joining the committee in 2010. Her Gold Award mentorship made up 18% of the total awards earned in 2024, making her a vital part of the committee's success. Her continuous support helps girls grow into confident, resilient leaders.

"It is an honor and privilege to mentor Gold Award Girl Scouts on their journey to earning the highest award in Girl Scouting. Witnessing their growth, talents, determination and passion to make the world a better place inspires me to volunteer and leave a lasting legacy to Girl Scouts."

Thanks Badge II toggle arrow

Kay Fagan-Hodges, Imperial Valley

Kay Fagan-Hodges has dedicated 50 years to Girl Scouts, first as a girl member for 10 years and then as an adult volunteer for 40 years. She has held numerous roles within the Imperial Valley Service Unit.

She has exceeded the expectations of her many positions and demonstrated her exceptional commitment to the Girl Scout community. Kay’s efforts in facilitating meeting spaces, conducting training sessions, leading events like IV Mall Takeover and IV High Adventure, and preserving Girl Scout traditions have created a lasting positive impact on countless girls and leaders. Her infectious positive outlook and willingness to support others embody the true spirit of Girl Scouts.

She also gives of her time to support GSSD with tracking grant submission deadlines so that our organization can apply to receive funding for our critical mission. Her lifetime of service has fostered leadership, community, and kindness that will be passed on to the next generation of Girl Scouts. Kay’s peers in Imperial Valley call her a “true treasure.”

"Simply put, the girls, the volunteers, and the lasting friendships make it meaningful. Plus I just enjoy it!

Being a Girl Scout myself the program taught me to be a volunteer, help where needed and try new things. Volunteering brings joy, skills and fun to others. Giving girls this same opportunity is why I still volunteer. As well as helping to keep Girl Scout traditions strong.

I love seeing girls attend a Cookie Kickoff and then see them out at a booth sale using a skill they just learned. It’s rewarding to see a Brownie you had in your troop become your Bank Teller or drive a car full of girls to our Balboa Cabins who have never been over the mountains to San Diego. Seeing trained leaders and troops progress to troop camping at Fiesta Island and be able to recall their first overnight in a Balboa cabin. Most recently just being invited to attend and support older girl troops as they ran their own girl led events for their sister troops.

It's important to me that girls and volunteers continue on with Girl Scout traditions, make new ones and enjoying the vast richness that GSSD has to offer girls in Imperial County and San Diego County, so this is why I continue being a Girl Scout Volunteer."

Volunteer of Excellence Award toggle arrow

These honorees empowered Girl Scouts by fostering traditions, launching girl advisory boards, and mentoring teens and adults. They organized impactful events, from appreciation dinners to cookie deliveries, while also supporting new volunteers. Their efforts have expanded the Girl Scout presence in underrepresented communities and strengthened membership engagement, especially among our older Girl Scouts through leadership development opportunities.

Cynthia Collins, Scripps Ranch

Kristen Crane, Rancho Bernardo
"Being the leader of two troops that have gone from kindergarten Daisies to 12th grade Ambassadors and bridging to adults has been incredibly rewarding. Watching the young women grow from energetic little girls in their blue smocks, sometimes timid to try new things, into young women who are pursuing their interests and have become confident leaders that care about making the world a better place is one of my life's greatest joys."

Anna Edwards, Encinitas
"The opportunity to mentor and provide opportunities for the girls to grow, develop, lead, and succeed is satisfying and makes me feel good."

Kimberly Gregan, Clairemont
"It's all about the girls and giving them opportunities to have experiences that they may not have otherwise. Watching them mature and grow into these amazing leaders that they are becoming is the best thing ever."

Patty Jenkins, Encinitas
"I am a lifetime member with a passion for promoting Girl Scouts to new members to keep the pipeline filled with new Daisies."

Kathleen Ling, Encinitas
"It has been an honor to guide my daughter's troop from Kindergarten Daisies to high school graduate Ambassadors. As I became more involved at the Service Unit level, I realized I enjoyed sharing my experiences in Girl Scouts and being a mentor to others. This led to my roles as a council trainer and advisor for our Service Unit CSA Girl Advisory Board. I am continuing my personal Girl Scout journey by being a National Council Delegate so I can better understand and be a decision maker at the GSUSA level. I get great satifsfaction knowing I'm doing a small part to make the Girl Scout experience rewarding for girls and volunteers."

Amanda Rodriguez, Imperial Valley
"I continue to volunteer because I love Girl Scouts as much as the girls do."

2023 Honorees

Appreciation Pin toggle arrow

Honoree Service Unit

Maureen Hovannesian	Blue Sky
Amber Wilson	Canyon Crest
Celeste Jacob	Canyon Crest
Lisa Robotti	Carlsbad
Anne Burnett	Coronado
Anne Hill	Coronado
Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka	Coronado
Victoria Calisch	Coronado
Jerrica Owen	Imperial Beach
Genie Wyatt	Imperial Valley
Alice Chang	Rancho Bernardo
Pauline Tetlow	Rancho Bernardo
Michelle Jones	Sunny Trails
Nancy Pena	Sunny Trails
Rebecca Ordas	Tierrasanta

Cookie Award toggle arrow

Honoree Service Unit

Dixie Krimm	Imperial Valley
Shannon Weaver	Mira Mesa
Sherri Camarata	Rancho Bernardo

Fall Product Award toggle arrow

Honoree Service Unit

Hannah Santero	Canyon Crest
Kristen Wade-Kempiak	Encinitas
Julia Robles	Sunny Trails

Family Award toggle arrow

Wilson Family | Sunrise Valley

Fran Styles Lifetime Achievement Award toggle arrow

Honorees Service Unit

Maxine Peoples	GSSD
Irene Barajas	Otay Messa
Jan Young	Blue Sky

Friendship Award toggle arrow

Honorees Service Unit

Jamie Villegas	GSSD
Ranger Luis Pacheco	Imperial Valley

Get Outdoors Award toggle arrow

Honorees Service Unit

Cheryl Bauman	Coronado
Diana Osborn	Mission Trails
Nancy Mowry	Coronado

Honor Pin

Marilou Thomas | Sunny Trails

Philanthropist Award toggle arrow

Honorees Service Unit

Booz Allen and Hamilton, Inc.	GSSD
Southwest Airlines	GSSD

Share Award toggle arrow

Melissa Bennett | Coronado

Thanks Badge I toggle arrow

Honorees Service Unit

Elsie-Mary Luranc	GSSD
Pam Connors	Imperial Beach
Taylor 'Brown Owl' Fox	Mission Trails
Lawrence Black*	GSSD
May 'Bandy' Atherton*	GSSD

*These honorees are being honored posthumously

Thanks Badge II toggle arrow

Honorees Service Unit

Cora Carmody	GSSD
Kassie Panian	San Marcos

Volunteer of Excellence Award toggle arrow

Honorees Service Unit

Becky Thomas	Imperial Valley
Abbey Boull't	Mission Trails

Be a part of the fun! Join the Recognitions Task Group and help us read through nominations and endorsements to select the honorees. Email recognition@sdgirlscouts.org to learn more.