Special to IFN
Seven Girl Scout volunteers based in Iredell County have earned the Appreciation Award and were honored at the Annual Meeting of Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont (GSCP2P) held at Appalachian State University on April 26.
Crissy Armstrong, Sarah Bowman, Karalee Bucksbee, Melissa Connor, Meghan Patton, Melissa Randolph and Jill Rufty received the Appreciation Award, which recognizes a registered Girl Scout adult who has delivered outstanding service to at least one geographic area or program delivery audience.
“It’s a privilege for our Board of Directors to present these yearly recognitions to our exceptional volunteers from across our footprint of 40 counties in western and central North Carolina,” said Trish Johnson, Board Chair. “The selected volunteers exemplify the Girl Scout spirit of community service and leadership, and they serve as influential role models both to their peers and the girls they lead.”
Girl Scout volunteers teach girls lifelong skills, build their confidence to try new things and instill values like community service; they also take part in the growth and belonging of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. The awarded volunteers are dedicated leaders within the Iredell service units, all serving various roles to bring the mission to local girls and support them through creativity, passion and commitment.
Award Recipients
♦ Crissy Armstrong of Troutman has been a volunteer for six years and creates memorable experiences through events like an annual father-daughter dance and the “She Power Sleepover” which focused on personal development for girls and adults.
♦ Sarah Bowman of Statesville has volunteered for four years, and she’s the leader of a large multi-level troop, playing a vital role in fostering growth and empowerment among young girls in the community. She impacts many aspects of the council and region as she supports new volunteers and executes major service unit events like camporees and cookie rallies.
♦ Karalee Bucksbee of Catawba has been a volunteer for four years, serving as a Girl Scout Cadette Leader for Troop 13084, and is known for her kindness and commitment to uplifting girls and fellow volunteers, ensuring they feel recognized and appreciated.
♦ Melissa Connor of Statesville has volunteered for four years and focuses on community service by coordinating monthly service projects and fostering partnerships with local organizations, providing meaningful volunteer opportunities for girls and adults that also benefit the area.
♦ Meghan Patton of Statesville is a volunteer and troop leader of seven years, making significant contributions to both girl and adult members of GSCP2P. She’s provided monthly enrichment training for troop leaders and identifies educational experiences for all members like creating the first Service Unit summer reading program.
♦ Melissa Randolph of Mooresville has been a volunteer for eight years. Having served as a Girl Scout Cadette troop leader, she’s a passionate advocate for older Girl Scouts; she creates meaningful opportunities for them and collaborates with other troops to encourage older girls to lead younger Girl Scouts, fostering a culture of mentorship and engagement.
♦ Jill Rufty of Statesville is a volunteer of five years, excelling as a leader within the Fall Product Program that teaches girls essential life skills like problem solving and business ethics. She also makes an impact by coordinating events that create lasting memories like Founders Day and camporees.
Adults who are passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders are welcome to become a volunteer at any time with Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont. The council’s Extended Year Membership offer is now open for new girl and adult members to join the Girl Scout experience at a discounted rate through June 30.
LEARN MORE
Learn more at www.BeAGirlScout.org/explore. To learn more about GSCP2P, visit www.girlscoutsp2p.org. Questions on Girl Scouting and volunteering can be directed to info@girlscoutsp2p.org or 800-672-2148.