April 29, 2017
Kishwaukee College
21193 Malta Rd. • Malta, IL 60150
Contents
Welcome Letter
Girl Scout Milestones
Community Partner Awards
GSUSA National Girl Scout Historian Pin
Appreciation Pin
President's Award
Thanks Badge
Thanks Badge II
Hall of Fame Award
Volunteer of Excellence
Service Unit Recognition
Highest Awards
Graduating Girl Scouts
Recognition Committee
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3
4
5
6
6
7-11
11-12
13-14
14-16
16-17
17-19
19-20
20-21
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Welcome Letter
Hello,
On behalf of the staff and Board members at Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI),
we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the thousands of volunteers
working towards our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character,
who make the world a better place. We could not do what we do without you!
Every year, we take time to celebrate our volunteers and show them how much we
appreciate all they do.
Our council wouldn’t exist without the tireless efforts of all our volunteers, and
today we will be recognizing some of our volunteers whose contributions have
made a significant difference in the lives of our girls, adults, staff and Board.
Whether planning a week-long day camp for hundreds of girls or creating training
materials for thousands of adults, these incredible volunteers have given more than
just their time, they’ve shared their knowledge, their talent, and their passion—
making the council more successful than we could have ever imagined!
We would like to recognize all of our Girl Scouts who have earned the Girl Scout
Gold Award. We know how hard you have worked and how much time and energy
you have put into your projects, and we appreciate you making your corner of the
world a better place. We couldn’t be more proud of what you have achieved, and we
know this is just the beginning of your accomplishments!
We would also like to congratulate all of our Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awardees
for earning the highest awards for Girl Scout Juniors and Cadettes. Completed in
groups or on their own, girls begin to look at the problems in their own communities
and work towards a long-lasting solution. We are so proud of you all, and we can’t
wait to see what your future holds!
Thank you to all the volunteers dedicating their time to help our girls become
leaders, and thank you to all the girls who are solving today’s problems. Together
you are building a better tomorrow, and we are honored to be a part of your journey!
Warmest Regards,
Fiona Cummings
Scott McCleary
GSNI Chief Executive Officer
GSNI Board Chair
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Membership Milestones
5-year pins:
Michelle Dixon
Dawn Maffioli
Amy Montrose
Bobbie Riley
Kathleen Snavely
Patti Turner
10-year pins:
Krista Anders
Cindy Birr
Cindy Cooper
Angela Juneau
Heidi Provo
Deborah Todd
15-year pins:
Jennifer Archer
Peggy Gale
Kara McCleary
Scott McCleary
Cathy Shipp
20-year pins:
Nadine Boisselier
Stephanie Layman
Lucinda Maina
25-year pins:
Jen Camplain
Felecia Dupczak
Judy Guimarin
Archie Needam
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Stacie Simpson
30-year pins:
Christina Kirsch
Terry Moore
Karen Tatlock
35-year pins:
Debi Frankovich
Kellyn Lawrence
Angel Rach
45-year pins:
Robin Henning
50-year pins:
June Kubasiak
Sue Mills
60-year pins:
Cynthia Dorband
Community Partner Awards
Alpine Bank
Alpine Bank has been supportive to GSNI in many ways for many
years. They have sponsored events, including the Thin Mint Sprint,
for several years. In addition, last year they became the council’s first Financial Literacy
sponsor and a Preferred Partner. As such, they sponsored the Money Smart Week program
and welcomed Girl Scouts into their bank for fun, financial literacy activities, as well as
offering hands-on financial literacy workshops throughout the year. Plus, a group of Alpine
Bank employees have been very dedicated Girl Scout Cookie Program volunteers for years by
helping unload semi-trucks and stack cases of cookies in the warehouse for distribution!
Barrington Area Library
For over 6 years, the Barrington Area Library has generously
provided meeting space for GSNI troops, service unit meetings,
trainings, and events. In September, the library partnered with
GSNI for a 4-week grant program by sharing the use of 13 computers, providing a library staff
member, and use of the facility for the STEM program Taken Charge. This experience offered
13 Girl Scouts, in grades 4–8, the opportunity to learn valuable computer skills in Career &
Interest Exploration, fulfilling one of GSNI’s 4 focus areas. This program expanded GSNI’s
ability to reach and reengage older Girl Scouts in Barrington. Our continued success in the
Barrington area would not be possible without the generous support of the Barrington
Area Library!
Cary United Methodist Church
Cary United Methodist Church (CUMC) has been a GSNI supporter
for several years. CUMC is the meeting place for more than 10
troops. The church also hosts many Aztec Service Unit events and
provides space for bridging ceremonies at no charge to the troops
or service unit. In August, on the morning of Aztec’s last day of twilight camp, the church
agreed to allow the service unit to use their fellowship hall so the camp overnight would not
have to be cancelled due to severe weather. A maintenance staff member came back after
an already scheduled event ended late in order to set-up for Aztec’s overnight. The same staff
member came back to the church following the overnight event to set up for another troop’s
bridging ceremony. CUMC has repeatedly proven their commitment to the success of Girl
Scouts in the Cary/Fox River Grove area!
The Community
Foundation of Northern Illinois
The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois has a long history of supporting
GSNI, primarily for outreach programs. For several years, the foundation provided
grant funding for the aMAZE Violence Prevention Program which was delivered to
thousands of sixth grade girls in Rockford Public Schools as a part of their health
class curriculum. For the past three years, the foundation has provided grant
funding for Project Opportunity, allowing GSNI to expand outreach programs in the Rockford
area, serving 750–1,000 girls each year, bringing Girl Scouting and its developmental and
academic benefits to underserved populations of girls!
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GSUSA National Girl Scout
Historian Pin
To receive a GSUSA National Girl Scout Historian Pin,
volunteers must serve at least three years as a Council
Historian, be an active volunteer on the Historian
Committee, and receive training for the position through
national or local workshops.
Vicki Croffoot
Vicki is a lifetime member of Girl Scouts and has given almost 50 years of service to Girl
Scouts. She has been a dedicated member of GSNI’s Historians working on the legacy
Scrapbook, organizing legacy paperwork and photos, and reestablishing the library at the
Freeport Service Center.
Carol R. McPhillips
Carol is a lifetime member and former staff member of Girl Scouts of Green Hills Council. She
has efficiently helped to create the legacy scrapbook and identifies and organizes historical
Girl Scout items in the Freeport area. She is also busy educating communities and local Girl
Scouts about Girl Scout Historians and what they do.
Appreciation Pin
The Appreciation Pin is awarded to volunteers actively
giving outstanding service to at least one geographic
area or program delivery audience.
Aurora
Gemini
Jenny Mayton
Amy Montrose
Apache
Lee
Nadine Boisselier
Cathy Martens
Virginia Whaley
Arapaho
Requel Wynn
Pam Liston
Boone
Lucinda Maina
Patricia Potempa
Cheyenne
Sherri Culloton
Double Tree
Linda Lathrop
Michelle Bychowski
Tracy Anderson
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Osceola
Wanauka
April Sanderson
Winnebago
Cristy Guse
President’s Award
The President’s Award is given to a geographic area
team or program delivery team that has significantly
contributed to meeting one or more council goals in
membership growth and retention, fund development,
or increased community visibility.
Arapaho Day Camp Committee:
Bobbie Bredemeier, Cathy Johnston, Angela McMeel, Kim Scherrer, Betty
Szwankowski, and Sandra Tegel
Nominated by Cathy Johnston
The Ojibwa Service Unit Day Camp "Survivor" theme was fully integrated into all activities,
food, crafts, and badge work. The theme was designed to challenge girls to try new things
and assist girls in completing activities as teams. This allowed girls to take leadership roles
and make decisions on how to move forward to complete tasks. All girls learned basic
camp skills which included knowledge on knives, fire, cooking, and knots. Program Aides
experienced leadership by working with the girls in the units, determining the camp activities,
and staffing those activities.
The camp served 143 girls and 35 adult volunteers. Other camp activities included an
obstacle course, food challenges, puzzles, archery, hiking, teamwork, sharing experiences
with younger members, crafts, S.W.A.P.S., and games. The committee ensured camp was
peanut-free and meals were balanced and healthy!
Boone Service Unit Team:
Michelle Dixon, Sally Fennessy, Nancy Houk, Lucinda Maina, Patricia
Potempa, Sherry Schmidt, and Diana Ward
Nominated by Diana Ward
The Boone Service Unit Team often recruits volunteers outside of the team to help reach
its ambitious goals. The team has turned to technology and innovative solutions to keep
service unit members connected. One volunteer created a Facebook page where members
can meet and share information, ask questions, provide ideas, or check out event fliers for
easy access. Leaders are also grateful for the virtual invitations to attend leader meetings.
This has resulted in a steady and growing attendance of 25–30 monthly attendees which is
an increase from past years! All team members are involved in the leader meetings which
include monthly training and recognition. Monthly events are also held for all levels and
always well attended, thanks to the team members’ efforts!
Boone Service Unit Day Camp Committee:
Michelle Dixon, Lucinda Maina, Christa McClain-Smith, Patricia Potempa,
and Diana Ward
Nominated by Michelle Dixon and Diana Ward
This committee worked tirelessly to create and grow a fun, affordable, and educational
week-long adventure for Girl Scouts in Boone County in 2016! Recruiting adult volunteers for
day camp was a challenge, but the team persisted and was successful in welcoming enough
volunteers to safely meet the ratio needed.
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The committee worked with Girl Scouts of all ages to create a schedule that fully reflected
girls’ choices. Campers embraced the "Survivor" theme, showing pride in their chosen tribal
colors, names, and teamwork events. One favorite activity was the food challenge where
even the smallest tribe members stepped up to try “koala toenails,” “monkey brains,” and
other mysterious foods. Swimming was added to the camp curriculum and was a huge hit!
The committee also intentionally wove the Girl Scout Law into every aspect of this camp,
including the camp motto of "Outlearn - Outplay - Outdoors."
The team partnered with Boone County Conservation District to provide expertise in helping
girls complete several badge requirements. Campers also participated in a service project
by making peace poles to be placed throughout the Conservation District Gardens. Though
the service project, girls learned parts of the Girl Scout Law, including "Make the World a
Better Place" and "Respect Ourselves & Others". The camp was attended by over 120 Daisies,
Brownies, and Juniors.
The Boone County Day Camp Committee is dedicated to providing an exciting, quality
program to all girls attending day camp and is very deserving of the President's Award for
their efforts!
Genesis Service Unit Team:
Regina Arnold and Erin Tallman
Nominated by Erin Tallman
The Genesis Service Unit Team continues to raise awareness of Girls Scouts in their
community. The team works hard to coordinate leader presence at each regional school’s
preview night and hosts Q&A sessions for potential leaders which has resulted in a strong
and growing base of adult volunteers. These efforts, combined with an annual ice cream
social for girls interested in Girl Scouts, resulted in over 200 new members in 2016–2017!
The team also provides leader support programs, such as service unit meetings to exchange
ideas and assistance, as well as a new leader mentoring program.
The team coordinates 1-2 events a month and is always looking to add more opportunities
each year. Whether STEM-related, Journey in a Day, or activities like swimming, skating, or
Powder Puff Derby, service unit event participation is well-represented. Girls look forward
to outings such as Medieval Times, the circus, Disney on Ice, and holiday events. This year’s
World Thinking Day event was attended by over 375 girls and continues to grow in popularity
and learning opportunities each year.
The team’s use of digital and social media has increased communication in the service
unit. The team makes it a priority to respond to all questions in a variety of media, using
e-mail, and maintaining an updated website and active Facebook group. The expanded
communications has resulted in an increase in attendance at all service unit events.
Each Service Unit Team member wears many hats and wears them well. Together, they
continue to provide outstanding service to the entire region!
Genesis Service Unit Day Camp Committee:
Amber Arnold (girl member), Regina Arnold, Dawn Getz, and Erin Tallman
Nominated by Erin Tallman
The Genesis Service Unit Day Camp Committee is so enthusiastic that the planning for the
following year starts before the current year’s camp is over! The committee strives to follow
the progression skills model, building on important outdoor skills, camping skills, and Girl
Scout values. From fire-building, tools and knife safety, fishing, ceremonies and songs, to the
all-important first-aid training, the team offers a fully balanced program. The Genesis Service
Unit day camp is proudly self-sufficient, owning all the gear and providing all materials, while
keeping registration fees affordable.
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The team’s A-I-T program and aides are a key part of the camp’s success. The team holds a
pre-camp campout for aides to plan their time at camp, to teach and learn, all while having
fun. Aides are placed with units from day one and help girls plan and accomplish their events
for the week. The aides are role models for the younger girls, who look up to them and form
strong bonds. This multi-level experience is a key goal of the committee, providing a fulfilling
experience for the campers while building future leaders in their aides and A-I-Ts.
The 2016 day camp season saw more than 200 campers and included the assistance of over
50 volunteers, clearly an amazing success!
Jon Duerr Day Camp Committee:
Lisa Feddor, Kristy Kujak, Jean Moravak, and Donna Zocher
Nominated by Shannon Bell
The Jon Duerr Day Camp Committee is being recognized for its continued, exemplary
planning and implementation of a volunteer-led day camp serving girls mainly in the Apache,
Blackhawk, and Pottawatomie Service Units. Members of the committee are dedicated to
providing the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for all volunteers, girls, and aides. This is a
proven success based on the large number of returning girls and volunteers who continue to
participate in this camp year after year.
The camp offers an Aide Program which gives older girls the opportunity to learn and practice
their leadership skills with adults and younger girls. The committee also provides an Aide-inTraining program for girls the summer before they enter seventh grade. As for younger girls,
the camp is designed to teach the eight outdoor skills through progression. Unit leaders are
provided with training and support to successfully deliver the program.
Girls, both younger and older aides, have many opportunities to lead at camp. They work
together within their unit collaboratively and are always learning in a hands-on way. The camp
has a positive impact on service unit recruitment, since some campers are not current or
active Girl Scouts when they sign up for camp. Many older girl aides register as Girl Scouts,
especially so they can be an aide at this camp!
This committee is a dedicated team of volunteers passionate about providing great
experiences for girls. They are granting a lifetime of outdoor and camping memories for years
to come for many girls and adults!
Lake Zurich Day Camp Committee:
Judith Guimarin, Wilma Kirshenbaum, Jen Rattie, and Lisa Wiseman
Nominated by Nicole Higgins
Thanks to this committee, the Lake Zurich Day Camp in July of 2016 included 5-days of funfilled camping adventures! The camp transported campers from Lake Zurich to Harvard for
three of the five days, along with a trip to the beach, and a water park on the last day. The
team coordinated many details to make the camp a success, including a camp for boys with
their own schedule of activities for the week.
This committee demonstrated excellent communication with all families and campers and
made sure there were a variety of older girl-led activities throughout the week!
LeRoy Oakes Day Camp Committee:
Brenda Carlson, Sarah Hitchings, Jane Keene, Cathy Martens, Julie Salomon,
and Linda Strohschein
Nominated by Shannon Bell
LeRoy Oakes Day Camp serves girls in the Blackhawk, Geneva, and Pottawatomie Service
Units. With new leadership last year, the committee took an already successful day camp and
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made it even better! This camp is always popular, often with a waitlist, thanks to dedicated
volunteers and aides who return every year.
The camp follows the progression model of teaching girls the eight outdoor skills, which sets
the girls up for learning many practical life skills. The committee has also found success by
offering an Aide Program with Aide-in-Training and requiring older girls to attend the Council
Program Aide Basic and Program Aide Outdoor Trainings. Many older girls attend camp as
aides as their primary way of participating in Girl Scouts. This opportunity provides these girls
with leadership skills for working with both adults and younger girls.
The new group of volunteers for this committee are dedicated to providing the Girl Scout
Leadership Experience for all girls at camp. Girls are given the tools to participate in many
hands-on activities. They are encouraged to work collaboratively with other girls and are able
to make their own decisions and choices.
Girls will remember their camp experiences fondly, and the LeRoy Oakes Day Camp
Committee is to be commended for helping create these fond memories!
Phillips Park Day Camp Committee:
Stephanie Laymen, Elizabeth Mayton, Jenny Mayton, Katherine Witt, Robin
Witt, and Lana Wroten
Nominated by Robin Witt
In 2016, the Phillips Park Day Camp Committee celebrated their tenth year of delivering an
excellent day camp experience to between 60–85 girls each year! The committee has brought
progressive skills to the girls each year, as well as annual service projects including nature
trail clean up, planting a tree to commemorate Girl Scouts’ 100th Anniversary, and this past
year’s project of planting a water garden in Phillips Park. The team seeks out strong career
women to visit the camp and talk to the girls, many of whom are from the inner city, and
encourage them to find a career they are passionate to pursue. Girl are also often able to
interact with the animals at Phillips Park Zoo!
This team’s dedication over the past 10 years has resulted in years of positive camp
adventures full of learning, laughing, playing, singing and friendship!
STEW Committee:
Chris Alsip, Carol Ayars, Kathy Mullard, Julie Schmale, and Lesley Tennessen
Nominated by Christina Kirsch
The STEW Committee continued its efforts from its first year into its second year by offering
a robust program which saw growth in committee members and overall registration! STEW’s
attendance grew to 75 participants with 20 attendees returning from the first year, bringing
other leaders with them!
The STEW program helps GSNI retain interested volunteers and assists in increasing volunteer
excitement about the upcoming membership year with their troop! The STEW committee
offered a variety of workshops related to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, practical life
skills, and outdoor adventures. The STEW Committee has proven itself successful in meeting
mission delivery goals of the council and expanded into GSNI’s designated focus areas, so
volunteers can teach these valuable skills to their troops.
The committee continues to grow for the upcoming year’s STEW event, thanks to the current
enthusiastic members of this exceptional committee!
Thinking Day Committee:
Judith Guimarin, Nicole Higgins, and Mary Kalafut
Nominated by Nicole Higgins
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In February of 2016, Barrington and Lake Zurich Service Units coordinated a special Thinking
Day event for Algonquin, Barrington, Lake Zurich, Menominee, and Osceola Service Units. This
girl-led event was a wonderful experience where the girls were truly able to connect with
one another!
The committee reached out to Girl Scouts in different age groups and different towns to
make sure girl input was represented at the event. The older girls led experiences for various
members of the groups. The groups demonstrated connecting with self, with other Girl
Scouts, and with the world, even including a Skype session overseas!
Thanks Badge
The Thanks Badge honors an individual whose ongoing
committment, leadership, and service have impacted the
council or the entire Girl Scout Movement.
Annette Happ, Jo Daviess Service Unit Manager
Nominated by Travus Albrecht and Michelle Wiederholtz
Annette unselfishly serves as Jo Daviess Service Unit Manager, Fall Product and Cookie
Program Coordinator, and Recognition Chair each year. She always ensures Jo Daviess Service
Unit events are created and open to all Girl Scouts who might want to attend, regardless of
their service unit. In addition to her service unit positions, Annette has also been an active
member with GSNI’s Recognition Committee for the past three years.
Annette goes above and beyond for her service unit and Stephenson's Service Unit whenever
she can. She plans events with service team members from Stephenson Service Unit to
guarantee programs for older girls are available in both areas, as their membership is smaller
than most areas. She personally checks with each leader to see if there is anything she can
do to help them throughout the year.
At service unit meetings, Annette is open to hearing everyone's opinions and concerns before
making decisions that will help girls have the best Girl Scout opportunities throughout the
year. Annette also helps plan the Stephenson/Jo Daviess Camporee at Camp Far Horizons
each year, so girls have access to a great outdoor camping experience.
GSNI is proud to have a volunteer like Annette and recognizes her outstanding commitment
to the Girl Scout program and most importantly to the girls!
Bobbie Riley, GSNI Board Member
Nominated by Fiona Cummings
Bobbie is a lifetime member of Girl Scouts and has been an active GSNI Board Member
since 2011. She has held both the Second Vice Chair and First Vice Chair roles, as well as
membership on the Board Fund Development Committee, and a longtime member and now
leader of the Long Range Property Planning Task Force and Property Committee. Membership
in these committees and on the Board require heavy investments of time, skill, and personal
financial contributions. Leadership roles on the Board require even more!
These past couple of years have seen a significant focus on the process of creating a
long range property strategy. Bobbie's role has been crucial in shepherding all of this with
volunteers, other board members, and staff. The Board relies on her passion, energy, and
insight to support the council at all times through this process. The Long Range Property
Plan was approved by the Board in September 2016. This triumph was multiple years in the
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making and included market research, data analysis, many sessions with volunteers, and
group facilitation which GSNI couldn’t have done without Bobbie’s generous donation of
expertise and time!
Katherine Kaney, Creekview Service Unit Treasurer and
Event Coordinator
Nominated by Kathleen Adler
Kathy has been a Girl Scout volunteer for over 20 years and currently leads a troop of
approximately 50 girls in grades 4–12. She is also the Treasurer and Event Coordinator for
Creekview Service Unit where she regularly helps the service unit team create and implement
a fall recruitment event in late September.
Kathy has become an integral part of the recruitment team in the area. She is an enthusiastic
spokesperson for the benefits of Girl Scouts wherever she goes. She can speak to both
prospective girls and their parents, easily finding ways to get them interested and involved. In
her own troop, Kathy has warmly welcomed 25 girls in the last year, growing her troop from
25 to 50! She also created a team of 17 trained leaders and volunteers to support the girls in
the wide variety of activities they want to pursue.
GSNI’s recruitment team has come to depend on Kathy, both inside her service unit and in
the greater Rockford area. Kathy brings top notch organizational skills, experience working
with large groups, and unbridled creativity to recruitment events and planning. Her first
large group event resulted 50 additional girls being welcomed into three service units! Kathy
encouraged the Cadettes in her troop to use their leadership and teamwork skills, so the
event would also be girl-led. The girls were so excited about their experience; they signed up
for Program Aide Training to be even more ready for the next event!
The success of this event and others that followed inspired a Girl Scout and Boy Scout
Adventure Day recruitment event held in early September. The event brought Girl Scouts and
Boy Scouts together from six service units! Kathy assisted with activity planning and led the
team with experience. Each time the team proposed an outdoor activity, she knew what was
needed, how to do it, and how to keep everyone safe. Kathy even worked with GSNI’s Property
department to ensure proper safety guidelines were followed. Despite torrential downpours
on the day of the event, the event went well, and another one is being planned!
The success in reaching the 2016 New Girl Goal for the Rockford area was due in great part to
Kathy's contributions. Thanks to her, three Rockford area service units increased by 45 girls
which was 15% over goal!
Lois Wollney, GSNI Board Development Committee Chair
Nominated by Fiona Cummings
Lois has been a member of GSNI (and previously Sybaquay Council) since 2007. She was
on the Board of Sybaquay Council and then re-elected to GSNI’s Board of Directors in 2012.
On both Boards, she served on the Finance Committee, as well as the Board Development
Committee (BDC). She continues to serve on GSNI’s Finance Committee and is currently
completing her second term as BDC Chair.
The BDC is one of the most important committees of the Board, as it seeks to nominate
appropriate potential Board Members to the Board for approval at the Annual Meeting, as
well as providing ongoing Board education. Both of these committee roles require substantial
investment of time and skills, and GSNI is especially grateful to Lois for her continued service!
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Thanks Badge II
The Thanks Badge II is awarded to volunteers who have
already received the Thanks Badge and who are actively
giving service that impacts the council or the entire Girl
Scout Movement.
Susan Mills, Lee County Service Unit Multi-role Volunteer
Nominated by Holly Bartelt, Christina Kirsch, and Kristine VanQuathem
Sue has been an adult Girl Scout volunteer for over 40 years! She’s been active in many areas
of her service unit, including coordinating a successful cookie cupboard for the Lee County
area. Sue is also known for welcoming new leaders and being quick to offer support and
assistance as soon as they need it!
Sue is an active member with GSNI’s Outdoor Training Committee. She contributed ideas
to help re-write the outdoor curriculum, so GSNI could offer one consistent handout and
outline for trainers. These trainings included Field Trip Basics, Indoor Overnights, and Outdoor
Overnights. Sue has been an outdoor trainer for many years and has a passion to teach
volunteers in the out of doors, so volunteers can feel comfortable taking a troop camping at
any GSNI location!
While volunteering as a STEW workshop leader, she and another volunteer worked together
to teach a new method of cooking in the outdoors with different gadgets, such as making
popcorn in a soda can or a cake in an orange. She is very knowledgeable and so happy to
share her experience with others. People just love working alongside Sue!
Sue truly believes in the mission of Girl Scouts. GSNI is extremely grateful for her service
which has touched the lives of many girls and other adult volunteers through the years!
Mark Ackerman, GSNI Board Member
Nominated by Fiona Cummings
Mark has been an enthusiastic adult volunteer for over 10 years with Girl Scouts and
previously received the Thanks Badge. He has held a number of Board roles with the former
Rock River Valley Council and now with GSNI. He approaches his many responsibilities with
passion, energy, and always does his best. Additionally, he attends multiple events for GSNI
where he can interact with girls and volunteers while representing the Board.
As a member of various committees and a leader on the Board, Mark is required to invest his
time, skills, and financial contributions for the good of GSNI. However, Mark goes above and
beyond in everything he does for GSNI. For example, as Chair of the Board Engagement and
Development Committee, he personally sponsored the "donation-in-kind" initiative that seeks
to have individuals and corporations provide GSNI with needed materials and services and
sought construction materials and services for various council events.
Mark has instilled the Board with a performance culture around "giving and getting" and
created transparency in individual Board member performance which has resulted in a
steady year-on-year increase in Board giving.
Beyond his Board role, Mark is an IT professional and is able, often at no cost and on short
notice, provide staff with help and consulting advice. In his many years on the Property
Committee, Mark has provided technical expertise and critique for many of GSNI’s
mechanical and lighting systems and helped GSNI receive grants to install LED lights at
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camps and service centers. He has also provided sound advice and support for all GSNIs
property strategies through his many years on the Long Range Property Planning Task Force.
GSNI is indebted to Mark for his years of service and his efforts to make GSNI the best it can
be!
Scott McCleary, GSNI Board Chair
Nominated by Fiona Cummings
Scott is a lifetime Girl Scout member and has been engaged in multiple volunteer roles,
including with GSNI as Board Chair since 2015, First Vice Chair 2013–15, Second Vice Chair
2009–13, Chairman of CEO Search Committee 2013, Executive Committee and Finance
Committee 2009–17, Long Range Property Planning Task Force Member 2012–16, and CEO
Evaluation Team member 2010–17. Additionally, Scott held multiple Board leadership roles
with one of GSNI’s legacy councils, Fox Valley Council, from 2003–09.
Being a Board Member with multiple responsibilities requires a huge dedication of time and
experience, not to mention personal financial contributions. Scott frequently gives willingly
of his time and experience. For example, in addition to all of the Board and other meetings,
he meets with GSNI’s CEO every two weeks to understand the risks, issues, and strategic
progress GSNI is making and offers insightful advice. His training as an attorney allows him to
provide legal advice which is a savings to the council.
Under Scott's leadership, GSNI is now in "turnaround" mode, with increasing membership,
good program focus, property solutions including implementation of the Long Range Property
Plan, and a Board focused on fiduciary and generative governance.
Without a doubt, Scott is the right Board Chair for this time in GSNI's history and most
importantly, he is a very decent, thoughtful individual. Scott is an excellent partner to GSNI
which is crucial to its continuing success!
Hall of Fame Award
The Hall of Fame Award recognizes a lifetime commitment to
the Girl Scout Movement within Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois.
Mary Ann Beebe
Nominated by Kay Flavin and Cindy Kocol
Recommendations by Kathy Biesiadecki, Former Director of Program of Sybaquay and
DuPage County Councils, and Jane Carter, Former Girl Scouts of Sybaquay CEO
Receiving this award posthumously, Mary Ann was a Girl Scout for 65 years. She began
her Girl Scout career in 1952 with Rock River Valley Council as a Field Director and Camp
McCormick Director. In 1956, she went to work as a Field Director for the Elgin Area Council
which became Sybaquay Council in 1957.
She served as Sybaquay Council's CEO from 1960 until her retirement in 1990. She was
Sybaquay's first Thanks Badge recipient in 1958 and also received the Thanks Badge II in 1990.
Under her leadership, Sybaquay Council acquired two camps, Pokonokah Hills and Shabbona
Hills, as well as the current Elgin Service Center property. Shabbona Hills was renamed
Mary Ann Beebe Center upon Mary Ann's retirement. Throughout her career, she mentored
numerous staff and was committed to improving the Girl Scout experience for both girls and
volunteers.
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Upon her retirement, Mary Ann remained active with Sybaquay Council in several capacities,
including Campership Committee Chair, Sybaquay Way Expo volunteer, office volunteer, and
Girl Scout Promoter. She visited numerous troops and day camps to talk about the history
of Mary Ann Beebe Center and to promote its use. As a founding member of the Juliette Low
Society adult planned-giving group, she often spoke to them about the history of Mary Ann
Beebe Center and Girl Scouting in general.
She remained engaged with Girl Scouts for many years, as long as she was physically able.
Mary Ann truly embodied the Girl Scout Promise and Law in all she did.
From Jane Carter:
Although I don’t believe she was ever a Girl Scout member as a girl, Mary Ann’s dedication
to Girl Scouting was evident throughout all of her adult life. Her leadership was crucial
to the growth and success of the newly formed Sybaquay council when she began her
employment there in the 1950s and continued until her retirement in 1990. The portfolio
of Sybaquay’s four girl-centered properties and a debt-free council were among her
accomplishments. She consistently motivated both volunteer board groups to enable and
staff groups to facilitate the delivery of quality program opportunities to girls.
From Kathy Biesiadecki:
It was camping that first brought Mary Ann and me together. Besides my neighborhood
(service unit) responsibilities, I served on the council’s Troop Camping Committee and the
Board of Directors. I was later employed under Mary Ann as Program Director. Mary Ann
loved camping and the outdoors in general.
Beginning in Girl Scouting as a Field Director and Camp Director, it didn’t take her long
to provide council outdoor experiences for girls and adults when she became Executive
Director of the newly-formed Sybaquay Council in 1960. Under her leadership and with
her financial expertise, the council purchased two camp properties within two years of
her arrival, Pokonokah Hills (resident camp) and Shabbona Hills (troop and day camping).
Shabbona Hills was re-named Mary Ann Beebe Center in honor of Mary Ann when she
retired in 1960.
Even in retirement, while still physically able, Mary Ann made visits out to Mary Ann Beebe
Center to visit troops and day camps to talk about the camp and its history and outdoor
experiences in general. Imagine the girls’ delight when they realized they were visiting with
THE Mary Ann Beebe. Thousands of girls and adults have had and will continue to have
wonderful memories at camp because of Mary Ann!
Louise Glon
Nominated by Cindy Kocol
Recommendations by Robin Henning, GSNI Director of Recruitment and Member Support, and
Donnann Tritten, Park North Stateline Service Unit Manager
Louise has been a Girl Scout member for over 45 years! She was very active as a volunteer in
her GSNI legacy council, Girl Scouts–Rock River Valley Council. Even though her daughters are
both grown, she continues as the leader of Ship 3361, one of two Mariner troops in GSNI.
Last year, Louise attended an alumnae event in Crystal Lake. She reenacted her Juliette Low
persona and had the room packed! Everyone, including Boy Scouts, wanted to hear her story
and see her display and collection. Louise never hesitates to share her Girl Scout history with
girls and adults.
Louise consistently creates a variety of events designed to interest older girls. She is very
committed to keeping girls engaged in Girl Scouting through the Ambassador level and then
successfully bridging to adult members and alumna. She always makes sure to invite all
girls in the council to participate in outdoor skills regattas, canoeing in the Boundary Waters,
hiking on the Appalachian Trail, and more.
She has faithfully served on several committees and mentored girls working on their Silver
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and Gold Award Projects. Louise has already received several recognition awards for her
service to the council, including Rookie Award, Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge 1
and 2, and the Presidential Award with two of her committee groups, Council Recognition
Committee and Park North Stateline Camporee. In 2016, Ship 3361 also earned the
Presidential Youth Service Award.
Louise’s tireless contributions to Girl Scouting benefit girls and adults across our council and
highlights the amazing experiences of girls staying in Girl Scouts. She formed Mariner Girl
Scout Troop Ship 3361 to answer the pleas of girls wanting to do more adventurous activities.
With her guidance, the girls have been blazing their own trail through 21 years of outdoor
skills regattas, canoeing in the Boundary Waters, attending National Jamboree in Idaho,
horse-packing in Colorado and Wyoming, performing flag lowering ceremonies at Mount
Rushmore, back-packing, island kayak camping, zooming down zip lines, rock climbing,
treehouse camping, hiking, kayaking the Chincoeteague and Assateague Islands off Maryland,
with service projects being completed on each and every trip!
From Donnann Tritten:
She has been a Girl Scout for 46 years. I have known her as a fellow leader and fellow
service team member for the last 12 years. Louise embodies the spirit of Girl Scouting to
me. She has inspired me to be a better Girl Scout and leader.
She is such an amazing member of our team. She has helped us bring back camporee and
day camp to our service unit and leads her troop of girls as helpers and helps out herself
at both events. She puts on several events for our service unit that are such a hit with
our girls, including a Special Person/Girl Tea that draws a big crowd, and an event for our
Juniors called Mini-Snow storm that shows girls what is out there for older Girl Scouts and
keeps the girls involved. She also organizes a yearly Thinking Day event for multiple service
units. She is our recognition chair and shows up at every service unit meeting in costume!
She performs all of our ceremonies and teaches all of us Girl Scout traditions. She leads her
girls on high adventure trips and truly gives the girl-led experience to her troop. She helps
them earn Gold Awards and scholarships. She encourages her troop to be service-minded.
The whole Troop calls her "G" and respects her immensely!
From Robin Henning:
Louise bleeds green and is proud to be a Girl Scout. She has been a role model and mentor
to not only the girls in her troop, but her service unit, her community, her council,
and GSUSA!
Volunteer of Excellence
The Volunteer of Excellence Award recognizes those
volunteers who have contributed outstanding service,
while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to
implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Aurora
Aztec
Mary Garza
Sharon Startzel
Arapaho
Barrington
Dave Reid
Jeanette Levine
Cami Tchoi
Cheryl Kaitson
Mary Sneed
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Michelle Youkhana
Stacey Patrick
Osceola
Batavia
Melissa Rivera
Shelley Pederson
Amanda Lishamer
Erin Waites
Park North Stateline
Blackhawk
Danica Johnson
Boone
Elizabeth Searle
Krista Anders
Melissa Michelsen
Sally Fennessy
Sarah Nelson
Potowatomi
Janey Welch
Quapaw
Donna McCaskel
Kelly Ihnatiuk
Tegan Kappel
Cheyenne
Stephenson
Jeanine Wilson
Rebecca Spindler
Kelly Miller
Stephanie Coon
Double Tree
Dawn Berry
Leslie Johns
Geneva
Windy Tamplin
Lee
Beth Sundman
Vega
Kelly Mannion
Wanauka
Katie Wasson
Wynonwy
Michelle Funfsinn
Sheryl Woolbright
Service Unit Recognition
The following Service Units met or exceeded their goals in girl membership
and/or adult membership in 2016. Girl Scouts are great at setting goals and
achieving them, and these Service Units are an example to today’s girls in high
achievement. They continue to enable more girls to have access to the Girl
Scout Leadership Experience through their efforts. Congratulations!
Girl Membership
Arapaho
Jo Daviess
Barrington
Kaskaskia
Blackhawk
Ojibwa
Boone
Park North Stateline
Creekview
Pleiades
Geneva
Potowatomi (McHenry County Areas)
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Pottowatomie (St. Charles)
Vega
Southeast Valley
Wanauka
Spring River
Wynonwy
Stephenson
Adult Membership
Aztec
Ojibwa
Blackhawk
Southeast Valley
Boone
Spring River
Creekview
Stephenson
Geneva
Trefoil
Kaskaskia
Wanauka
Northern Ogle
Wynonwy
Fall Product Program
Arapaho
Geneva
Aurora
Kaskaskia
Aztec
Lake Zurich
Barrington
Menominee
Batavia
Park North Stateline
Boone
Pleiades
Carroll
Pottawatomie (St. Charles)
Cheyenne
Southeast Valley
Choctaw
Spring River
Creekview
Wanauka
Doubletree
Whiteside
Genesis
Cookie Program
Arapaho
Kaskaskia
Aztec
Lake Zurich
Blackhawk
Menominee
Boone
Ojibwa
Carroll
Park North Stateline
Cheyenne
Potowatomi (McHenry County Areas)
Creekview
Pottawotomie (St. Charles)
Genesis
Southeast Valley
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Spring River
Windupec
Stephenson
Winnebago
Trefoil
Wynonwy
Wanauka
Highest Awards
The Girl Scout Gold Award represents the highest achievement in
Girl Scouting. It recognizes girls in grade 9–12 who demonstrated
extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take
Actions projects. Since 1916, girls have answered the call to Go Gold,
an act that indelibly marks them as accomplished members of their
communities and the world.
We are proud to present this year’s Girl Scout Gold Award recipients!
Kate Birr, Organized Music
Cary
The sheet music for Kate’s high school band was extremely disorganized. Kate realized
duplicate sheet music was often being purchased—using much needed school funds—
because the previously purchased sheet music was either missing or had been misplaced.
She led a team to organize the music and create a searchable database, so the sheet music
could be located through several different categories. Kate’s project resulted in saving the
band director and students both time and money!
Amy Cooper, Writing Workshop
Lake Zurich
Amy was dissatisfied with the lack of creative writing classes available to students in area
schools. She collaborated with local authors and writers to create a series of creative writing
workshops open to middle school students. The workshops included sessions with the
authors and the opportunity to do hands-on creative writing. The Ela Area Public Library
will continue to offer the workshop series, so there will be a sustainable source of creative
writing classes as a community resource for years to come.
Melissa Marable, STEM Is Fair Game
Crystal Lake
Melissa realized there were not many girls taking upper level science and math classes in
high school. She also knew girls start to lose interest in science in middle school. She created
a girls-only science fair for middle school girls to help girls get excited about science! Her
fair was called STEM is Fair Game. This unique science fair included hands-on activities
for all attendees. Melissa also offered mentoring sessions for girls in advance of the fair.
The mentors were all female and older girls interested in science. In addition, she created
manuals for others to hold similar fairs in other locations in the future. Melissa also contacted
multiple school districts who are interested in possibly hosting the program next year!
Libby Swedberg, Restoring History One Room at a Time
Sycamore
Libby’s family has a long history with North Grove School, a one-room school house near
Sycamore, Illinois. Libby’s Great-Great-Great Grandmother was a teacher at the school, so
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Libby deeply values the importance of preserving history, so it is not lost. Libby organized
volunteers for a much-needed painting project at the school. She also created an educational
exhibition on the school and portrayed her Great-Great-Great Grandmother in the
presentation. Libby has arranged for members of the Interact Club at Sycamore High School
to continue with ongoing volunteer projects at North Grove School as well as helping with
educational events in the future. This will aid in the historic building’s preservation and assist
upcoming generations in learning about local history.
Laura Whipple, Native Bird Houses
Barrington
Laura’s project addressed the lack of shelter for native bird species in her community.
She worked with volunteers to create several types of bird houses. She also informed the
community about how habitat destruction and invasive species impact the local ecosystem.
The 38 new birdhouses were built at Crabtree Nature Center where they will be maintained
for future generations of birds to enjoy!
Graduating Girl Scouts
GSNI is happy to present our graduating class of Girl Scout Ambassadors. Congratulations to
each girl! May you take your Girl Scout experience with you wherever you go!
Katelyn Allen, Village of Lakewood
Jillian Appel, Lanark
Clarissa Ayars, Rockford
Elizabeth Baeder, Hampshire
Ashley Beyers, Lanark
Emani Brinkman, Sycamore
Karen Busch, Spring Grove
Hallie Calhan, Crystal Lake
Emely Carmona, Aurora
Natalie Castaneda, Plano
Elora Chapman-Neal, Rockford
Emma Cieslik, Lake in the Hills
Anna Colagrossi, Barrington
Abigail Coolidge, Island Lake
Stella Cosgray, Woodstock
Taylor Curry, Marengo
Emma Dalen, Cary
Margot Dick, Hoffman Estates
Kaya Easley, Davis
Rebecca Eberlein, Cary
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Brynn Erickson, Sycamore
Garlyn Facio, Fulton
Taylor Falconer, Cary
Karen Farley, Elgin
Josephina Fenton, Rockton
Rachel Feuerhelm, Cary
Sarah Frankovich, Sycamore
Rebecca Gluck, Crystal Lake
Marisa Governale, North Barrington
Grace Goze, Crystal Lake
Kayla Graw, North Aurora
Julia Hanacek, Big Rock
Monica Haughan, Geneva
Amanda Hayes, Machesney Park
Emily Haynes, Woodstock
Mariah Howard, Roscoe
Kirsten Ittner, Barrington
Samantha Jakubek, Wauconda
Amelia Jarocki, Cherry Valley
Ellie Johnson, Cary
Chloe Karberg, Elizabeth
Sara Kennelly, Cary
Jennifer Knox, Bull Valley
Meghan Kohler, Genoa
Kira Krug, Cary
Jessica Lamasse, Crystal Lake
Mariana Lara, Elgin
Alyssa Lopez, Aurora
Delaney Manning, Minooka
Melissa Marable, Crystal Lake
Katelyn McBride, Geneva
Katie McDonnell, Cary
Shannon McGregory, Sheridan
April McKay, Sycamore
Alyssa Mohr, Roscoe
Autumn Moore, Loves Park
Robin Mullard, Crystal Lake
Chloe Mundorf, Spring Grove
Hannah Najdzion, Yorkville
Brittany Nelson, Hebron
Sonja O’Donnell, Bartlett
Caitlin Phillips, Geneva
Megan Ping, Roscoe
Madeline Potter, Huntley
Maissie Rabe, Elgin
Therese Rapp, Hoffman Estates
Rebecca Raum, Leaf River
Kristin Retherfod, Spring Grove
Brooke Rogers, Cary
Krysta Rogers, Cary
Rachel Roschi, Aurora
Nina Royales, Cary
Theresa Sample, Elgin
Sandra Schenk, Spring Grove
True Seal, Pingree Grove
Madalynn Sedgwick, Yorkville
Rachel Stanley, Cary
Sarah Stocking, South Elgin
Kelly Suarez, Sterling
Erin Sullivan, Wonder Lake
Sheridan Taylor, Cary
Kelly Tobin, Village of Lakewood
McKayla Urbanowitz, Winnebago
Melissa Van Vianen, Crystal Lake
Samantha Wageman, Cary
Lexi Weck, Lake in the Hills
Harleigh Welch, Woodstock
Laura Whipple, Barrington
Christina White, St. Charles
Tara Young, Sycamore
Cinthia Zamudio, Aurora
Jordan Zinzer, Aurora
STEW 2017
Sept. 15-17 | Camp Dean
Registration is open!
www.girlscoutsni.org/stew
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Don't let your
adventure stop!
Registration for 2017–2018 membership
year begins in April, 2017!
1-844-GSNI-4-ME • www.girlscoutsni.org
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Our Camps Are Open
and Waiting for You!
Chapman Hills • Dean • Far Horizons
Mary Ann Beebe Center • McCormick
Camp Dean
Camp McCormick
Open House
Saturday, May 6
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Open House
Sunday, May 7
12 noon – 3 p.m.
Camp sessions will be taking place
between June 18 - August 4
Registration is now open!
For more information visit
www.girlscoutsni.org
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Thank You.
Congratulations to all of our Girl Scout
award recipients! Thank you for all you do!
Thank you to those who recognized how
amazing these volunteers are!
Elgin Service Center
12N124 Coombs Road
Elgin, IL 60124
Freeport
Service Center
5040 Bus. Rt. 20 West
Freeport, IL 61032
Let’s continue to grow in Girl Scouting!
Girl Scout Express
Recognition Committee
Rock Falls
Service Center
Thank you to the following volunteers
who gave of their valuable time to ensure
triumphs and successes were recognized
throughout the council!
Carol Ayars
Marge Blake
Vicki Croffoot
Louise Glon
Annette Happ
Jan Lunquist
Tiffany Misna
Patricia Potempa
Sue Reimer
Mary Sneed
Glenda Whitson
200 Applebee Street
Barrington, IL 60010
229 First Avenue, Suite 1
Rock Falls, IL 61071
Rockford Service
Center
2820 McFarland Road
Rockford, IL 61107
Sugar Grove
Service Center
200 New Bond Street
Sugar Grove, IL 60554
1-844-GSNI-4-ME
www.girlscoutsni.org
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