WELCOME! TODAY’S AGENDA
Call to Order & Welcome
Flag Ceremony
General Remarks
Introduction of Parliamentarian
Credentials Report
Adoption of Agenda
Appointment of Annual Meeting Minutes Review Team
Financial Report
Recognition of Outgoing GSHS Board Members
Presentation of the 2026-2027 Board of Directors Slate & Vote
Presentation of the 2026-2027 Board Development Committee Slate & Vote
Presentation of the 2026-2027 West Tennessee Endowment
Advisory Committee Chair Candidate & Vote
2026-2027 Board of Directors Installation & Pinning
GSHS Emeritus Board Members Recognition
State of Our Council Report
Presentation of 2026 NCS Discussion Topics & Proposals by GSHS National Delegates
2025-2026 Girl Achievement Recognitions, Presentations & Awards
Final Remarks and Adjournment
2026-2027 Girl Scouts Heart of the South Board of Directors Slate
Reagan Fondren - Chair
Debra West - First Vice Chair
Second Vice Chair
The position of Second Vice Chair will remain vacant pending identification of a qualified candidate. The Board may bring forward a candidate to fill this role in accordance with the Council’s bylaws.
Michalyn Easter-Thomas - Secretary
Sharon Younger - Treasurer
Members at Large
Tawana Bailey
Albine Bennett
Amanda Child*
Sydney Diavua*
Pam Evans*
Amanda Johnson*
Lequite Manning
Frank McMeen
Lana Suite*
Audrey Willis
Tracey Zerwig-Ford*
*Board members listed with an asterisk are continuing on in terms to which they have been previously elected and thus their names will not appear onscreen as part of the 2026-2027 Board of Directors Slate.
2026-2027 Board Development Committee Slate
Sydney Diavua - Chair
Sharon Younger
Michalyn Easter-Thomas
2026-2027 West Tennessee Endowment Advisory Committee Chair Candidate
Lana Suite - Chair
MEET THE PROPOSED NEW INCOMING MEMBERS OF YOUR GSHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tawana Bailey
Director of Development, East Arkansas Family Health Center Marion, AR
Tawana Bailey brings one of the strongest direct Girl Scout connections among the candidates. She is a former Girl Scout and has served as a troop leader for 13 years. Her candidacy offers direct mission credibility, active experience with girls and families, and meaningful leadership across East Arkansas community and civic organizations. Professionally, she contributes development, advocacy, communications, and community engagement strength.
Albine Bennett
Program Manager,
The Huntington Bank Saltillo/Tupelo, MS
Albine Bennett brings broad nonprofit governance experience, a strong fundraising background, and Mississippi representation. She has served on multiple nonprofit boards, including healthcare, Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and library leadership, and has chaired fundraising initiatives with measurable results. She brings vast experience in governance, community engagement, organizational strategy, marketing, finance, and fund development.
Dr. Lequite Manning
Clinical Practice Director, Tennessee
Relay Graduate School of Education Memphis, TN
Dr. Lequite Manning brings a compelling mission-centered perspective grounded in her own experience as a former Girl Scout. She has extensive leadership experience in education, teacher development, systems improvement, and leadership coaching. She offers strong alignment with Girl Scouts’ mission and significant expertise in youth development, educational outcomes, leadership development, educational strategy representation, and organizational growth.
Dr. Frank McMeen Consultant; Recently Retired President, Community Foundation of West Tennessee Jackson, TN
Dr. Frank McMeen brings extensive board and executive leadership experience, as well as significant depth in fund development, endowment building, governance, and real estate. His professional history includes higher education leadership, advancement, and philanthropic leadership through the Community Foundation of West Tennessee. Frank is especially well-suited to strengthen the board in fundraising, endowment strategy, and governance maturity.
Audrey
Willis
Chief Innovation and Programming Officer, CodeCrew
West Memphis, AR
Audrey Willis brings a highly strategic and forward-looking perspective to the board, particularly in the areas of technology, STEM education, workforce readiness, and innovation. Her professional experience spans senior leadership roles in both the public and private sectors, including FedEx, Shelby County Government, St. Jude, and CodeCrew. She has demonstrated a clear belief in the importance of exposing girls across the Delta region to coding, robotics, cybersecurity, engineering, and artificial intelligence. She is particularly wellpositioned to engage the council in STEM badge pathways, technology partnerships, and access to innovation for girls.
GSHS Board Members, Emeritus
Lori Patton
GSHS
Board Chair Emeritus
Nancy Cochran
GSHS
Board Treasurer Emeritus
Girl Scouts Heart of the South is grateful for the selfless service and years of dedication these outstanding, outgoing GSHS Board Members have given to our organization. Their experience and wisdom have helped shape us into the successful and future-focused council we are today.
We cannot thank them enough for the time and talent they have shared with us.
It is a shared love of Girl Scouts and dedication to our mission that has driven them to continue on our Board of Directors these many years, and that shared love and dedication remains. Although their official terms of service have ended, both of these inspiring, knowledge-filled leaders have agreed to continue to participate with the GSHS Board of Directors as Emeritus members.
Thank you both for your continued service to Girl Scouts Heart of the South.
Emeritus members serve in a purely advisory capacity, providing much-needed institutional knowledge and historical perspective to current, active Board Members. Emeritus members may be present at Board meetings but do not have voting rights and - as such - are not voted into office as official members of the Board of Directors.
2026 NCS Discussion Topics & Proposals
1. Discussion Topic: Amplify Impact
2. Discussion Topic: Revolutionize Engagement: Girl Scouts Her Way
3. Proposal: Girl Scouts Highest Awards Solicitation of Contributions
4. Proposal: Membership Dues & Procedures for Registration
5. Proposal: Preservation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience Relating to the Entrepreneurship Program
See the bottom of pages 6 & 7 for instructions on how to provide your feedback on the 2026 NCS Discussion Topics & Proposals.
Differences between Discussion Topics and Proposals
Discussion topics are opportunities for delegates and alternates to influence future National Board or National Council action
Less structured conversations that are not constrained by parliamentary procedure
Conversation(s) to inform solutions for Movement-wide opportunities and challenges
Held virtually throughout the triennium or at a National Council Session (NCS)
Discussion Topic: Amplify Impact
This discussion topic is all about inclusivity, community connection, and ensuring Girl Scouts is welcoming and relevant for every girl and family. Councils from across the Movement submitted ideas related to inclusivity and membership access, and the National Board brought those themes together into one comprehensive discussion.
Delegates will explore whether unintentional barriers to participation exist and how we can more effectively communicate the value of the Girl Scout experience in our communities.
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK:
• Does this describe your Girl Scout experience?
• How have you heard others talk about their Girl Scout experience?
Proposals are opportunities for delegates to deliberate and take immediate action through a vote
Debating a solution identified by local councils or the National Board
Delegates engage in structured debate before taking action
The National Council must be formally “in session” to take action
Discussion Topic: Revolutionize Engagement: Girl Scouts Her Way
How can we evolve Girl Scouting to better meet the needs of today’s girls and families by making membership more accessible, flexible, and relevant.
Delegates will review national research on what current and prospective families are looking for and provide input on how national pilot programs might expand access to more girls.
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK:
• What have you heard non-members are looking for that we don’t currently offer consistently?
• Have members who have left the Movement shared what was missing from their experience? What could we offer that would make them stay?
• How can we support non-member families and current Girl Scouts and volunteers, in understanding the options?
Girl Scout Highest Awards
Solicitation of Contributions Proposal
Submitted by Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania and 40 additional councils
PROPOSAL: Amend the first paragraph of the Solicitation of Contributions part of the Policies Section of the Blue Book of Basic Documents:
“Adult members in their Girl Scout capacities may not solicit financial contributions for purposes other than Girl Scouting. Adults may engage in combined fundraising efforts authorized by the Girl Scout council and in which the local council is a beneficiary. Girl members may not engage in any direct solicitation for money except girl members for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors, who may solicit philanthropic donations to their councils of cash or in-kind goods for Girl Scouts Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects, provided they have secured prior written permission from their council’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Development Officer, or their designee.
In addition, girls must abide by their own council’s policies and procedures with regard to this matter.”
CURRENT STATE:
Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors, may fundraise to support their Girl Scout Gold Award projects, provided they have secured prior written permission from their council.
In addition, girls must abide by their own council’s policies and procedures with regard to this matter.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania’s proposal aims to address the following issues:
• Provides Bronze and Silver Award candidates with the option to ask for donations for their projects, with approval from their council.
• Increases equity and accessibility for all Highest Awards projects by removing financial barriers.
• Creates consistent, national standards that apply to all councils.
• Benefits the Movement:
~May result in more Highest Awards earned.
~May lead to older girl retention.
~Reinforces life skills.
NATIONAL BOARD RECOMMENDATION: NEUTRAL
The Board has heard arguments both for and against the proposal. The National Board is neither for nor against the proposal and believes that it should be deliberated at NCS.
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK:
• What do you see are the benefits of these proposals for the Movement?
• What do you see are the challenges these proposals may create for the Movement?
Membership Dues & Procedures for Registration Proposal
Submitted by Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana and 41 additional councils
PROPOSAL: Move that the Credentials Section of the Blue Book of Basic Documents, Membership Dues and Procedures for Registration be revised as follows:
“The National Board of Directors must obtain approval from the National Council whenever a planned dues increase will result in dues increasing more than a total of 25% 15% in any one triennium.”
CURRENT STATE:
Prior to the National Board voting on any change in membership dues, GSUSA must seek input from Girl Scout councils and National Council delegates.
The National Board may not increase membership dues more than 25% in a triennium (the three years between regular sessions of the National Council) without National Council approval.
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana’s proposal aims to address the following issues:
• 25% of the upcoming $65 dues is a much larger dollar amount than 25% of the $25 dues amount when this was approved in 2020.
• Amending the 25% level to 15% allows enough leeway for the National Board to keep up with inflation, while reinforcing the importance of the National Council in making a decision should another large increase in National Dues be necessary.
NATIONAL BOARD RECOMMENDATION: OPPOSE
Affordability is top of mind whenever the board considers a dues increase. Guardrails are already in place and appropriate:
• The board must seek input from councils and delegates for any dues increase, explain why dues may need to change and what the money will be used for, and must report back on what was decided and why.
• National Council approval is required for any increase above 25% in a triennium.
• Setting the threshold as a percentage allows it to increase proportionally over time.
The National Board has demonstrated its commitment to robust delegate engagement regarding dues increases prior to and following the Special 57th NCS, through the State of the Movement, and in developing the Movement strategy and Vison 2030.
Preservation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience Relating to the Entrepreneurship Program Proposal
Submitted by Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland and 25 additional Girl Scout councils
PROPOSAL: Amend the GIRL SCOUT TRADEMARK section of the Blue Book of Basic Documents by adding the following:
“GSUSA, along with its alliances and relationships with corporations and businesses, shall not sell, license, or otherwise provide for sale any food product bearing the Girl Scout name or service mark when related to the flavors, branding or likeness of Girl Scout Cookies during the designated entrepreneurship program sales period of any Girl Scout council.”
CURRENT STATE:
GSUSA is responsible for managing any products licensing the Girl Scout name, trademarks, or other intellectual property, including cookie names and flavors.
The Blue Book of Basic Documents does not include restrictions on any product category or any period of time.
Among Girl Scouts’ 111 councils and USAGSO, there is an active cookie or fall product program operating between August - May each year.
Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland’s proposal aims to address the following issues:
• Girls participating in the Entrepreneurship program experience undue competition from GSUSA licensed products.
• Girl Scout youth are expected to answer questions or comments about Girl Scout cookie-inspired products and the cost comparison to Girl Scout cookies.
• GSUSA is not upholding the guiding principles of cause-related marketing (Blue Book of Basic Documents, page 19).
• The proposal would prohibit GSUSA from licensing all food products during any council’s cookie or fall product program sale.
NATIONAL BOARD RECOMMENDATION: OPPOSE
• Independent national research found that people who see or buy Girl Scout licensed products are more likely to buy Girl Scout cookies—not less.
• Licensing generates nearly $5 million in revenue a year—and about 95% of that is in the food and beverage category.
• GSUSA invests that revenue to fund program innovation, national marketing, technology, and infrastructure that benefits every council and girl in the Movement.
• By actively licensing products in a variety of product categories, GSUSA’s legal team can challenge copycats and protect our brand and trademarks.
• This proposal threatens to end the cookie program—Girl Scout’s lawyers carefully reviewed the proposal language and found it so broad that it could prevent GSUSA from licensing our cookie names to the bakers who make Girl Scout cookies.
2025-2026 Girl Achievement
Recognitions, Presentations & Awards
PRESENTATION OF 2025-2026 AWARDS
Brittan Davis, Director of Product Program, GSHS
Jenny Jones, Director of Higher Awards, GSHS
Recognition of 2025-2026 Top Product Sellers*
Recognition of 2026 GSHS Super Sellers Club Inductees
Presentation of 10-Year Pins
Recognition of 2026 Scholarships*
Gold Award Scholarships
West Tennessee Scholarships
2025-2026 Girl Scout Bronze Awards
2025-2026 Girl Scout Silver Awards
2025-2026 Girl Scout Gold Awards
*Names of the recipients of these honors are not listed in the printed event program as their identities remain undisclosed until they are announced during today’s proceedings.
2026 GSHS Super Sellers Club Inductees
Taniyah Willingham
Riley Harrell
Troop 13017
20,085 boxes sold
Troop 40087
20,635 boxes sold
Leanna Wyatt
Troop 43077C 21,714 boxes sold
10-Year Pin Recipients
Lucy Burgess
Madison Ciaramitaro
LeAnne Denison
Emily Duncan
Olivia Hendricks
Mallory Hill
Lorelei Johnson
Chloe Lane
Padaris Lawrence
Cameron Long-McMillen
McKenna McCauley
Carissa Palmer
Savannah Palmer
Athena Roskelley
Emery Szala
Troop 10050 & Troop 10258
Stateline SU 181
Southaven, MS
Save the Bees
Lety Ciaramitaro
Lilly Jones
Troop 10189
Germantown SU 174
Germantown, TN
Recipes and Meeting Ideas for Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts
Adele Dempsey
Anitza Ross Moxley
Hannah Underwood
Elizabeth Wilson
Troop 10214
Collierville/South
Fayette SU 175
Collierville, TN
Annual Fall Food Drive for Mid-South Food Bank
Abby Logan
Troop 10380
Cordova SU 173
Cordova, TN
Fleece Blankets for Agape
Makenzie Coffey
Katelyn Mayall
Troop 10613
TN North Suburban SU 171
Arlington, TN
Serving with Love
Lillian Kennemore
2025-2026 GSHS Girl Scout Bronze Award Recipients
Troop 10801
Collierville/South
Fayette SU 175
Collierville, TN
Flutter & Flourish: The Pollination
Project
Ainsley Carpenter
Ava Hopper
Emma Matthews
Abigail McCarthy
Sara Kathryn
Netherton
Troop 13222
Stateline SU 181
Southaven, MS
Helping Hands for Seniors
Reagan Davis
Troop 13654
Collierville/South
Fayette SU 175
Collierville, TN
Happy Tails
Lilly Akil
Emma Araya
Ada Baumgardner
Madeleine Chicoskie
Charlotte Chiu
Emma Fleming
Hannah Hand
Eleanor Hora
Liddon Hora
Elizabeth McDonald
Elliette Mooshegian
Tayler Simmons
Mary Topp
Troop 20146
Alcorn SU 236
Corinth, MS
Girl Scouts Support
House of El Roi
Ma’Ziah Agnew
Lizzie Cavanaugh
Reese Collums
Ava Garner
Cora Haywood
Jordan Patterson
Aubrey Ward
Roxanne Ward
Troop 20320
MS Southwest SU 243
Starkville, MS
Girl Scouts Supporting
Starkville Strong
Maryjo Doughty
Anna Lakin Guerry
Addison Moser
Millie Nagel
Maddie Pratte
Serenity Smiley
Troop 21385
Union SU 246
New Albany, MS Blooming for Bronze
Olivia Cagle
Allie Coombs
MaryMartin Crotts
Charlee Glasson
Amelia Patton
AveryGrey Robbins
Eady Claire Tucker
Troop 30302
MS West Central SU 325
Clarksdale, MS
Anti-Bullying Campaign Video
Kerrington Hoskins
Ava Jae Johnson
Troop 40037
TN West Central SU 423
Alamo, TN
Do Not Worry About the “If’s,” and Worry About the “Are’s”
Ellie Gilliland
Brianna Pruitt
Troop 40106
Madison/South
Gibson SU 424
Medina, TN
Save the Squirrels
Hadley Alexander
Rosalie Blankenship
Emalee Coleman
Racheal Coleman
Hannah Higgins
Troop 10029
Collierville/South Fayette SU 175
Collierville, TN
Pollution Solutions Part 2:
The Mississippi River
Camille Ebbs
Ishika Sooraj
Cecelia Todd
Troop 10071
Germantown SU 174
Germantown, TN
The Healing Hands Silver Kit
Meghan Buisseret
Medha Gajula
Ellie Minton
Olivia Ware
Troop 10071
Germantown SU 174
Germantown, TN
Take One, Leave One: A Community Little Free Library
Lauren Sams
Troop 10606
Midtown SU 177
Memphis, TN
GROW Girls Restoring Our Woodland
Diana Arevalo
Emily Lawrence
Bryce Smith
Mara Stratton
2025-2026 GSHS
Girl Scout Silver Award
Recipients
Troop 10608
Midtown SU 177
Memphis, TN
Pollinator Gardens
Chloe Wright
Troop 10612
Stateline SU 181
Southaven, MS
Reducing Waste In America
Khloe Barnes
A’Lonna Neal
Troop 10854
Germantown SU 174
Germantown, TN
Moments That Matter: Games, Crafts, and Companionship
Juliette Franchini
Maggie Johnston
Sachi Maole
Troop 10854
Germantown SU 174
Germantown, TN
Stories that Connect Generations
Kiser Federico
Hannah Mitchell
Chloe Piper
Emelia Ryan
Troop 13008
Shelby South SU 180
Memphis, TN
Central Church VBS
Tyleigh Artz
Troop 20320
MS Southeast SU 243
Starkville, MS
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Kinley Smith
Isabella Villarroel
Kennedi West
Elle Williams
Troop 30302
MS West Central SU 325
Clarksdale, MS
Anti-Bullying Campaign
Kimora Addison
Lorelei Johnson
2025-2026 GSHS
Girl Scout Gold Award Recipients
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouts.
Since 1916, Girl Scouts have been making meaningful, sustainable change in their communities and around the world.
We are so proud of you and hope that these outstanding young women and their exciting projects will inspire more girls to take action and Go Gold! in the future!
Allie Bullock Food for Thought
Troop 23117 Union SU 246 New Albany, MS
Allie learned that Mississippi faces high poverty and obesity rates, leading many residents to depend on processed and fast food despite abundant, fertile land suitable for growing food. Allie concluded that limited childhood education in gardening has reduced adult confidence in growing food, while busy work schedules also discourage people from maintaining gardens. She addressed these issues by creating a community garden of native, edible plants in partnership with the Union County Heritage Museum to combat food insecurity. The project introduced permaculture concepts, provided educational pamphlets, and helped visitors learn about sustainable, low-maintenance gardening and local food sources. The garden is sustained by the museum and the Northside District Garden Club.
Morgaan Butler Fabric Fusion
Troop 13366 Midtown SU 177 Memphis, TN
With a lifelong love of sewing, Morgaan Butler researched the negative impact that mass clothing production like fast fashion has on the quality of clothing and the decline in the number of tailors and seamstresses around the world. With this in mind, Morgaan made it her goal to revive the art and skill of sewing by creating and managing a sewing club at East High School. She worked with a network of sewing experts to teach the students – both boys and girls, and came up with creative projects for the students to complete in order to practice important techniques. In addition to fun sewing projects, Morgaan invited guest speakers to visit with club members and talk about the importance of sewing in their lives. East High School will continue to offer the sewing club in the future so that the project will continue to encourage interest and skill development in sewing for future students.
Kelsi Carrothers Love Shouldn’t Hurt
Troop 10217 Stateline SU 181 Walls, MS
Kelsi focused on raising awareness about domestic violence among teenagers, emphasizing that unhealthy relationships should never be normalized. Through research and collaboration with the Taffi T. Crawford Domestic Violence Foundation (TTCDVF), Kelsi introduced an educational initiative at Lewisburg High School, including an informational table, handouts, and open discussions. The effort created a safe space for students to ask questions, learn to recognize warning signs, and seek guidance. By fostering honest conversations, Kelsi’s project empowered students with knowledge and resources to navigate difficult situations. The project’s impact will be sustained through ongoing annual visits and educational programming provided by TTCDVF at the school.
Ella Christopher F.A.N. (Female Athlete Nutrition)
Troop 13368 Germantown SU 174
Germantown, TN
Ella chose to address the lack of accessible, practical nutrition information for teenage female athletes. Through research, expert consultation, and surveys, Ella identified knowledge gaps and created engaging informational displays and easy-to-use zines with daily nutrition tips and quick snack ideas. The presentations and materials significantly improved understanding, increasing those who felt knowledgeable about nutrition from 11.8% to 56.3%. By simplifying complex information, Ella empowered athletes to make healthier choices that support performance and wellbeing. The project will be sustained through school athletic trainers who will continue to share the printable zines, and QR-linked resources to ensure continued access for future athletes.
McKinsey Coleman Diaper Closet
Troop 23804 Alcorn SU 236
Biggersville, MS
McKinsey addressed a critical gap in community resources by creating a Diaper Closet to support mothers and families unable to afford basic baby necessities. Recognizing that no local services provided diapers, McKinsey tackled stress caused by poverty, teen pregnancy, and inflation. Through organizing donation drives, building storage, and partnering with her church and Oasis medical center, McKinsey served nearly 100 families with diapers, clothing, and support resources. She also connected families to parenting education and a supportive community network. The project will be sustained through ongoing church leadership, future donation drives, and expanded services like a clothing closet.
Chloe Lane Meals Made Kind
Troop 10568 Cordova SU 173 Cordova, TN
Chloe tackled barriers such as poverty, limited transportation, and lack of dignified access to meals to address food insecurity. Chloe created “Meals Made Kind,” a pay it forward card system in partnership with local restaurants and Bartlett’s Closet to provide free, restaurant-quality meals to individuals and families in need. The project successfully partnered with four restaurants, increasing awareness and community involvement while ensuring respectful access to food. Participants gained confidence and knowledge about available resources, and community partners deepened their understanding of food insecurity. The program will be sustained through ongoing restaurant donations and continued coordination by Bartlett’s Closet.
Padaris Lawrence Giving Children a New Light
Troop 20320 MS Southeast SU 243
Starkville, MS
Padaris set a goal of improving children’s safety and well-being at the Boys & Girls Club by transforming an overgrown, unusable outdoor space into a clean, welcoming environment. By leading her team in clearing debris, removing weeds, building two sturdy picnic tables, and creating an uplifting “Dream Big” mural, the space now supports outdoor play, learning, and social interaction. Children benefit from a safer, more inclusive area that promotes health, creativity, and happiness. The project will be sustained through ongoing maintenance, staff involvement, volunteer support, and continued integration into daily activities.
McCarty Overby Fun with Fiber Arts
Troop 23228 MS Southeast SU 243
Starkville, MS
McCarty addressed the need for a sustainable and inclusive curriculum at the J.L. King Center by developing Fun with Fiber Arts, a creative and engaging fiber arts program curriculum for children of all ages and genders. Fiber arts activities build fine motor skills, encourage patience and spatial reasoning, and provide a therapeutic, stress-relieving outlet. To ensure sustainability, McCarty produced both print and electronic versions of the curriculum, allowing the program to be easily accessed and replicated. She also established ongoing partnerships with individuals and the Golden Triangle Fiber Arts Guild to secure future donations of materials and support.
Carissa
Palmer Seeds of Growth:
Small Seeds, Big Truth Troop 20320 MS Southeast SU 243 Starkville, MS
Carissa saw the need for a structured, engaging childcare program during Sunday morning worship at Starkville Church of Christ for children ages 2–4. The previous nursery lacked consistency and volunteers, limiting its effectiveness for families. Carissa created “Seeds of Truth,” a developmentally appropriate Bible-based program that allows children to learn, grow, and engage in faith-based activities while parents participate in worship without distraction. Through surveys, attendance tracking, and memory verse progress, Carissa was able to confirm that both children and parents benefited significantly from the program. The project will be sustained by church leadership and committed volunteers who will continue running the program in the future.
Genevieve Remsen Caring Cards Club
Troop 13368 Germantown SU 174
Germantown, TN
Genevieve fought the issue of loneliness and isolation among elderly residents in retirement communities by fostering meaningful intergenerational connections with students. She created a program where students from Briarcrest Christian School wrote hand-decorated cards and celebrated holidays and birthdays with residents at Lutheran Village and Hearthside Senior Living, helping bring joy to special moments that can often feel overlooked. Genevieve measured success through interviews and surveys, which showed increased happiness among residents and a strong sense of impact among students. The project built communication and relationshipbuilding skills across generations and will be sustained through the continued operation of the Caring Cards Club with future leadership ensured through underclassman succession planning.
Alexandra Ritchie
Garden Terrace Park Pollinator Garden
Troop 13213 MS Central SU 184 Oxford, MS
After conducting research, Alexandra recognized the decline of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which threatens ecosystems and food systems. She targeted the root cause of habitat and food loss by planting native Mississippi species that provide resources for pollinators in a local park. She also educated Daisy Girl Scouts and community members about pollinators through hands-on planting and garden education activities. The garden is growing and increasing awareness among park visitors and young participants about environmental stewardship. Alexandra’s work will be sustained as the City of Oxford waters the garden during park maintenance and native perennial plants return each year.
Caroline Sanders
CES Good Health and Hygeine Habits: Tips and Resource Project
Troop 23117 Union SU 246 New Albany, MS
Caroline addressed the lack of access to basic healthcare supplies by creating and distributing first aid kits and health education materials to self-contained classrooms in the New Albany School District. Caroline researched and worked with educators to better serve special education students who needed both supplies and instruction on how to use the kits. She provided simplified brochures on healthy habits and first aid use, and the kits were used in classrooms as well as Special Olympics events to promote safety. The kits and information will be sustained through the local SMILE initiative, Crown Club, and Anchor Club continuing training and education.
Renee Wang Kids Run 365 - East Memphis
Troop 13367 Germantown SU 174 Germantown, TN
With a love for running, Renee established a free children’s running program in East Memphis promoting youth health, accessibility, and community engagement by giving families a nearby wellness option with fun incentives, structured runs, and supportive volunteers. Renee addressed limited access to local running programs by removing transportation barriers and motivating consistent participation, leading to strong turnout, repeat involvement, improved fitness habits, and greater family engagement in outdoor activity across the community. The program will be sustained by younger group leaders, supportive volunteers, and returning participants to continue leading sessions in the future.
The Girl Scout Promise
On my honor, I will try; to serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
The Girl Scout Law
info@girlscoutshs.org | 800-624-4185 | www.girlscoutshs.org I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.