2025 Volunteer Recognition Tribute Book
with gratitude for our volunteers' contributions in the 2024 membership year
Letter from the CEO
Welcome to the 2025 Volunteer Recognition Ceremony!
While this event honors the tremendous contributions you – our incredible volunteers – made throughout the 2024 membership year, I would be remiss not to acknowledge the Los Angeles wildfires that devastated our communities in January 2025.
In difficult times, girls need Girl Scouts more than ever – and you provided that. Because of you, over 34,000 girls had access to the support of our unique and beautiful sisterhood during one of the most destructive natural disasters in California history. For those who lost or were displaced from their homes and schools, Girl Scouts was perhaps the one constant amidst the chaos. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for your dedication to creating safe, supportive spaces for girls to express themselves freely, find their people and purpose, and take comfort in each other.
The theme of this year’s Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, Stronger Together, represents our forever superpower: sisterhood. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow –we know the undeniable strength of girls who come together and lift each other up. These enduring, supportive connections empower girls to discover their potential, embrace ambition, and gain confidence – all so they become the next generation of strong, resilient women, ready to take on – and change – the world.
Thank you for your unwavering, inspiring dedication to our movement.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Theresa Edy Kiene Chief Executive Officer
PLATINUM SERVICE AWARD
Priya Kumar Bradfield
Rachel Eli
Bonnie George
Deborah HessWakeland
Janet KC-Jordan
Ilene Knebel
Melissa Lynch
Anna Madrid
Carmen Melendrez
Laurel Pavone
Jinnefer Razo
Susan Stahl
Bethany Varney
Lisa Working
Angela Zaidman
HONOR PIN
Carol Briggs
Teresa Brown
PattiAnn Brundige
Karla Buhlman
Linda Campbell
Sarah Campbell
Mercedes Cruz
Karina Cuevas
Rebecca "Becky"
Cunningham
Aaryn Davis
Cristeen Foster
Marisa Gallo
Jennifer Gruber
Linda Harmon
2024 Volunteer Awardees
Dawn Hentrich
Laura Katayama
Rachelle Killackey
Kendra King
Samantha Lavin
Lynn Mack-Costello
Arlene Mansour
Nancy Martin
Robert Martin
Anna Maschek
Chaquita Moore
Lori Oseguera
Christina Rice
Nancy Richardson
Sara Rushing
Sarah Smith
Cynthia Vazquez
Deidre Welborn
APPRECIATION PIN
Pamela Abraham
Shania Accius
Ann Baran
Christina Batchelder
Denise R. Be Cotte
Rachel Bierner
Nicola Bird
Carol Black
Nicole Blute
Kendra Bolan
Alyssa Bost
Pollyanna Brewer
Daysha Britt-Wills
Ariel Bryant
Cherry Bush
Liz Busque
Kate E. Byrne Haltom
Gena Rachel Cadiente
Lindsay Calac
Kitty Cantwell
Renee Carpenter
Corrianne Castro
Cyndy Chowtham
Christie Crahan
Mary Jane Craig
Danielle Deaton
Suzanne Dehmel
Alice Demartino
Yesenia Diaz
Sonia Endler
Briana Ernandes
Ronnie Ernandes
James Evans
Julie Evans
Melanie Evans
Erin Fleming
Annette Foreman
Angela Gaines
Araceli Galvez
Bonnie George
Maribel Gershman
Laurie Gilson
Laura Gross
Gloria Halfacre
Erika Hall
Jordana Hammake
Jolissa Hebard
Rocio Herrera
Anna Heur
Judy Hong
Tekoa "Koey" Huey
Paquita Hughes
Katelyn Hung
Carol Jones
Jennifer Joyce
Angela Juranek
Regina Karchner
Jeannie Keasler
Annamaria Kelley
Jessica Kelly
Carey Kim
Gloria Kim
Rebecca Kwan
Jeannette LaBrosciano
Alicia Lafaurie
Samantha Lavin
Cynthia Lippstreu
Emilia Lopez
Ria Mandal
Astrid MartinezFribourg
Claudia McCowan
Amy McIntyre
Malissa Medina
Veronica Mendoza
Candice Miller
Sherry Miller
Leslie Moore
Eleanor Moss
Jeannette Mullins
Danette Munkvold
Eric Murakami
Edna Murguia
Vivian Musacchia
Kristy Nevarez-Allyon
Noosha Niv
Kelly O'Hara
Candy Ortega
Stacie Ottley
Linda Paez
Melissa Pepe
Angelica Perez
Danielle Peterson
Claire Phillips
Aimee Powers
Andrea Prado
Emily PreciadoFonseca
Lindsey Prieto
Kimberly Primo
Cora Quon
Luz Romo
Sara Rushing
Sheridan Sanders
Edna Santillan
Michelle Sarrow
Amandalynn Sawyer
Marni ScivolettiCastillo
Lihong Shen
Cynthia Sherman
Iris Silva
Jo Simmons
Tiffany Small-McKelvin
Shelby Solomon
Amber Spence
2024 Volunteer Awardees
Stephanie Stockton
Hayley Tanabe
Victoria Taylor
Mali Teisan
Lisa Thacker
Darlene Torres
Kate Truitt, Ph.D.
Mieke Velghe
Kathy Vigil
Minisa Volden
Diane L. Weaver
Kirsten Webb
Deidre Welborn
Heidi Wong
Hubert Wong
Wendy Wood
Jo Ann Worthington
YEARS OF SERVICE AWARD
25 Years of Service
Jonteyn Prewitt
Debbie Reynozo*
Minisa Volden*
35 Years of Service
Denise R. Be Cotte*
Cindy Bernsdorf*
Denise Deines*
40 Years of Service
Maureen Craig*
Joyce Santo Diamond*
Helen Hurston*
Birgit Kielpinski*
50 Years of Service
Sue Hillendahl
Pat Mitchell*
60 Years of Service
Martina Lutcher*
NUMERAL GUARD AWARD
30 Years
Karla Buhlman
Carol Flanagan
Nancy Martin
Laura Mayoral
Debbie Reynozo*
Minisa Volden*
35 Years
Helen Hurston*
40 Years
Julie Ast
Denise R. Be Cotte*
Su Guzzardi
45 Years
Denise Deines*
50 Years
Cindy Bernsdorf*
Birgit Kielpinski*
55 Years
Maureen Craig*
Mary Jane Craig
60 Years
Kathy "Breezy" Brooks
70 Years
Joyce Santo Diamond*
Martina Lutcher*
Pat Mitchell* PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Bonita Service Unit
Burbank Service Unit
Canyon Star Service Unit
Glendora Service Unit
Holly Hills Service Unit
King Harbor Service Unit
La Brea Heights Service Unit
Marina Service Unit
North River Service Unit
Sagebrush Service Unit
San Pedro Service Unit
Stoneyridge Service Unit
Upland Service Unit
West Covina Service Unit
Congratulations to all our awardees!
*Receiving both Numeral Guard and Years of Service Pins
Juliette Gordon Low Society
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles thanks our Juliette Gordon Low Society members for honoring future generations of Girl Scouts.
Anonymous
LaNease Adams
Lissa Alfred
Erik and Eva Andersen Girl Scout Movement-wide Challenge Planned Gift
Lisa Axelrod
Carolyn Baker
The Barr Family on behalf of the Kendall Family Trust
David A. and Julie Battaglia
Julie and Kenneth Beals
Dianne Belk and Lawrence Calder Girl Scout Movement-wide Challenge Planned Gift
Diane Belk and Lawrence Calder
Betty Berdiansky
Stephen Bolkovatz
Gail I. Boyle
Moira Brady
Betsey L. and Donald Brewer
Michele Broadnax
Chrystal Broesel
Constance L. Burg
Amy Caponpon
Jessica Cardenas
Leslie Carlson
Katy Carlson
Charles Carroll
Elizabeth Chadwick
Hailyn J. Chen
Rachel Ivy Clarke
Patricia A. and Curtis Crider
Phyllis E. Currie
Christine A. Dean and Rosemary Veniegas
Carol M. Dedrich
Isabella Del Gaudio
Steven DePaul
Katharine DeShaw and Mark McConnell
Jennifer N. Devereaux
Elisabeth L. Dick
Juanita Doplemore
Barry and Peggy Edwards
Theresa Edy Kiene and Matthew Kiene
Sonia Endler
Renee W. Fraser, PhD
Liisa and Michael Froggatt
Linda and Jay Griffey
Diane K. Grohulski
Denise Gutches
Gloria and Bob Halfacre
Linda Haverman
Joseph Hirsch
Erika Homan
Denise Hsu
Karla and Gary Hufenbach
Alana Hyman
Laurie and Hannah Jacobs
Sherry Lapides
Lise L. Luttgens
Lynn Mack-Costello and Joseph Costello
Megan Martin and Brian
Long
Toni Martinez-Burgoyne and Rod Burgoyne
Karen Masini
Kelly and Jason Maxwell
Gina McLeod
Ann Moore
Frances M. Moreno
William M. Nelson
Kathryn E. Nielsen
Denise and Ken Nowack
Erin and Jason Oremland
Adrienne Pacheco
Marie Hamer Parco
Melissa and Martino Pepe
Sharis Peters
Aileen O. Poehls
Janice Rector
Elisabeth Rendeiro
Leanne J. Rodgers
Sylvia and Paul Rosenberger
Margaret Rosenthal
Shamira Sadler
Danielle Sager-Ebling
Michelle and Robert Sarrow
Ron Schrantz
Yvonne and Robert Schueller
Steve Shelton
Ellen E. and Robert F. Swarts
Chara N. Swodeck
Cortney Szlemp
Francesca Taylor and Ann Giagni
Cindy and Ben Tenn
Shelley B. Thompson
Tania Van Herle
PJ Walker
Diane Weaver
Harry S. Webb
Janet Whaley and Steven Preston
Michelle C. Wroan
Brenda J. Zamzow
Margaret B. Zarate
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Platinum Service Award
The Platinum Service Award recognizes an outstanding adult volunteer who continues to give simultaneous service to her or his service unit as well as their region or the entire council for at least three years after receiving previous national awards. This council honor is awarded to an adult volunteer who served in two different positions simultaneously, including in the service unit and the region or the council; a volunteer who has provided consistent highquality service beyond the expectations of the position and has given service in a manner that sets a positive example for others.
2024 Platinum Service Award Recipients*
PRIYA KUMAR BRADFIELD
Canyon Star
“Being a part of the Girl Scouts' sisterhood is powerful. Between our visibility through cookie sales or doing community service, we make our community stronger through the good we do out there. We are a strong and much-needed force for good.”
RACHEL ELI
Canyon Star
“Despite the girls' busy schedules, the support and camaraderie within our group remained strong. They prioritized mutual care and connection, which became the foundation of our group and showcased the strength of the bond we had built over the years. ”
BONNIE GEORGE
Canyon Star
“I’m so impressed by the Gold Awardearning girls. This year, mentoring these girls has really stood out as the highlight of my Girl Scout year—guiding them through obstacles and encouraging their progress, I really feel like I’m making a difference.”
DEBORAH HESS-WAKELAND
Canyon Star
“Girl Scouts helps girls find their voice and gives them courage to explore their dreams and define life goals. Many girls learn leadership skills that they then apply to future life experiences. ”
JANET KC-JORDAN
Canyon Star
“One of the highlights of this past year was taking Canyon Star Service Unit (150 Girl Scouts of all ages and families) to Camp Lakota for a weekend filled with a variety of outdoor activities, badgework, box oven cooking, and an evening filled with songs and skits. ”
ILENE KNEBEL
Holly Hills
“Being a Girl Scout means embracing a journey of personal growth, community service, and leadership development. The experiences in Girl Scouts last a lifetime! ”
MELISSA LYNCH
Canyon Star
“Girl Scouts is a place where girls and women can thrive using their gifts, talents, and interests to make a difference in their community. We can work together to invest in the next generation of strong women.”
ANNA MADRID
Canon Trails
“Monterey Park, Montebello, and Pico Rivera have dedicated troop leadership and Girl Scouts who provide solid outreach to their communities at all times.The Girl Scouting in these communities has given the girls the focus to contribute at all times.”
CARMEN MELENDREZ
West Covina
“My biggest highlight of the last membership year was the opportunity to open our service unit events to other units. It allowed for unity and the ability to meet other Girl Scout sisters.”
LAUREL PAVONE
Mission Rose
“Girl Scouts has impacted my community just by being there for girls of all ages. My community has a large base for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors with at least five legacy troops that have been in existence between twenty and fifty years.”
SUSAN STAHL
Santa Monica Bay
“Volunteering for Girl Scouts allows me to share my wilderness knowledge with strong, resourceful girls and young women—and be inspired by them!”
2024 Platinum Service Award Recipients
BETHANY VARNEY
Westside
“Girl Scouts impacts my area by offering positive opportunities for girls and adults. Our troops have helped with feeding the homeless, donating comfort bags to the homeless, and fostering youth—just to name a few.”
LISA WORKING
Canyon Star
“The highlight for me last year was seeing Girl Scouts from all over the region work together creatively and tirelessly all year to fund an ambitious overseas trip. ”
Honor Pin
ANGELA ZAIDMAN
North River
“Girl Scouts have made a difference in my community by representing our organization at community events, highlighting the service projects, earning Highest Awards, and giving back! We're so much more than cookies! But cookies help fund the things we do!”
The Honor Pin is a national award that recognizes an adult volunteer who has delivered outstanding service to two or more service units or to a region. The awardee has significantly contributed to meeting one or more council goals in membership growth and retention, fund development, or increased community visibility in a region or two or more service units. She or he actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior.
2024 Honor Pin Recipients*
CAROL BRIGGS
Burbank
“One of the highlights of last year was when our Brownies worked on their Think Like a Programmer badge. Groups 'programmed' how to move a stuffed bunny from one square of a chalked grid to a square on the other side. They 'tested' their programs by holding the bunny and jumping square to square, debug, and repeat.”
TERESA BROWN
Chino
“As a troop leader, what Girl Scouts means to me is LOVE. Love for our girls. Love for our organization and learning to love and discover our own talents, strengths, and gifts so we can in return teach and give to others.”
KARLA BUHLMAN
Stoneyridge
“Girl Scouts for middle school and high school girls is a place for them to mature and discover who they are and what they can achieve. It builds self confidence and camaraderie with others. We really do make the world a better place, one Girl Scout at a time.”
LINDA CAMPBELL
Mountain View
“Girl Scouts has allowed me to be a part of my daughter’s life over the many years. We shared many wonderful adventures together. It also provided a wonderful outlet to volunteer and develop lifelong friendships.”
SARAH CAMPBELL
Mountain View
“It has been so fun to have so many young Girl Scouts in the community. As a forever Girl Scout, I am able to encourage them and listen to their many adventures. Many girls, now at the school I teach at, are working on community projects to plant trees.”
KARINA CUEVAS
Mountain View
“My highlight was becoming co-director of the summer camp I grew up attending. It was rewarding to give back, create memorable experiences for campers, and continue the traditions that shaped my Girl Scout journey.”
*Some honorees did not submit a quote, please see page 2 for the full list of 2024 honorees.
2024 Honor Pin Recipients
REBECCA "BECKY" CUNNINGHAM
Westchester/Del Rey
“My favorite memory of last year was celebrating our Girl Scout Ambassadors' high school graduations as a troop. What a privilege it has been to witness the growth of Girl Scouts from Daisies through to college!”
JENNIFER GRUBER
Rancho Foothills
“Girl Scouts has profoundly touched my community by inspiring numerous girls to pursue higher-level awards, fostering a heartfelt sisterhood among volunteers, and cultivating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
LINDA HARMON
Las Caballeras
“Girl Scouts has made an impact in the Walnut/Diamond Bar area. They provide a supportive environment for girls to develop leadership skills, build friendships, and participate in a variety of activities. ”
LAURA KATAYAMA
South Torrance
“Over the past year, I've had the opportunity to participate in more Gold Award-related events. It's always exciting to see a girl's face light up when she realizes that her passions can be the foundation of her Gold Award project.”
RACHELLE KILLACKEY
Bonita
“Our Girl Scouts give back to the community by participating in park clean-ups, hosting clothing and food drives, and making tray favors for our Meals on Wheels recipients. These are just a few of the ways our girls have made an impact.”
KENDRA KING
La Brea Heights
“Girl Scouts has impacted my community by being actively involved in various ways. From offering affordable STEM workshops to participating in community clean-up efforts to sharing at-home emergency preparedness skills at community events.”
SAMANTHA LAVIN
Twin Oaks
“I love giving young Girl Scouts the opportunity to learn new skills in a safe, fun, and supportive environment.”
LYNN MACK-COSTELLO
Pali Mali
“Girl Scouting is a way of life. The opportunity to encourage girls to find their voices, trust in their ideas, and develop their leadership skills is a gift. I've come to realize Girl Scouts really approach life differently and more positively.”
NANCY MARTIN
Burbank
“Girl Scouts means sisterhood and community. My troop has been together for a long time and they get together to have fun, but also work to make our homes, schools, and city a better place to live in.”
ANNA MASCHEK
Burbank
“A highlight of Girl Scouts was our leader retreat, where we came together to bond, share experiences, and enhance our camping skills. Spending time with other leaders at camp was so much fun.”
LORI OSEGUERA
Bonita
“Girl Scouts has always been an important part of my life, from being a BrownieJunior as a child and a leader for every level as an adult. I loved raising two daughters of my own and multiple girls in my troops. I have lifetime friends because of Girl Scouts.”
NANCY RICHARDSON
San Pedro
“Girl Scouts (girls and adults) learning skills in LeaderShip, TeamShip, and StewardShip from sailing LA Maritime Institute’s Tall Ships…gaining courage, confidence and character as they make the world a better place!”
SARA RUSHING
Burbank
“In Burbank, Girl Scouts has played a vital role in shaping young girls into confident and capable leaders. The organization provides a welcoming space where girls learn the value of community service, teamwork, and leadership.”
SARAH SMITH
Burbank
“Last year our service unit held a Leader Retreat at Camp Lakota. We wanted to do inperson training to help our leaders feel more confident taking their girls camping. We had an amazing time together learning new skills and making memories!”
*Some honorees did not submit a quote, please see page 2 for the full list of 2024 honorees.
2024 Honor Pin Recipients
CYNTHIA VAZQUEZ
Westchester/Del Rey
“Girl Scouts has given girls and young women real opportunities to have new adventures and truly become leaders among their peers. I'm filled with pride to see how our girls are leaders both within Girl Scouts and out in the world.”
DEIDRE WELBORN
Holly Hills
“Girl Scouts means more than just guiding girls through badge work—it’s about fostering growth, leadership, and a sense of community. For me, it’s a privilege to help young girls develop the confidence and skills they need to take on challenges.”
Appreciation Pin
The Appreciation Pin recognizes an adult volunteer who has delivered outstanding service to at least one service unit. The honoree has significantly contributed to meeting one or more council goals in membership growth, retention, fund development, or increased community visibility in one service unit.
2024 Appreciation Pin Recipients*
PAMELA ABRAHAM
Woodland Hills
“Girl Scouts has brought life into our community. From donating food to local churches, cookie sales in the neighborhoods to visiting senior citizen homes, Girl Scouts connects us.”
ANN BARAN
South Torrance
“Girl Scouts allows our girls to meet and interact with other girls in our community when there are service unit activities. It also allows our girls to get involved in, and to give back, to their community when they complete a Take Action project.”
CHRISTINA BATCHELDER
CV/Glendale
“Girl Scouts and my troop have impacted our community through various donations to nonprofit organizations, including Sisters on the Streets, who elevate period poverty awareness, and The Gentle Barn, who rescues and cares for animals.”
DENISE R. BE COTTE
Northeast Hills
“For me, the highlight of the year was being a part of the 2024 Tournament of Roses troop. It is a unique opportunity for our Gold Award Girl Scouts to represent the council and GSUSA. The girls work very hard to earn this honor.”
RACHEL BIERNER
Community Partner
“Every GSGLA workshop leaves us inspired! Seeing Girl Scouts engage with cybersecurity, ask great questions, and embrace digital safety is so rewarding. We love working with GSGLA leadership to create fun, empowering experiences for Girl Scouts of all ages.”
NICOLA BIRD Pali Mali
“Girl Scouting has given the girls in our community the opportunity to camp, hike, sell cookies, learn practical skills, make new friends, and learn time-honored traditions. Girl Scouting has enriched our community through our Girl Scouts’ community service actions.”
CAROL BLACK RDE-Sil-Dom
“I was a Girl Scout when I was six years old and I remember volunteering in community activities. I was a co-leader for our daughters when they became Girl Scouts—we learned about nature, camping, helping others, and leadership.”
NICOLE BLUTE Marina
“The highlight of our last year was saving for and traveling to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts chalet in Adelboden, Switzerland. In a 10-day trip, our troop explored the countryside, met girls from around the world, and traveled!”
*Some honorees did not submit a quote, please see page 2 for the full list of 2024 honorees.
2024 Appreciation Pin Recipients
KENDRA BOLAN
Pali Mali
“After the Palisades fire, the girls in our troop organized a hot dog dinner fundraiser. The girls made $400 and used it to purchase 12 backpacks and filled them with art and school supplies and gave them to Girl Scouts in Palisades troops.”
ALYSSA BOST
Westchester/Del Rey
“Girl Scouts is an incredible way for my daughters to build independence, resiliency, leadership skills, and have fantastic trips with other girls that we wouldn't experience anywhere else. I love leading their troop as they grow in character and skills.”
POLLYANNA BREWER
Sagebrush
“Our service unit offers opportunities each month for our troops to do community service projects, such as jacket drives and birthday-in-a-bag donations. We also encourage leaders to teach the girls about using some of their Program Product money to help others.”
ARIEL BRYANT
Center City
“My Girl Scout highlight was my troop being more familiar with the cookie line up, the new prices, and being comfortable running their own cookie booths. I truly see the growth in the girls.”
LIZ BUSQUE
Bonita
“Girl Scouts has positively impacted our community by significantly increasing the number of Free Little Libraries—packing them full of books for all ages and by completing numerous service projects like community clean-ups.”
KATE E. BYRNE HALTOM
Twin Oaks
“Girl Scouts is an investment in tomorrow— creating avenues for growth, a safe space to grow in, access to new ideas, opportunities to gain unique skills, and commraderie. Girl Scouts is a sisterhood that ensures tomorrow's leaders are capable and ready.”
GENA RACHEL CADIENTE
Burbank
“Girl Scouts helps girls gain confidence, have meaningful experiences, and develop their voices and opinions through our membership in Girl Scouts. This ignites their curiosity, and as a result, they fearlessly seek out opportunities to advocate for change.”
LINDSAY CALAC
Highland Rose
“Girl Scouts in my community are always looking for new ways to get involved: making meals for the unhoused, collecting warm clothes, collecting items like backpacks and school supplies for children, and most recently, collecting for the fire victims.”
KITTY CANTWELL
Chino Hills
“I truly love what Girl Scouts is about. I was a Girl Scout, my daughter was, and now my granddaughter is. Girl Scouting gives girls the opportunity to experience things in life that they may never otherwise be exposed to. It can have an impact in so many ways.”
CORRIANNE CASTRO
Sagebrush
“My Girl Scout highlight for the last membership year would be putting on multiple service unit events and events for all Girl Scouts in the community.”
CYNDY CHOWTHAM
Chino Hills
“Girl Scouts has impacted my community by providing a lot of opportunities to our girls to be a part of finding solutions to problems in our area, making new friends, learning about future job placement from community leaders, etc.”
CHRISTIE CRAHAN
CV/Glendale
“Our comunities, along with Foothills, have the highest rate of Gold Awards in the council. Right now Crown Poppy is organizing a huge fire recovery project for Girl Scouts who lost their homes.”
MARY JANE CRAIG
Crown Poppy
“From the time my Girl Scout Brownie said, "my mother can drive," Girl Scouting has been a major part of my life. Not a Girl Scout as a girl, I have learned so much leading and making so many friends both here and around the world through Friends of Our Cabana and OBPS.”
DANIELLE DEATON
Coyote Canyon
“Girl Scouts has brought many people together as a family. It is great to walk around places seeing the girls recognize you and excited to see you. It has also brought many friendships that would have not happened otherwise for adults as well as kids.”
*Some honorees did not submit a quote, please see page 2 for the full list of 2024 honorees.
2024 Appreciation Pin Recipients
YESENIA DIAZ
Twin Oaks
“Girl Scout has provided an outlet for the Girl Scouts in our community to have a safe place where they can learn and become amazing, powerful, empowered girls.”
SONIA ENDLER
Board Member
“Volunteering with Girl Scouts has truly been a joy. I’ve loved being part of a community that lifts up girls, helps them grow into confident leaders, and creates space for connection, learning, and fun. It means so much to be part of something that makes a real difference in their lives and in mine too.”
BRIANA ERNANDES
San Pedro
“Our troop has had the opportunity to explore so many wonderful places within our community of San Pedro—places that many of us have never visited before! More importantly, Girl Scouts has given us the opportunity to give back to those in need.”
RONNIE ERNANDES
San Pedro
“Girl Scouts has created a venue to engage in meaningful community service projects. This past year our troop has participated in a beach cleanup, holiday toy drive, supporting with a food drive, and making blankets for those in need.”
JAMES EVANS
La Cañada
“Girl Scouting exposes young girls to various topics they might not otherwise have ever considered, while promoting self-awareness and confidence to be a "leader" in their life, regardless of what paths they take.”
ANNETTE FOREMAN
Mountain View
“This is my third year serving as a leader and the biggest impact I have seen in this service unit is growth and awareness of who we are as Girl Scouts. We have grown with three new troops just this last year. This is exciting.”
ANGELA GAINES
King Harbor
“For my daughters and me, Girl Scouts is a catalyst for community action. We don't just participate; we lead. Our troop recently organized a cooking day for our fire department, teaching the girls valuable culinary skills.”
ARACELI GALVEZ
West Covina
“The major highlight of this past year has to be walking the Gold Award journey beside my Girl Scout Ambassadors as they achieve their goals, manage and lead their teams, and demonstrate all they've learned throughout their Girl Scout journey. ”
BONNIE GEORGE
Canyon Star
“For me, Girl Scouts means lifelong friendships in a community that helps guide our daughters to be the very best people they can be. I’m forever grateful to work alongside these impressive women and make a difference in my corner of the world.”
MARIBEL GERSHMAN
Bonita
JULIE EVANS
La Cañada
“Girl Scouts is a wonderful organization that is a bright light for others to follow—we're trying to make the world a better place, one girl at a time. ”
MELANIE EVANS
La Cañada
“Girl Scouts in my community have always planned and executed fun, engaging events that bring troops from all over together. I remember participating in multiple sleep-overs, camps, and awards ceremonies that allowed me to meet with other Girl Scouts.”
ERIN FLEMING
Manhattan Beach
“Our high school Girl Scouts ran our Bridging Ceremony for the Daisies. They announced the girls, they acted out the story of becoming a Brownie and were true leaders for the younger Girl Scouts to look up to. Sharing traditions.”
“Girl Scouts have impacted my community by promoting a sense of community and pride, and empowering the girls to step out of their comfort zones. They become more confident in public speaking and appearences.”
LAURIE GILSON
Community Partner
“Girl Scouts inspires girls to take control of their destiny!”
LAURA GROSS
Rancho Calabasas
“Part of our troop's Bronze Award project was creating a buddy bench for the school. We had a ceremony with the primary students and I enjoyed watching the little kids' faces as they looked up to the older girls during the ceremony.”
GLORIA HALFACRE
Marina
“The Marina Service Unit supports the community through annual events that benefit those in need. They make holiday ornaments for foster children and prepare hot pot pies and sack lunches for the homeless, demonstrating a strong commitment to service.”
*Some honorees did not submit a quote, please see page 2 for the full list of 2024 honorees.
2024 Appreciation Pin Recipients
ERIKA HALL
South Bay Four
“A highlight last year was preparing "Baskets of Love" to five ladies in our community during October who are currently battling cancer. The baskets include a blanket, inspirational goodies, and more. The girls pray for them and their healing. It is heartwarming and encouraging.”
JOLISSA HEBARD
Community Partner
“Over the past few years I've seen how Girl Scouts support their troops and community; it is an honor to be part of this organization—even in an unofficial capacity. Thank you for welcoming me and for helping to end the stigma around mental illness.”
ROCIO HERRERA
Holly Hills
“I loved watching our Girl Scout Brownies thrive. We completed our last Journey in July 2024, and I loved learning the girls' thoughts about themselves, their goals, and their visions. It was a great way to end the year and prepare to bridge to Girl Scout Juniors.”
JUDY HONG
South Torrance
“Our service unit has an ongoing food drive with the Volunteer Center in Torrance. Our leaders bring canned goods at each monthly leader meeting and then we donate to the Food for Kids program. We have donated over 200 pounds of canned goods so far.”
PAQUITA HUGHES
Canyon Star
“I was truly excited that three of my girls earned a trip to Hurricane Harbor for selling over 500 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies. It was a troop family affair. It was a wonderful time for me to bond with our newest parents.”
JENNIFER JOYCE
North River
“Girls Scouts gave my daughter and me community. We started our troop during COVID and have grown with it together. In a time where we were told to stay 6’ apart, we were building bonds that are with us today.”
ANGELA JURANEK
Holly Hills
“Girl Scouts has provided opportunities to teach girls how they can be empowered to use their voices and make change in their own communities. Our Girl Scouts will be future leaders, as they have community service in their veins from a young age.”
JEANNIE KEASLER
Manhattan Beach
“Girl Scouts impact the community in so many small ways that together create a great impact. Helping feed those in need, creating a "Hope Tree" where people can share positive inspirations, and visiting a fire or police station to thank them.”
ANNAMARIA KELLEY
Bonita
“I believe Girl Scouts builds larger communities. Those who are involved get to know each other and become friends, and when we are out and we see and recognize each other, we see friendly faces and know we all have similar goals to help our Girl Scouts.”
JESSICA KELLY
Canyon Star
“My highlight of last year is traveling with my girls to Santa Barbara and San Francisco. We went camping at the Santa Barbara Zoo, and the girls researched, budgeted, and planned a 4-day trip to SF. It was all such a fun adventure. ”
GLORIA KIM
Pali Mali
“My Junior troop earned their Bronze Award by teaming up with the local YMCA and installing a Free Little Library. Although the Palisades community was heavily impacted by the wildfires, luckily, our Free Little Library still stands!”
ALICIA LAFAURIE
Canyon Star
“We have an amazing group of Girl Scouts and leaders who work tirelessly for our community in service and outreach.”
SAMANTHA LAVIN
Twin Oaks
“GAM [Gathering of all Mariners] 2024 was amazing! I love seeing all the Girl Scouts grow and challenge themselves.”
CYNTHIA LIPPSTREU
San Pedro
“Our troop has partnered with the San Pedro YWCA and is trying to do as much as we can with them. Our girls are also working on their Bronze Awards to help the YWCA further.”
EMILIA LOPEZ
Community Partner
“I've seen firsthand how the Girl Scouts have made a significant impact on our community. Their commitment to empowering young girls, building leadership skills, and fostering a sense of teamwork aligns with the values we hold dear at the LA Sparks.”
*Some honorees did not submit a quote, please see page 2 for the full list of 2024 honorees.
2024 Appreciation Pin Recipients
ASTRID MARTINEZ-FRIBOURG
Marina
“Every summer our Girl Scouts attending Camp Stuff ‘n’ Such make a service project for the local Veterans. Our troop was so inspired by it, that we delivered 200 handmade cards and treats ourselves to the Veterans hospital in Westwood.”
AMY MCINTYRE
Manhattan Beach
“Camping is always the highlight of each and every year. We try to camp as a troop in the fall and kick off the school year with some wilderness bonding. In the spring we attend encampment with our service unit."
MALISSA MEDINA
Marina
“Girl Scouts empowers girls with experiences that broaden their world, foster empathy, and build confidence. Beyond the impact to the girls, our service—beach clean-ups and assisting in community events—creates a positive effect throughout the community.”
VERONICA MENDOZA
PV/Penn
“Our troop continues to make an impact in the community throughout each year by way of our many community service projects, as well as by welcoming all girls, Cadettes through Ambassadors, to join the troop and gain valuable lifelong skills.”
SHERRY MILLER
Heart of the Valley
“My highlight of the last membership year, and every year, is watching girls grow into young adults. I'm so fortunate to have been a leader of an older girl troop for over 30 years.”
ELEANOR MOSS
Santa Monica Bay
“My Girl Scout highlight this past year was watching Brownie troops joyfully perform songs and skits together in the pouring rain at Samoree.”
JEANNETTE MULLINS
Canyon Star
“Girl Scouts has been a powerful force to keep girls not just engaged in our community, but also proactive in finding ways to make it better—and then taking action head-on.”
ERIC MURAKAMI
South Torrance
“Whether through interactions with other troops or making impacts through service projects, Girl Scouts encourages girls to think beyond themselves, how they're part of a larger community, and how they can work for positive change.”
EDNA MURGUIA
Compton/Lynwood
“Our Girl Scout community has grown a lot in Compton. Our girls have a place to express themselves and learn more about sisterhood. We want the girls to feel good about themselves.”
VIVIAN MUSACCHIA
Puente Hills
“Having the opportunity to be in the Rose Parade was very exciting and an experience I will never forget. The girls I met. There were challenges along the way but it was all worth it to be a part of the largest New Year celebration in California.”
NOOSHA NIV
Northeast Hills
“My Girl Scout troop has made books accessible to kids in local shelters and foster care, created gardens in the community, led a toy drive for the county, and produced educational materials to promote environmental conservation efforts.”
KELLY O'HARA
South Torrance
“Girl Scouts provides support and a framework that helps girls build skills, confidence, and a lasting commitment to contribute to their communities.”
CANDY ORTEGA
Palmdale/Acton/Agua Dulce
“A highlight of last year was our community in numerous ways; our community is a rural and underserved area. Girl Scouting has given opportunities to girls here who otherwise wouldn't have them. For example, meeting other girls in their community & camping!”
STACIE OTTLEY
La Brea Heights
“Highlights of last year include my Girl Scout Ambassadors representing GSGLA on the Kelly Clarkson show, my troop being a service troop and creating the affirmation wall for GSGLA She Leads 2024, and my Ambassador Anastacia co-hosting the 2024 She Leads event. All the amazing things this year."
MELISSA PEPE
North River
“Girl Scouts provides girls and their families a community of friends and a chance to try new things in a safe setting. It's a place where girls can try out different leadership roles and take on new adventures.”
DANIELLE PETERSON
Anita Oaks/Mission Camellias
“Beyond the girls' service, my highlight last year was a successful cookie season and seeing our troops work together to submit paperwork on time, ensuring a smooth and successful year!”
*Some honorees did not submit a quote, please see page 2 for the full list of 2024 honorees.
2024 Appreciation Pin Recipients
CLAIRE PHILLIPS
Burbank
“Girl Scouts builds relationships and creates a network that extends far beyond just Girl Scouting. I'm continually impressed in how consistently I see fellow Girl Scouts step up to help out each other, as well as other members of the community.”
AIMEE POWERS
Burbank
“Girl Scouts impacts my community by giving girls opportunities to develop their leadership skills, independence, and sense of responsibility to the world around them. They take this with them to their schools, friend groups, and everywhere they go.”
ANDREA PRADO
Mission Rose
“Girl Scouts impacts the community by helping girls learn positive values, and helps them grow into leaders with self confidence and love for their community. They grow to be lifelong learners and teachers who pass these values along to others.”
EMILY PRECIADO-FONSECA
South Torrance
“Girl Scouts has impacted my community in so many ways, with the most obvious one being empowering girls to become leaders in their community and watching them form bonds that will provide support for them to do that in the future.”
LINDSEY PRIETO
Lakewood
“Girl Scouts shaped me into a leader by giving me opportunities to serve my community. Through cleanups, food drives, and outreach, I learned the value of service, making a lasting impact on South Gate and Southeast LA.”
KIMBERLY PRIMO
Heart of the Valley
“During the last membership year, there were numerous highlights, from my Cadette troop becoming completely girl-led to my daughter earning her Silver Award. It has been so fulfilling watching these girls grow into young women.”
CORA QUON
Community Partner
“The highlight of last year was partnering with the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles to deliver a cybersecurity workshop to Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month and helping the girls earn their cybersecurity badges.”
LUZ ROMO
Community Partner
“One of my favorite memories with the Girl Scouts was seeing them have fun with their workout buddy. Being active can be so much fun with a friend!”
SARA RUSHING
Burbank
“The highlight of my last Girl Scout year was mentoring girls as they earned their Gold Awards. Seeing their dedication, leadership, and impact on the community was inspiring. I’m proud to have played a role in their journey to becoming strong leaders.”
SHERIDAN SANDERS
La Cañada
“To me, I like how Girl Scouts promotes leadership while allowing girls to be fun-loving and enjoying the outdoors. Girl Scouts means building confidence, making lasting friendships, and learning how to make a difference.”
EDNA SANTILLAN
West Covina
“Last year's standout experience was serving as a service unit member, where I had the privilege of empowering several troop leaders to unlock their full potential, providing guidance as a level consultant and witnessing their remarkable growth.”
MICHELLE SARROW
Woodland Hills
“I had the pleasure of seeing our Girls Scouts get clean water to a community, plant a community garden with a self-watering system, create a book, and provide a safe place for when someone is feeling stressed.”
AMANDALYNN SAWYER
Canyon Star
“Personally, it has expanded my circle—I knew almost no one in my vicinity living in LA city limits. When my daughter joined, she not only made friends in our area, but I did, too! And watching the girls grow in kindness has been amazing.”
MARNI SCIVOLETTI-CASTILLO
Anita Oaks/Mission Camellias
“Girl Scouts has provided the opportunity for our troop to give back to our community. The troop’s Bronze Award project was building a mini library in a community where many of their peers from school live.”
LIHONG SHEN
South Pasadena
“Girl Scouts has made our community a better place by fostering closer relationships between families and helping our girls learn how to help the community.”
TIFFANY SMALL-MCKELVIN
Culver City
“Girl Scouts means sisterhood, new adventures and opportunities, and hope for the future. ”
*Some honorees did not submit a quote, please see page 2 for the full list of 2024 honorees.
2024 Appreciation Pin Recipients
SHELBY SOLOMON
La Brea Heights
“Girl Scouts has impacted my community— Inglewood, California—particularly through the STEM lab. Girl Scouts from across the city are able to participate in various hands-on STEM activities.”
AMBER SPENCE
Marina
“Girl Scouts has become my community. We work together, look out for each other, and collaborate on issues we care about.”
STEPHANIE STOCKTON
Burbank
“Girl Scouts gave me a solid foundation, a chance to explore new things, and the opportunity to learn to lead. As a leader I love seeing my daughter growing into a strong, confident woman who isn't afraid to express herself and chase her dreams.”
HAYLEY TANABE
Community Partner
“Working for the LA Sparks, I see firsthand how Girl Scouts empowers young girls—because I was that little girl. I grew up inspired by strong female role models and now I get to help create those moments for the next generation.”
VICTORIA TAYLOR
Santa Monica Bay
“During our annual service unit camping trip, it ended up pouring rain. Hundreds of Girl Scouts and volunteers turned up anyway, conquered the rain, and had so much fun. That's what Girl Scouting is all about!”
MALI TEISAN
Marina
“Girl Scouts means a lot to me! It's about empowering girls to develop strong leadership skills, build confidence, and make a positive impact in their communities.”
DARLENE TORRES
Marina
“Girl Scouts is helping girls reach their full potential to help our community. Giving girls the skills, passion, and empathy to give to others around us while learning new skills that will truly make them leaders.”
KATE TRUITT, PH.D.
Community Partner
“The Girl Scouts have shown incredible resilience in supporting our Eaton Canyon community after the fires. From empowering resources to providing essential supplies, their care and dedication are inspiring. It’s an honor to stand beside them.”
MINISA VOLDEN
Lakewood
“As service unit manager and troop leader, I’ve organized and participated in a wide variety of service projects that directly impact our city. Girl Scouts has also been instrumental in providing many experiences for our girls that build them up.”
DIANE L. WEAVER
King Harbor
“Our highlight last year was bringing back more community and Girl Scout events! The Community Picnic and our first Powderpuff Derby gave troops fun ways to connect and celebrate!”
DEIDRE WELBORN
Holly Hills
“Girl Scouts have had a significant impact on my community by fostering a sense of leadership, community involvement, and empowerment among girls.”
HEIDI WONG
Anita Oaks/Mission Camellias
“Our community views Girl Scouts as an opportunity for girls to make friends and help their local organizations. Girl Scouts are invited to many events such as city parades, nursing home programs, or assisting in community service projects.”
HUBERT WONG
Anita Oaks/Mission Camellias
“I love participating and helping to organize the Fall Product and Cookie Program delivery events each year alongside the hundreds of volunteers needed to make them a success!”
WENDY WOOD
Canyon Star
“The relationships the girls have formed are truly magical.”
JO ANN WORTHINGTON
King Harbor
“Girl Scouts to me means community, sisterhood, and lifelong friendships.”
*Some honorees did not submit a quote, please see page 2 for the full list of 2024 honorees.
Tenure Numeral Guard
JOYCE SANTO DIAMOND* MARTINA LUTCHER*
The Numeral Guard (tenure) recognizes the combined number of years accumulated as a registered member, girl and adult, in five-year increments.
KATHY "BREEZY" BROOKS
MAUREEN CRAIG* MARY JANE CRAIG CINDY BERNSDORF*
Years of Service Pin
SUE
The Years of Service Award is presented in five-year increments to candidates active as registered Girl Scout adult members. These pins represent only the years of active service as an adult.
JOYCE SANTO DIAMOND* HELEN HURSTON* BIRGIT KIELPINSKI*
*Receiving both Numeral Guard and Years of Service Pins
JONTEYN PREWITT
President's Award
The President’s Award recognizes the efforts demonstrated by a service unit to enhance Girl Scouting in its community during a membership year. This year-long achievement requires teamwork, dedication, and focus from every member of the service unit team, as well as the support of troop leaders.
2024 President's Award Recipients
BONITA SERVICE UNIT
The Bonita Service Unit serves the cities of San Dimas and La Verne with 32 troops and growing. Bonita's most popular event is the World Thinking Day event, where the troops can host a country or attend as travelers. Learning about and enjoying the delicious samples from numerous countries alongside your sister Girl Scouts is always an enjoyable afternoon. Over the last couple years, the Bonita Service Unit has hosted several Camporees. Seeing the girls try new activities is the most wonderful part of Girl Scouting. The girls were able to experience wall climbing, archery, canoeing, kayaking, row boating, tide pool exploring, tent camping, outdoor cooking, and so much more.
BURBANK
The Burbank Service Unit serves Girl Scouts in the city of Burbank. Our service unit team serves 65 troops and 150 leaders across all levels of Girl Scouting. Our service unit has several traditions that troops have come to love, from our annual encampment to our World Thinking Day event. A popular series of events that we established in the 20232024 year was Level Days. Level Day events provided all of our troops at each level the opportunity to get to know other troops at their level and participate together in fun activities—whether earning a badge or just having a fun adventure. From letterboxing in the Verdugo Mountains to kayaking the LA River, our troops had great experiences. We’ve made it an annual tradition! Our leaders and volunteers are the backbone of our service unit, especially our lead team. We have an amazing group of volunteers, including several former troop leaders who continue to provide their experience and knowledge to make Burbank a wonderful place to be a Girl Scout!
CANYON STAR
2024 President's Award Recipients
Canyon Star serves the cities of Studio City, Sherman Oaks, and North Hollywood. Last year, we had 45 troops with over 450 youth members and over 300 adult members. One of the things that makes Canyon Star stand out is our focus on fostering Girl Scout sisterhood—not just for our girls but also for our adult leaders. Our meetings are fun and a place to learn and get support. We have many activities that allow our troops to come together. We start the Girl Scout year with our opening ceremonies, where we hold an investiture, re-dedication, and bridging, and we recognize our Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold awardees. We also hold an annual cookie kick-off event the week before cookies are delivered. We typically have between 200-300 attendees at our cookie kick-offs. We also plan events like Shakespeare in the Park with our families, our Welcome Back picnic at the beginning of the school year, caroling during the holidays, World Thinking Day, Day of Service, and placing flags for Memorial Day. And everyone looks forward to our spring family camping weekend at Camp Lakota, where we have archery, s’mores, arts and crafts, and a super fun evening show with skits and songs. We also have several service projects each year that our entire service unit can participate in to serve our community. And, Flat Juliette is at almost every event! Canyon Star is honored to be awarded GSGLA’s President’s Award once again!
GLENDORA
The Glendora Service Unit (419) exemplifies outstanding leadership, teamwork, and dedication to empowering girls, supporting troop leaders, and giving back to the local community. With 30 active troops, over 300 girls, and 71 dedicated leaders, our service unit has achieved an impressive 98% membership retention rate and an extraordinary 103% girl retention rate. Our troops have made a lasting impact on local schools by revitalizing playgrounds and refreshing paint. Beyond community service, our girls foster strong connections and camaraderie through cherished annual events such as Camporee, World Thinking Day, Thanksgiving food drive, and rededication ceremonies.
Despite operating for several years without a service unit manager (SUM), our unit has continued to provide unforgettable experiences for girls. Now, as a brand-new SUM with just one year of experience as a troop leader, I have been met with unwavering support from the service unit team and fellow leaders. Their dedication and collaboration inspire me to continue building a thriving, inclusive, and impactful service unit for all.
2024 President's Award Recipients
HOLLY HILLS
Holly Hills Service Unit 505 services a wide area of our Greater Los Angeles city. The majority of our Girl Scouts and volunteers are in the West Los Angeles ZIP codes, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Culver City, and Sherman Oaks. There are 99 troop leaders supporting the 34 active troops within the service unit. Holly Hills is a service unit that gives back to the community. A highlight service unit event is “Caring Day.” Troops within the service unit collect essentials needed to assemble care kits for Veterans. This past year, we were able to make over 200 care kits that were provided to Los Angeles Veterans. The service unit also has close relationships with the Santa Monica Elks #906 and Westchester Elks #2050.
KING HARBOR
The King Harbor Service Unit encompasses 43 troops in the South Redondo Community. The service unit hosts an annual Holiday Cookie Decorating event, bringing troops together to spread holiday cheer and decorate cookies. We partner with the 1736 Family Crisis Center to collect donations to stock their holiday store, making the season brighter for those in need. It is the perfect blend of fun and giving back. The King Harbor Service Unit has truly bounced back from the challenges of COVID, rebuilding a vibrant community of leaders, Girl Scouts, and families. It’s been incredible to see our events return stronger than ever, and watch our community grow as we come together to make lasting memories and impact.
2024 President's Award Recipients
MARINA
The Marina Service Unit serves Marina del Rey, Mar Vista, and Venice. We also serve parts of Playa Vista and West LA. We currently have 40 troops. The Marina Service Unit’s most popular event would probably have to be our signature event, Holiday Service Project. This is where we make Christmas tree ornaments for foster children. At the event, our older girls help set up and run the holiday party for the foster children, along with the Teague Family Foundation and LA Department of Children and Family Services. The Marina Service Unit has a fantastic group of women leading a wonderful group of future leaders. We are more of a family than a group of Girl Scouts. When one member is sick or having other issues, we come together as one. I could not be more proud of this group of awesome people.
NORTH RIVER
North River Service Unit is comprised of troops based primarily out of Valencia and Castaic. We currently have 102 leaders supporting girls from 42 troops who proudly serve communities of the Santa Clarita Valley. We are honored to be recognized with GSGLA's President's Award for the 2023/2024 year, during which we hosted a Leader/Daughter Camporee at Osito, chaired planning and running of one of the council's largest Cookie MegaDrops, provided First Aid certification earning opportunities for our and other local service unit leaders, hosted a large community service event at Children's Hunger Fund, celebrated and recognized graduating SCV Ambassadors, had a troop win the Troop Life campaign raffle, and had troops and girls featured in local news media. Our troops and girls placed flags at Eternal Valley for Memorial Day, marched in the Santa Clarita Fourth of July parade, participated in Girl Scouts Sunday, My Promise My Faith, Patriot Day, and other flag ceremonies, hosted a bridging ceremony for local bridging troops, completed countless hours of community service, earned Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, represented at Top Cookie Seller events, and so much more. We had a lot of fun being co-winners of last year's AMVR contest for most attendees traveling together in one vehicle!
2024 President's Award Recipients
SAGEBRUSH
Sagebrush Service Unit is one of four service units in the Santa Clarita Valley. Sagebrush consists of 45 troops in the Saugus area of Santa Clarita. We have some troops that are large with three to five leaders, along with our 'normal' size troops with two leaders. But, no matter the size, the troops all seem to run pretty smoothly and give their girls various opportunities to be a G.I.R.L. Scout. We find that monthly service unit meetings in person have helped all who participate to bounce back after the few years of COVID being virtual. Meeting in person has allowed leaders the time to get to know each other better and develop a camaraderie to assist each other in helping their troops to also become more active. We have a handful of older girl troops that play an important part in helping out with service unit events, and the younger troops really enjoy having the older girls guide them. We have held very successful and fun Camporees and we are the only service unit in our valley to put on a cookie rally each year. Our cookie rally is open to others and has been well received. Our service unit is working to mentor the newer troops in order to be successful and also mentor those who can become the next generation of service unit team members. We encourage all our leaders/troops to work with each other to better their experiences. Sagebrush strives to have troops that thrive, and look forward to seeing all the leaders/troops grow through the years.
STONEYRIDGE
Stoneyridge Service Unit is proud to provide service to Girl Scouts and families in Northridge, Chatsworth, and Winnetka. We have very active troops including two troops with over 80 Girl Scouts each. Four of our troops are Legacy troops: Auroras (est. 2009), Legend (est. 1989), Zawadi (est. 2015) and Tintaguias (est. 1975). Auroras creates positive change in our community, undertaking numerous community service projects with organizations such as Operation Gratitude, Children's Hunger Fund, and a STEM/ robotics camp for girls. Legend always leads us in our annual Thinking Day celebrations—this year celebrated at Camp Lakota where they have hosted the service unit for many fun adventure camps. Tintaguias recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary, bringing together many current and alumnae leaders and Girl Scouts. They also opened and are maintaining three Little Free Libraries at their meeting place. Zawadi focuses on service to the African-American community in our area and is planning a troop trip to Jamaica this summer, where their Cadettes will complete their Silver Awards working with a local primary school. Our service unit and troops are supported by many leaders with over 20 years of volunteer service, and two of our team members have over 45 years of service! Our service unit aims to provide inclusive support, education, and service to all our Girl Scouts, their families, and the local community, and takes part in wide-ranging service projects including food drives with North Valley Caring Services and the Zawadi Collective, Rose Parade float decorating, community breakfasts, holiday parades, beach clean-ups, and so much more. We are delighted and honored to receive the President's Award in 2025.
UPLAND
2024 President's Award Recipients
The Upland Service Unit is a group of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young girls in our local community, led by Lyndsay (SUM), Jen (Product Chair), Cristina (Volunteer Awards), Dot (High Awards), Nancy (Communication), Liz (Community Service), and Kate (Recruitment). Our service unit's driving success is the inclusion and sense of sisterhood we create within our troops as well as neighboring service unit troops. Our events are highly sought after and have been known to sell out within hours with waiting lists trailing. Every year we continue to push ourselves to make this year better than the last— offering the girls exciting and impactful experiences, fostering a supportive environment, and arranging creative community service projects. Twilight Camp is a perfect example of a service event, popularly demanded by troops, selling out in hours with a long waitlist to follow. From basic to intermediate, this event creates a full circle camping skills experience for the girls at all levels, whether they are running stations and teaching the younger girls or rotating throughout the day. Our team's diverse talents make for some exciting and important collaborations, ultimately fostering our commitment to making a positive impact on local young women.
WEST COVINA
West Covina Service Unit serves the 91790, 91791, and 91792 ZIP codes in our area. We have a supportive community of 20 dedicated troops and their leaders who work tirelessly to make a difference. Some of our most popular events are our Fall and Spring Camporees, Christmas Social, and Me and My Guy events, which bring together volunteers, family members, and our Girl Scouts for learning life skills, creating memories, and building legacies. We take great pride in our service unit's achievements and look forward to celebrating our journey.
We would also like to honor La Brea Heights Service Unit and San Pedro Service Unit with the President's Award.
