GSCCC Volunteers Honored at 2023 Award Ceremony
Adult volunteers help Girl Scouts become stronger, kinder, and braver than they ever thought possible. Troop leaders and volunteers in other roles regularly engage with Girl Scouts to guide and support them in activities such as earning badges, exploring the outdoors, or running their own business through the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast (GSCCC) is proud to have more than 4,000 amazing adult volunteers who help Girl Scouts shine their brightest! On April 22, 2023, GSCCC recognized many of the Council’s outstanding volunteers at an adult awards ceremony, “Shine Bright!”
More than thirty volunteers received awards at the event, including Susan Ramsland of Virginia Beach who earned GSCCC’s highest adult honor, The Dorothy Barber Lifetime Achievement Award. This award, named after former Council President Dorothy Barber, is given to honor a woman who is a role model to the community, and other Girl Scouts, through her personal and professional achievements and stewardship. Susan is a Lifetime Member of Girl Scouts who has served in many roles as a volunteer for GSCCC. Here at GSCCC, her main role is the director of Service Unit Lynnhaven Shores, one of our Council’s largest service units. Susan also serves in a leadership capacity on GSCCC’s Gold Award Committee and guides Girl Scouts through earning the highest girl award.
Marisa Porto, Dorothy Barber Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Susan Ramsland, Janice Johnson
Girl Scout Brownies and Daisies perform the opening flag ceremony
Eileen Livick was honored with the President's Lifetime Achievement Award
GSCCC Chair Marisa Porto with Jon Schools, Service Unit 240
GSCCC Chair Marisa Porto with Christine Simonsen, Service Unit 150
GSCCC Chair Marisa Porto with Florence Boyd, Service Unit 340
Dr. Ann Stenberg of Norfolk, also a Girl Scouts Lifetime Member, was honored with the Thanks Badge. This national award, founded by Girl Scouts of the USA, is designated to recognize a volunteer who provides exceptional service that benefits the total Council, or the entire Girl Scout movement, while making a measurable impact on the Council meeting its mission delivery goals. Dr. Stenberg has demonstrated a lifelong dedication to the Girl Scout mission. From her time as a girl in the program, to serving as a member of GSCCC’s Board of Directors (2017 until 2022), Dr. Stenberg has emphasized diversity and creative problem solving.
Bonnie Taylor of Service Unit 330, Western Elizabeth River, was honored with the Thanks Badge II. The Thanks Badge II honors a previous Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role, which resulted in a measurable impact benefitting the entire Girl Scout Movement. Bonnie serves as troop leader for two troops and also dedicates her time to serving as her service unit’s outdoor coordinator. Bonnie’s leadership has ensured countless girls have had access to experiences in the outdoors.
Also during the ceremony, Eileen Livick of Virginia Beach was honored with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a national recognition, founded by AmeriCorps, given to volunteers who have contributed 4,000 or more volunteer hours to qualifying organizations like Girl Scouts over their lifetime. Since 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation has offered the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. Recipients receive a letter signed by the President of the United States along with a certificate and pin! This award honors individuals whose service has positively impacted their community and those who have inspired those around them to take action. Known as the “Travel Queen” of GSCCC, Eileen helps Girl Scouts have adventures around the globe thanks to her adventurous spirit and organizational skills.
For information about all of the 2023 Girl Scout Adult Awards and Recognitions given to recognize members who provide exemplary service, view the full “Shine Bright!” program booklet below. (See more photos from the event on our Facebook page.)
Ready to make a difference? For more on volunteering with Girl Scouts, view information online or call 1-800-77SCOUT.
