2012 Gold Award Yearbook - Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan

Transcription

Recipients of the
2012 Gold Award
2012, Volume 2, Issue 1
Celebrating Girl Scouting’s Highest Achievement
Like No Place
Else on Earth!
Girls Take Flight!
Our cookies may be famous, but more importantly, we are known for
becoming leaders. It’s about being the best we can be, whether that’s
wanting to be a pilot, astronaut or space explorer. Take off at the Air Zoo!
Learn about aviation, space and science
Train like an astronaut
Climb into a full-motion flight simulator
Visit the RealD 3D/4D Missions Theater
Experience indoor amusement park-style attractions
Visit airzoo.org
For more information and future programs that meet new badge requirements,
visit our website or call our Event Coordinators at 269.350.2848.
6151 Portage Road • I-94 Exit 78 • Kalamazoo • 269.382.6555 • airzoo.org
1251-GS-Momentum-Ad.indd 1
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The Girl Scout Law
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.
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.
In the pages of this commemorative yearbook, you will meet the 2012
Gold Award recipients, the girls who represent the highest achievements
in Girl Scouting. Here at Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, we are so proud and
privileged to have watched these girls develop the leadership skills that the
Girl Scout Gold Award demands.
When Juliette Gordon (“Daisy”) Low founded the Girl Scouts with the first
troop of 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia, in 1912, most American women did not
even have the right to vote. Now women are leading the nation, in the halls of
Congress and in the boardrooms of our corporations. Girl Scouting taught
many of our female leaders how to lead. In fact, Girl Scout Alumnae say that
their Girl Scout experience is what made the difference in their lives-- in
community service, civic engagement, education and income levels.*
We can’t wait see what great heights our 2012 Gold Award recipients will
achieve! Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, they have already
made the world a better place in ways that Daisy Low could never have
imagined.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Jan Barker, CEO
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
*Girl Scouting Works: The Alumnae Impact Study, a report from the Girl Scout Research Institute, 2012.
Please support girls by supporting our generous sponsors!
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Recipients of the
2012 Gold Award
Mary Flegal Chair, Board of Trustees
Jan Barker Chief Executive Officer
Jackie Bucsi Chief Membership and Program Officer
Karen Micklatcher Chief Development Officer
Jane Parikh Editor
Char Luttrell Writer
Catherine Below Graphic Designer
on the cover
The Girl Scout Gold Award, the premier award for
girls aged 14 -18 in Girl Scouting, represents the
highest achievement of a Girl Scout’s “career.”
A Gold Award candidate must complete the
appropriate Girl Scout Journeys, then plan and
conduct an individual “Take Action” project that
will provide needed, thoughtful change to the
larger community outside of Girl Scouting.
The 50 2012 Gold Award recipients we highlight
in this issue of Momentum join a long and
distinguished list of Girl Scouts who have
achieved this highest recognition throughout
our first century. Whether First Class or Golden
Eaglet, Curved Bar or Gold, we salute them all,
for putting the values of Girl Scouting into action
for the greater good.
For Sponsorship Opportunities*,
E-MAIL Jordan Ritchie [email protected],
OR CALL (800) 497-2688 (49-SCOUT)
*Statements made by our sponsors do not reflect the opinion of GSHOM;
The inclusion of sponsors’ material shall neither constitute an endorsement
by GSHOM, implied or in fact, of their product or service, nor is the veracity
of any claim warranted or guaranteed by GSHOM.
by Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, Inc.
Five Regional Centers to Serve You!
Ann Arbor Regional Center
1900 Manchester Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (800) 497-2688 Fax: (734) 971-2160
Jackson Regional Center
4403 Francis Street, Jackson, MI 49203
Phone (800) 322-1209 Fax: (517) 784-9553
Kalamazoo Regional Center
601 West Maple Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone: (800) 788-4919 Fax: (269) 492-1439
Lansing Regional Center
1223 Turner St., Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: (800) 968-9421 Fax: (517) 699-9405
Saginaw Regional Center
5470 Davis Road, Saginaw, MI 48604
Phone: (800) 968-1185 Fax: (989) 799-1450
Turkeyville Office
(Located inside Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA)
18935 15 ½ Mile Road, Marshall, MI 49068
Phone: (269) 781-8720 Fax: (269) 781-8726
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Recipients of the 2012 Gold Award • gshom.org
Gold and Silver award winners across the Council.
In this issue Gold Award 2012
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7
24
26
27
Going for the Gold
2011-2012 Gold Award Recipients
Graduating Seniors
2011-2012 Silver Award Recipients
Kathryn Lindahl McCheer Off Scholarship
Many thanks to the volunteer photographers who
provided photos of our 2012 Gold Award Girl Scouts.
Going for the
Gold
The Gold Award — the highest and most coveted —
awarded by Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan is by no means
a cakewalk, or should we say “cookiewalk.”
Those Girl Scouts who seek to earn the award must
commit their time and knowledge to crafting a project
that will positively impact their community. Gold Award
candidates also must describe how the project will
continue without their active involvement.
In addition to cementing their place in GSHOM history,
many of the young women who earn the Gold Award also
receive college scholarships as a recognition of the hard
work and discipline they demonstrate to successfully
complete their project.
The following is the basic timeline for a Gold Award
project:
Completion and submission of Girl Scout Gold Award
Project Proposal, which asks for the following:
• Basic personal information.
• Completion dates for prerequisites such as two
Senior or Ambassador journeys or one journey and
the Girl Scout Silver Award.
• A beginning and ending date for the project.
• Names of individuals and organizations you will
work with on your project.
• The title of your project, your target audience, your
reasons for selecting it.
• A discussion of the strengths, talents and skills you
plan to put into action as well as skills you hope to
develop.
• A description of the steps involved in putting your
plan into action.
• Names of people and organizations you plan to
inform and involve.
• Estimate of overall project expenses and how you
plan to meet those costs.
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• Methods or tools you will use to evaluate the project.
• A description of how your project will be sustained
beyond your involvement.
• A description of how you plan to inform others
about the project.
Whew! Seen enough? But wait, there’s more:
• An interview about the project with GSHOM staff
and volunteers prior to starting.
• Once the project is completed there is a Final
Report which must be submitted. Included in this
report is a detailed time log which lists the number
of hours put in by your team of volunteers.
• An Expense Log is submitted at the end of the
project.
Now you know why those girls who embark on the Gold
Award journey are held in such high esteem.
They are proof of the success of GSHOM’s mission to
build girls of courage, confidence and character who
make the world a better place.
We take pride in the young women they have become
and you should, too!
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Proudly
Presents Our 2012 Gold Award Girl Scouts
The Girl Scout Gold Award is “what you really want to be remembered for”
in Girl Scouting. It is the highest award that Girl Scout Seniors (high school
freshmen and sophomores) and Girl Scout Ambassadors (high school
junior s and seniors) may earn. The leadership skills, organizational skills,
and sense of community and commitment that come from “going for
the Gold” set the foundation for a lifetime of active citizenship.
The Gold Award project is the culmination of all the work a girl puts into
earning the award. It is something that a girl can be passionate about,
fulfills a need within a girl’s community (local, regional or global) and
creates sustainable change. The project is more than a good service
project—it encompasses organizational, leadership and networking skills.
Clara Brennan
Girl Scout Juliette, DeWitt
Giving busy parents the night off
Clara organized a “Drop Off Your Kids” night at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in DeWitt.
She advertised the event with flyers and posters and by talking to parents who
attended mass at St. Jude. The only cost to the parents was a donated item for the
church’s dresser mission. Clara delivered all the donated items in a dresser she had
refinished. Through her Gold Award project, Clara was able to help new mothers
with baby items and give busy parents a night off. Clara raised awareness for the
dresser mission and gained publicity for future “Drop Off Your Kids” nights at St.
Jude’s Catholic Church.
Attending DeWitt High School,
college undecided, Geology and
Geophysics major
Ashley Bryde
Troop 30792, Leslie
Keeping pets happy and healthy
Ashley created an agility course for the dogs at the Capital Area Humane Society.
Following volunteer training at the Humane Society, she consulted with local dog
agility experts to make sure the course was set up correctly. The course Ashley
built helped to stimulate the dogs and gave them a greater chance to exercise. The
volunteers who work with the dogs will also have more opportunities to play with
them. Ashley also created a video on proper use of the course and equipment, which
she gave to the Humane Society. The Capital Area Humane Society will continue the
project to help volunteers keep the dogs in their care happy and healthy.
Mason High School, attending
Lansing Community College,
Veterinarian medicine major
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MacKenzie Clements
Troop 42019, Ann Arbor
Safe slumber for babies
MacKenzie aspires to become a nurse and work with babies, so she knew that she
wanted her Gold Award project to incorporate a hospital and children. Because
her father was treated at Mott’s Children’s Hospital as a child, she decided to work
with Mott’s due to the diligent care that they provide. After brainstorming a few
different ideas, she chose the Crib Caddy for her project. Crib Caddies are a part
of the Sleep Safe program, and keep children safe while sleeping. Her journey
along the way included recruiting volunteers from local sewing shops and groups
for assistance, learning how to sew, and planning a Sew-A-Thon to help complete
the project. MacKenzie provided the hospital with numerous Crib Caddies, and the
nurses were happy and thankful for all of her hard work.
Saline High School, attending
Saginaw Valley State University,
Nursing major
Micaela Conter
Troop 40609, Dexter
Sports in daily life
Micaela wanted to teach young children how sports can influence and benefit their
daily lives. She reached out to 8-, 9-, and 10-year-olds in the Dexter Community
Schools. To prepare, Micaela researched information about women’s sports,
interviewed the girls, and connected with University of Michigan athletic coaches.
She led workshops that included Powerpoint presentations and guest speakers
who discussed the importance of sports. She also highlighted the positive aspects
of sports, such as healthy competition, communication skills, physical fitness, and
team building. Micaela stated that the most rewarding part of her project was not
only being able to reach out to the children and share stories, but also hearing their
stories and learning from them.
Dexter High School, attending Miami
of Ohio University, Business major
Katrina Cribbins
Troop 80260, Marshall
Caring for our environment
Katrina cares about the environment and her Gold Award project addressed different
environmental issues. She informed people of how pollution affects the parks in
Homer and the people and animals who use them. Katrina recruited volunteers to
clean up the parks near Homer Lake and the Kalamazoo River. She distributed fliers to
local stores and businesses, and made daily announcements at Homer High School.
Katrina and her volunteers were able to remove 200 pounds of waste from the parks.
She handed her project over to the National Honor Society to continue her work,
confident that her project was helpful to both the environment and community.
Homer High School,attending
University of Michigan, Materials
Engineering major
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Emily Deng
Troop 40855, Northville
Learning about other cultures
Emily felt that many children in the community have a lack of exposure to various
cultures. Her concern led her to the creation of this project, focusing on the Chinese
culture. She created a curriculum for the children at the Kids’ Club at Ridge Wood
and Moraine Elementary Schools. The curriculum included everyday life, holidays,
writing, reading, food, children’s stories, and games from the Chinese culture. She
incorporated many values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law into her curriculum.
Emily hopes that she has made an impact on the children, and wants them to be
excited about other cultures and be more open to them in the future.
Lindsey Disler
Attending Northville High School,
college undecided, Biotechnology or
Pharmacy major
Troop 42428, Brighton
Bringing the community together through dance
Lindsey believed that many teens and young adults are not experiencing different
styles of dance and movement. As a result, she decided to teach an alternative
style of dancing called swing dancing. With the help of the Junior Optimist Octagon
International Club, of which she is a member at her school, she put on a dance. This
event not only taught people swing dancing, but also honored other countries and
cultures due to its around-the-world theme. Lindsey’s dance project not only brought
in over 100 people, but more importantly, brought the community together. She is
proud that she was able to start a movement, and now many schools have started
their own swing dancing clubs.
Brigton High School, attending
Michigan State University or Grand
Valley State University, Political
Science and Business major
Annalise Dobbs
Troop 40609, Dexter
A place to teach, pray and learn
Annalise has a love for the outdoors and wanted to build something that benefited
her community. From this passion, she designed, landscaped, and built a prayer
garden outside of the religious education program room at St. Joseph’s Catholic
Church. She wanted her garden to be the perfect place where members of the
community could come and peacefully preach, teach, pray, and learn. The prayer
garden encompasses a sitting wall, which slightly curves through the garden, and
a rock path that is the centerpiece of the entire garden. After many hours of hard
work and much help, she was proud of her accomplishment, and was proudest
when teachers and community members expressed their joy and gratitude for her
creation.
Dexter High School, attending
Michigan State University, Nursing
major
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Emily Duso
Troop 50747, Midland
Creating a garden of memory
Emily planted and maintained a garden at Midland Public Schools Science Center
that honors Dorothy Horan, the former MPS Head of Science. In order for the garden
to be as self-sustaining as possible, Emily selected plants that had minimal need of
water once established. She added plants that bloomed at different times of the
year, so there will be color and interest throughout the seasons. Emily is happy that
her garden is enjoyed by residents who walk by during the day and by the community
members who remember Dorothy Horan with respect. Emily plans to return next
spring and continue to tend to the garden as needed.
Herbert H. Dow High School,
attending Miami University of Ohio,
Zoology major
Sierra Nichelle Fish
Protecting the environment through recycling
Sierra cares deeply for the environment and always recycles. Due to this care, she
brought awareness about the environment and the benefits of recycling to the
participants of the Kids’ Club Program at Ridge Wood Elementary School. Sierra
taught children between the ages of five and ten about the importance, benefits
and steps they can take to help protect the environment. Her program included
fun activities and lessons, such as composting wtih worms, making recycle bins
and bookmarks, planting seeds, and creating recycle posters to display around the
school. Sierra has made a tremendous impact on these children. Her long-term
goal for the club is to challenge children to be responsible for their family’s waste
reduction and recycling efforts. She believes that if we all attempt to do our share,
humans, animals, plant life, rivers, oceans, and the Earth will benefit.
will attend Arizona State University
or Eastern Michigan University, in
Biology major
Kristin George
Troop 42019, Saline
A prayer room for the community
Kristin often noticed that her church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, was missing
a quiet place for people to sit, pray, and meditate. For her Gold Award Project, she
decided to create a prayer room for the community. In order to spread the word
about her project, she created flyers and made numerous presentations to church
members. Kristin’s journey to her creation included washing and painting walls,
sanding and painting molding near the carpet, putting in furniture, and decorating
the entire room. Kristin explained that prayer rooms have been known for decreasing
stress, as well as improving health. Kristin stated that the most rewarding part was
not only being able to impact her community, but also the enthusiasm shown by the
church leaders and members from the beginning to the end of her project.
University of Michigan, Elementary
Education major
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Mallory Ginis
Enhancing the natural habitat
After Cook Elementary School closed, Mallory wanted to maintain the natural habitat
there and enhance the natural habitat at Adams Elementary School, which benefits a
larger portion of the community. She began by transplanting some of the plants from
Cook to Adams and decorating the garden at Adams with garden art and composting
facilities. The garden art included birdhouses and painted butterflies, dragonflies
and flower signs, as well as two types of mason bee houses with instructions for the
science classes. The composting facilities, donated by a recycling center, included
instructions on what can and cannot be composted. Mallory is happy that her garden
will benefit the community and that it can serve as an educational habitat for the
students at Adams Elementary School.
Maria Gutowski
attending Grand Valley State
University, Biology major
A sense of belonging
Maria worked with the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministry to renovate a room that
houses women and children who have escaped domestic violence. Maria also hosted
activities at the shelter, sewed a quilt, and made Christmas decorations. Her most
rewarding accomplishment was a pancake breakfast, through which she raised $350
for her project. Maria is happy that her activities provided a greater purpose and a
sense of belonging for the women and children. She is most grateful for her time
spent with the women at the shelter, which she defines as life-changing.
College for Creative Studies in
Detroit or University of Michigan, Art
or Graphic Design major
Kayla Hagan
Troop 40132, Novi
To help people at all times
Kayla worked with the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministry to renovate a room that houses
women and children who have escaped domestic violence. Kayla also created 50
hygiene/welcome baskets for women who come to the shelter with nothing. In
addition, she brought 30 stuffed animals for the children at the shelter, so they could
have something to play with and cherish. She always remembered a value from the
Girl Scout Promise that states, “help people at all times.” Kayla hopes that she eased
the problems of homelessness and domestic violence by telling people about them,
and encouraging them to get involved. Kayla’s most rewarding moment was seeing
the final result, and how happy and grateful the women were.
Northville High School, attending
Grand Valley State University,
Elementary Education or Pre-Health
major
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Erica Halverson
A safe place to stay
Erica worked with the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministry to renovate a room that houses
women and children who escaped domestic violence. She saw that the building was
very old, and many of the rooms needed to be updated to meet current needs of the
residents. She chose the room that needed the most work and attention, and turned
it into a safe space for women and children to stay. In addition to the renovation,
she made brochures and posters and gave presentations explaining the plight of
the women and children who depend on the shelter provided at the DRMM. Erica
believes that the most successful part of her project was getting all the materials,
earning money, and recruiting labor , all coming together to create a beautiful room
to serve the women and children at the DRMM.
Graphic Design major
Kanisha Hardy
Troop 80613, Kalamazoo
Learning to love reading and history
Kanisha enjoys reading and interacting with children, so her Gold Award Project
combined her two interests. She developed a program with the Kalamazoo
Valley Museum that encouraged children to read. She also donated books to the
Kalamazoo Public Library. The children earned a stamp for each book they read
and, once seven stamps were collected, they won a book. To advertise the program,
Kanisha distributed flyers to local elementary schools. Kanisha’s goal was to have
the children look forward to revisiting the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and to grow in
their appreciation of reading and history.
Kalamazoo Central High School,
attending Western Michigan
University, Social Work major
Elizabeth Hempsted
Troop 53051, Saginaw
A welcoming and strong community
Elizabeth created a website for the Holy Cross Lutheran School (HCLS) Community
that will allow past, present, and future students and their families to easily access
information about current HCLS activities. She provided the layout, structure, and
means for the staff to add information to the website. Elizabeth enjoyed showing
the staff the website she created and is happy there will be more information
available about HCLS. She chose this project because she wanted to improve the
already family-like atmosphere of HCLS and to help others find a welcoming, strong
community in which to enroll their children.
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Attending Delta College, Interior
Design/Architecture major
Miriah Hendrix
Troop 80608, Lawton
Knowing someone will benefit
Miriah collected nonperishable food items, gently used clothing, and toys for Decatur
Human Services. She believed that there was a lack of awareness of the need of
donations and, by informing people, she would stimulate awareness. She marketed
her project using posters and donation boxes. Miriah said the most successful part
of her Gold Award Project was seeing all the items she collected and knowing that
someone would benefit from each and every food item and piece of clothing.
Lawton High School, attending Lake
Community College, Business major
Laurel Jahn
Troop 50747, Beaverton
Creating a sense of community pride
Laurel’s project was to create a perennial garden and make other improvements
at Billings Township Hall, which would bring together members of the community
and would create a sense of pride. She used plants that grow well in dry and hot
environments, so minimal water is required. The garden consists entirely of hardy
perennials, or plants that need little water, and will come back each year with little
care. Laurel plans to maintain the garden during the summer with help from the
Billings Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Billings Township Supervisor.
She is pleased that the garden is benefiting many members of the community,
especially seniors, who visit the township hall frequently, and government officials
whose offices are nearby.
attending Purdue University,
Pharmacy major
Jennifer Jones
A relaxing, spiritual experience
Jennifer has always loved the outdoors, especially backpacking, camping, and
mountain biking. After visiting the grand cathedrals of Europe, she also found an
interest in the pattern and use of labyrinths. As a result of her interest, she decided
to build a labyrinth at Maybury State Park. With the help of volunteers, she created
her labyrinth, which is at the heart of park activity. The labyrinth includes consecutive
pathways, white flags covering the grove, and a number of beautiful rocks. Jennifer’s
labyrinth provides individuals with a relaxing, meditating, spiritual experience.
Community members can go for a walk in the midst of birds and trees, and forget
all of their worries. Jennifer is proud that she is now able to share her love for the
beautiful and relaxing outdoors with the community.
Northville High School, attending
Michigan State University,
Engineering or Sciences major
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Sarah Kawsky
Girl Scout Juliette, Plymouth
Restoring music education
Sarah recognized the lack of music programs in inner city Detroit schools due to
budget cuts and decided to create her own at the Mercy Education Project. She
created activities for girls between the ages of 6 and 11 and organized two familyoriented field trips. The activities she developed included instrument making,
singing with a choir, making a music video, and music performances, including a
live performance of Peter and the Wolf. Sarah learned things about herself and the
community she worked with that she otherwise might never have experienced. The
Mercy Education Project hopes to continue to use the music program Sarah created
with other volunteers and young girls.
Anna Krouse
Father Gabriel Richard High School,
attending either DePaul University
or Loyola University, Biology major
Troop 80034, Allegan
A chance to get away from the city
Anna provided an archery range at the Kellogg Sportman’s Club, where children and
families can practice and she can share her knowledge about archery. The archery
range also provides a convenient location for youth groups to participate in outdoor
activities. They can rent the building for the day for archery, hiking, and cooking over
a campfire. The Kellogg Sportsman’s Club is located in a county that is mostly urban,
so the archery range gives families and youth groups an opportunity to get away from
the city. Anna wanted her Gold Award Project to be an activity in which all children
could participate.
Allegan High School, attending
Aquinas College, International
Business and Pre-Law major
Clare Laut
Girl Scout Juliette, Plymouth
The importance of community service
Clare worked with the Plymouth and Livonia YMCAs to organize volleyball pre-season
clinics and then, for the same girls, a community project with St. Dominic’s Outreach
Center in Detroit. The volleyball clinics and volunteerism were developed to instill
a new appreciation for the importance of community service. Clare was able to
attend practices and work with the girls on their volleyball skills and also work with
them to put together three dozen toiletry item packages. The toiletry item packages
contained items that had been collected by the girls involved in the volleyball clinic.
The girls decorated colorful bags with cheery messages and delivered them to St.
Dominic’s Outreach Center in Detroit. The girls involved in the volleyball clinics were
grateful for the help on the court as well as being involved in a community project.
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Father Gabriel Richard High School,
attending Michigan State University,
Biology major
Sarah Manski
Troop 80334, Scotts
Having fun outdoors
Sarah, working with Samantha Miller, built a human foosball court at a local elementary
school in Vicksburg. She earned money for all the supplies and elicited the help
of many people in the Vicksburg area. The project addressed the issue of limited
playground activities at local schools and the growing bullying rate in the community.
The foosball court was built to give kids at Tobey Elementary School something fun to
do that incorporates team play and includes children of all backgrounds. The court
has increased physical activity, not only at recess, but also outside of school, as the
playground is open all the time. The human foosball court has also provided a new
way for young children to interact on the playground. Sarah found it rewarding to
receive thank yous and to hear how much fun the children were having.
Vicksburg Community High School,
attending Kalamazoo College,
Computer Science and Physics
major
Kirah Mapes
Troop 30101, Lansing
Helping families make a new start
Kirah assisted St. Vincent Catholic Charities in continuing the Refugee Resettlement
Program. She helped by collecting basic needs items for four families as they began
their new lives in the United States. Her own experience as a child in foster care gave
her a special appreciation of the challenges these displaced families faced. She
shopped for the best prices and secured donated items. Once Kirah had the items
collected, she sorted them and delivered them to St. Vincent. Due to her help, St.
Vincent Catholic Charities was able to help four families off to a great start.
Lansing Catholic Central High
School, attending University of
Michigan, Medicine major
Amanda Mayer
Troop 40609, Dexter
The value of sports
Amanda wanted to teach young children how sports can influence and benefit their
daily lives. She reached out to 8-, 9-, and 10-year-olds in the Dexter Community
Schools. To prepare, Amanda researched information about women’s sports,
interviews with athletes, and surveys from those who participated in high school
sports. She used informative videos, presentations, and drawing activities to show
the children why sports are necessary in everyday life. Incorporating the childrens’
pictures, she created a giant mural in the main hallway of Wylie Elementary School.
Dexter High School, attending
Michigan State University, Business
major
15
Megan McCrohan
Creating a welcoming haven
Megan worked with the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministry to renovate a room in a shelter
that houses women and children who have escaped domestic violence. She also
assembled 40 personal hygiene kits for residents and made fleece blankets for the
four beds in the room she redecorated. Megan earned money for her project with
a bottle and can drive and the sale of her handmade greeting cards. Now the room
that she made over is a welcoming haven that ensures victims that they made the
correct decision by coming to the shelter. Megan’s hope is that every person who
sleeps there will feel safe and at ease.
will attend either University of
Michigan or Notre Dame, Pre-Med
major
Sarah Metcalf
Troop 30727, Okemos
Something they can call their own
Sarah made more than 125 pillowcases and donated them to children at St. Vincent’s
Children’s Home and to children in foster care. Sarah provided the children with
something they could call their own. A personal note from Sarah let the recipients
know that the pillowcases were made especially for them, and showed them that
someone cared enough to do something special for them. Sarah wanted to bring
a little bit of happiness to all of the children, even though the situation they were in
might not be that pleasant.
Okemos High School, attending
Michigan State University, Education
major
Meredith Miller
Troop 80334, Vicksburg
A positive beginning
Meredith’s Gold Award Project benefits at-risk children who will attend
kindergarten in the fall. Meredith was concerned that many of the children would
be unprepared for the school year, without needed supplies. She also feared
that parents would not have information on this new stage in their children’s
lives. The Learning Village applied for grants to fund the project, in hopes that
every child would leave with a school kit. Each of the 20 kits includes a backpack,
pair of scissors, a box of crayons and markers, a notebook, and a few other
necessities. Meredith not only used her resources wisely, she also recycled and
made sure that the items were distributed evenly among the children. Meredith
hopes that these kits will be a positive beginning to a child’s education, health,
and well-being.
16
Vicksburg High School, attending
Chemistry major
Samantha Miller
Troop 80360/80334, Vicksburg
Having fun outdoors
Samantha, working with Sarah Manski, built a human foosball court at a local
elementary school in Vicksburg. She earned money for all the supplies and elicited the
help of many people in the Vicksburg area. The project addressed the issue of limited
playground activities at local schools and the growing bullying rate in the community.
The foosball court was built to give kids at Tobey Elementary School something fun to
do that incorporates team play and includes children of all backgrounds. The court
has increased physical activity, not only at recess, but also outside of school, as the
playground is open all the time. The human foosball court has also provided a new
way for young children to interact on the playground. Samantha found it rewarding
to receive thank yous and to hear how much fun the children were having.
Vicksburg High School, attending
Michigan State University
Elisabeth Moore
Self-expression though dance
Using her experiences in dance classes and music recitals, Elisabeth was able to
create a new program at the Boys and Girls Club of Troy. She worked with three
different age groups, teaching each group three days a week for three weeks. She
choreographed and taught each group a dance that they would perform on the
last day of the program. Elisabeth also offered a fun tap class, open to all ages, and
introduced simple tap steps and rhythms. On the day of the final performance all of
the children and adults gathered to watch each group perform. The children were
excited to show their peers their dances and the parents were happy to see their
children perform.
college undecided, Pre-Law major
Miranda Niemiec
Making an impact in the community
Miranda’s Gold Award project was the development and implementation of a
comprehensive volunteer service program using social media and a Ning website
to match service-based organizations with the 2,000 high school students in the
Northville School District. Her focus was the overall project management, processes,
forms, website, event postings, tracking, messaging, communications, marketing,
and one of the four themed awards participants are able to earn. At the time she
submitted her Gold Award final report, participation in Community Impact Awards
was well on the way to reaching the 12-month goal for student participants, service
opportunities posted, and number of hours of service logged.
college undecided, Biology major
17
Jessica Oh
Helping seniors with technology
Jessica held computer help sessions for senior citizens at Seasons Adult Center
in Midland. The sessions were based on a beginner’s computer guide that Jessica
created, which covered the basic functions of a computer and e-mail use. She
also researched different computer programs and other computer help classes.
Jessica was interested in this project because she knew some senior citizens had
expressed a desire to learn more about computers and be more involved in modern
technology. Jessica’s project helped senior citizens with their computer questions
and was often their first introduction to computer technology.
Molly O’Sullivan
attending either the University of
Michigan or Case Western Reserve,
Biochemistry or Pre-Med major
Expanding students’ horizons
Molly’s project was involved with the development of the Community Impact
Awards (CIA) for Students, a dynamic program that allows for easy and informed
connections between service organizations and high school students through the
use of a private social networking site. Her focus was organizing all the service work
done outside of Northville. Molly chose to design her part of the project in order to
get students to expand their horizons by working with people with a wide variety
of cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. She hopes to be able to pass the
project along to another set of carefully selected people, possibly making it a club
at Northville High School, and then expanding it to other school districts.
Attending Mercy High School,
college choice is Vanderbilt
University, Biology or Medicine
major
Sarah Ottum
Troop 42019, Saline
Helping the helpers
Sarah helped Saline Social Services become more organized and compliant with fire
codes by organizing their entry room and offices with new stainless steel shelves.
These are the rooms in which newly donated materials are stored until their final
location has been decided. She began the project by taking precise measurements
of the office and calculating how many shelves were needed to accommodate
their donations and also meet fire code. Before the shelves were installed, donated
items would pile up along walls and on top of each other, teetering dangerously and
crowding the offices in a chaotic mess. Now Saline Social Services is able to handle
up to 100 percent more clothing items and 50 percent more donated items at any
one time and is compliant with all fire codes.
University of Michigan, Biomedical
Engineering major
18
Kelly Patterson
Troop 30479, Lansing
Comfort and security during difficult times
Kelly made 68 blankets and collected 200 stuffed animals and donated them to
foster children in the greater Lansing area through St. Vincent Catholic Charities.
Her project benefitted foster children by giving them some comfort and security
during difficult transitions to new and unfamiliar homes. Kelly was very happy that she
exceeded her goal for the number of blankets made and stuffed animals collected.
She was also overwhelmed by the generosity of both old and new friends who
supported her project.
Attending Waverly High School,
college undecided, Engineering
major
Katharine Pepple
Troop 40609, Dexter
Nutrition made easy
Katharine was concerned with the issue of children no longer eating healthy foods.
She decided to create a cookbook, which she named Cooking and Nutrition Made
Easy. The cookbook included nine healthy recipes that third and fourth graders
would find not only exciting, but also delicious. The recipes were so simple that the
children could make the meals themselves. The cookbook showed that there are
better options when choosing meals. Katharine also made multiple presentations
to the children on exercising, doing more healthy activities, and balancing their
meals. Because Katharine loves being creative, she was proud that the children
were interested in her book, and that she made an impact on them.
Science Leadership Academy,
Philadelphia, PA., attending the
University of Pittsburgh, European
History major
Sandra Pui
Troop 40859, Novi
Creating a warmer living environment
Sandra noticed an issue with the living conditions of the men in rehabilitation at
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministry. She described the rooms as dreary and unwelcoming.
So for her Gold Award Project, she wanted to make the living environment friendlier,
warmer, and more inviting. During the room makeover, Sandra patched holes in the
walls, painted the room, added new lights and blinds, and brought in framed pictures.
The paint was a brighter color, so it added a sense of warmth. The pictures added a
sense of welcoming to the room. In addition to the room makeover, she also gave the
men new toiletries, pillows, and pillowcases. With the help of donations and Home
Depot, she was able to successfully make over the room. Sandra not only felt a sense
of accomplishment, but she was happy that she was able to bring some sunshine
to the men’s center.
college undecided, Medicine major
19
Allison Raeck
Troop 30629, DeWitt
Bringing a room to life
Allison’s Gold Award Project was to design and paint a mural on the wall of the youth
room at her church, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. She noticed how bare the youth
room was with plain, off-white walls and thought a religious, youth-inspired mural
would be a perfect addition to the room, brightening the atmosphere and possibly
bringing in more members. While Allison was completing her project, as well as after
it was completed, the mural was advertised in the weekly church bulletin. Many have
stopped in to see Allison’s hard work. The mural has strengthened the youth group’s
presence in the parish and also encouraged people to learn more about the group’s
platform and goals.
DeWitt High School, attending
University of Michigan, Liberal Arts
major
Megan Rasdale
Troop 30706, DeWitt
Providing the comforts of home
Megan’s project was to create activity bags for children undergoing treatment at
Sparrow Hospital. She made fabric bags and filled them with books, Beanie Babies,
coloring books, notebooks, activity books, markers and pencils. The activity bags
kept the children busy when they didn’t have anything else to do and gave them
comforting distractions while they were undergoing treatment. Megan’s goal was to
provide the comforts of home when the children couldn’t be at home and to help
lower the children’s stress during a difficult time.
Education major
Sarah Rick
Troop 30629, DeWitt
A place to feel free
Sarah’s project was to create a library for the Women’s and Children’s Center in
Owosso and to donate books to patients of the Michigan State University Children’s
Health Initiative (MSU CHI). The library at the Women’s and Children’s Center allowed
the children to relax and enjoy reading a book. Some chidren enjoyed the books so
much that they took them home. The young patients at MSU CHI and their parents
greatly appreciated the donated books. The goals of Sarah’s project were to give joy
to children facing difficult circumstances and to create a place for children to escape
and feel free. Both goals were achieved at each location.
Aquinas College, Business major
20
Hannah Riesser
Troop 42428, Brighton
Discovering the natural world
Hannah worked with Hawkins Elementary School for her Gold Award Project. She
decided to create an outdoor classroom for the school, because she felt that an
outdoor classroom would provide opportunities for the students’ interactive,
cognitive, and motor skill development. She also believed that it would help them to
discover and understand the natural world around them. Hannah referred to the Girl
Scout Law of “using resources wisely. “ She abided by this by using recycled materials
and long-lasting woods for the tables and benches. As a result, her project was more
environmentally friendly. The greatest satisfaction she received was knowing that
students would learn more about the environment in the outdoor classroom.
Brighton High School, attending
Psychology or Occupational Therapy
major
Jillian Rine
Girl Scout Juliette, Tecumseh
Fun with math
Jillian’s Gold Award Project centered on the Clinton Math Pentathlon, which was
established to improve math and logic skills for second through fifth graders in
an enjoyable way. The program ran for 11 weeks, and included 48 students and
seven volunteers. The students rotated through different games, each having a
different objective. A Fast Facts sheet monitored the students’ progress over the
weeks. Jillian believes that the most successful part of her project was the Math
Tournament. The tournament included more than 100 students from two different
school districts. She was very proud to see more than 100 students interested in
math, working on a common goal, and improving their math skills.
Attending Tecumseh High School
Murielle Rine
Girl Scout Juliette, Tecumseh
Learning to love learning
Murielle also worked with the Clinton Math Pentathlon for her Gold Award Project.
Her project was aimed at addressing a growing problem in schools today: a lack of
interest and motivation to be successful at math. She established a Math Pentathlon
Club at the school. By using the games from Math Pentathlon, she taught the students
that math is used every day, especially in ways that we don’t expect. Some of the
benefits of the club were that parents saw an improvement in their children’s grades,
children’s confidence grew, and a sense of camaraderie was established among
the “mathletes”. Murielle is happy that she was able to create such a successful
tournament and club, but she is even happier that she inspired children to want to
learn.
Tecumseh High School, attending
Michigan State University, Human
Resource Management major
21
Jessica Roy
Troop 80263, Battle Creek
A memory to cherish forever
Jessica’s project addressed the grieving process for families who had lost unborn
babies. She taught nurses at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital how to make footprint
and handprint molds. Her goal was to support the families’ grieving process and to
expand the nurses’ knowledge of fetal demise. Jessica supplied the hospital with
enough resources to last ten years and hopes that her work will continue. Her most
rewarding experience is knowing that the families will have a memory to cherish
forever.
Lakeview High School
Samantha Shures
Troop 40343, Milan
A place to enjoy nature
Samantha worked with Aid in Milan, a nonprofit organization that provides food and
supplies for residents of the Milan area who need assistance. Aid in Milan wanted a
place where the community could enjoy the beautiful outdoors, but did not have
the funds. As a result, Samantha decided to create this space for her project. She
cleared out the weeds in the area, placed butterfly and bird-attracting plants, and
installed two paths through the area that included benches. Her garden will allow a
place for people and clients to relax, interact, and enjoy nature. Samantha hopes
that her project will inspire other Milan girls to do the Gold Award Project, so that
they can achieve a goal and create change.
Milan High School, attending Central
Michigan University, Interior Design
major
Brenna Stow
Troop 42019, Saline
Recyclings impact on the earth
Saline High School, attending the
University of Wisconsin, Biological
Systems Engineering or Wildlife
Ecology major
22
Brenna decided to focus on the recycling challenges in her school, especially in
the school stadium. In order to address and change this environmental issue, she
provided barrels that people could distinguish from regular trash bins. She also set
up a volunteer crew to empty the recycling containers once they were full, since the
school could not afford extra staff. In order to educate students on the importance
and benefits of recycling and how her system worked, Brenna spoke to students
and posted brochures and fliers around the school. Brenna hopes that her project
has made her school community more environmentally conscious and aware of just
how much recycling can positively impact the world.
Cassandra Ward
A fun way to learn about nature
Cassandra created a children’s guide for the herb garden at the Matthaei Botanical
Gardens. Her project addressed the issue of how over-looked the herb garden
is, despite its significant plants. She believes that many children are uneducated
about plants. One of her main methods for creating the guide was the use of
technology. She drafted and created the booklet with Microsoft Publisher, which
made it more organized and easier to format and understand. She also used other
resources, such as the Internet and library, to ensure that all of her information
for the booklet was correct and reliable. Cassandra’s guide is a fun and interactive
resource that can consistently be used to teach children about plants and herbs.
Kelly Wright
Huron High School, attending Albion
College, Art and Creative Writing
major
Creating a refuge for families
Kelly worked with the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministry to renovate a room that houses
women and children who have escaped domestic violence. Kelly noticed that funding
was a problem, and many of the rooms were in dire need of renovations. Because of
her hard work and care, the room now has new carpet, furniture, paint, lights, bedding,
and much more. She is proud that she was able to renovate a room that the residents
can appreciate and use in the present and future. Kelly believes that her project had
successful tangible and intangible aspects. The tangible aspect was her completed
room, and the intangible aspect was the happiness shown by the residents.
college undecided, in Animal
Science major
Meagan Wylie
Computer literacy for seniors
Meagan saw that many older members of the community do not know how to
use technology. For her project, she chose to teach senior citizens how to use the
computer. She believed that it would help them to better communicate with their
children and grandchildren. Meagan held a number of classes, which taught the
senior citizens the basics of computers. She made sure that every person in her
class understood what they were learning, and made a point to never leave anyone
behind. She also provided the participants with binders to help them remember
all of the information that they learned. Meagan believes that her classes not only
allowed the seniors to learn the basics, but also gave then an ability to expand on
what they already knew. She was very proud that the seniors were able to eventually
do things on their own. She hopes that her project will allow her students to teach
others in the community.
23
Saline High School, attending Hope
College, Education major
Recipients of the 2012 Gold Award • gshom.org Please support girls by supporting our generous sponsors!
23
Congratulations to our Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
2012 high school graduates! We invite you to help us build
girls of courage, confidence and character by returning
to Girl Scouts as an adult volunteer.
Christina Aeed, Vicksburg
Megan Childs, Ann Arbor
Jordan Freece, Canton
Emily Allen, Hudson
Nicole Cloud, Milan
Amanda Funk, Brighton
Carly Armstrong, Saline
Katelyn Coberley, Brooklyn
Mallory Ginis, Midland
Raji Arunachalam, Canton
Abigail Collingwood, Canton
Carly Glahn, Dexter
Amanda Austin, Dansville
Briana Conarton, Mason
Amanda Glass, Fowlerville
Shantell Austin, Hale
Micaeia Conter, Dexter
Ellen Gleason, Brighton
Shyanne Baird, Vicksburg
Amber Courter, DeWitt
Samantha Goven, Ypsilanti
Sarah Baker, Midland
Katrina Cribbins, Marshall
Natalie Grimmer, Northville
Nicole Baron, Okemos
Sarah Cullen, Northville
Kayla Hagan, Novi
Lydia Basinger, Ypsilanti
Jamie Daily, Marshall
Samantha Hays, Albion
Jodie Baylis, Fowlerville
Kristin Dau, Reading
Amy Henderson, Shepherd
Morgan Berry, Brooklyn
Sarah De Lany, Holt
Charnell Hines, Saginaw
Leah Bloomquist, Okemos
Maria De Jonghe, Onsted
Ashley Hinojosa, Canton
Reid Blanchett, Vicksburg
Lindsey Disler, Brighton
Emily Hoff, Coldwater
Sarah Bleecker, Canton
Annalise Dobbs, Dexter
Alicia Houff, Saginaw
Chelsea Booms, Harbor Beach
Katelyn Dombrowski, Willis
Alicia Hull, Trenton
Elizabeth Bowman, Ruth
Danielle Draves, DeWitt
Nina Hundt, Brighton
Salina Bright, Kalamazoo
Taylor Drozdowski, Milan
Ariana Hunter, Lansing
Theresa Broom, Lansing
Coty Duby, Saginaw
Stephanie Igl, Mason
Danielle Brown, Lansing
Emily Duso, Midland
Lauren Ingram, Saginaw
Makenzie Brown, Canton
Kristie Duve, Ann Arbor
Laurel Jahn, Beaverton
Lydia Brown, Ann Arbor
Brianne Dybilas, Ubly
Caitlin Joiner, Westland
Deanne Buskirk, Paw Paw
Elaina Earl, DeWitt
Brooke Karasch, Lawton
Elizabeth Caldwell, Ann Arbor
Bria Ellis, Lansing
Ashlyn Katz, Marshall
Zoe Caltrider, Mason
Meggan Ellis, Canton
Sarah Kawsky, Plymouth
Katie Casler, Holt
Susannah Estoker, Canton
Alyssa Keiser, Hanover
Jordan Chappel, Perry
Allison Fales, Midland
Chelsea Kelley, Okemos
Christina Chase, Horton
Morrgan Frankila, Jackson
Kira Kennedy, Lansing
24 Recipients of the 2012 Gold Award • gshom.org
Casey Knepfler, Caro
Cori Kravat, Freeland
Lyndsey Lampe, Stockbridge
Rache Lancaster, Marshall
Angelique Lagschiel, Saginaw
Reina Larkin, Ann Arbor
Emily Laub, Okemos
Sarah Lawler, Lansing
Hannah Long, Webberville
Sarah Manski, Scotts
Michaela Mason, Brooklyn
Phatchamporn Phatcharanuruk,
Ithaca
Stephanie Porcari, Canton
Harleigh Putmon, Lansing
Allison Raeck, DeWitt
Jenna Ramirez, Brighton
Sarah Reimann, Filion
Hannah Riesser, Brighton
Katelynn Ritchie, Northville
Deanna Robinson, Adrian
Jamie Roggenbuck, Harbor Beach
Katie Stewart, Olivet
Lindsey Stolzenfeld, Ann Arbor
Nicole Stoner, Northville
Kelsey Teribery, Ann Arbor
Mellissa Tobias, Milan
Katelyn Tonge, Sanford
Charlessa Trainor, DeWitt
Madison Turner, Horton
Leslie Van Hamme, Novi
Teresa VanDenBerghe, Northville
Olivia Vitali, Northville
Amanda Mayer, Dexter
Samantha Roggenbuck, Harbor
Beach
Katarina Mertanova, Portage
Gabriela Rosales, Saline
Samantha Warblow, Clarklake
Sarah Metcalf, Okemos
Rebecca Ross, Midland
Stephanie Warblow, Clarklake
Lynn Metz, Ann Arbor
Jessica Roy, Battle Creek
Polly Washabaugh, Ann Arbor
Meredith Miller, Vicksburg
Cayden Samuels, Canton
Claire Webb, Okemos
Ashley Moore, Northville
Chelsea Schaefer, Brooklyn
Victoria Weers, Marshall
Alayna Nail, Springport
Katelyn Schafer, Weidman
Jacqueline Whitbeck, Holt
Jessica Oh, Midland
Samantha Schlicklin, Perry
Shelby Wiborn, Dansville
Aalyiah Oliver, Holt
Brooke Schuster, Jackson
Sarah Wiggins, Canton
Natalie O’Roark, Scotts
Torrie Sears, Vicksburg
Julia-Hannah Willman, Saginaw
Alissa Ousley, Rives Junction
Tori Shattuck, Ithaca
Casey Wisely, Saline
Nemuulen Oyunbayer, Ithaca
Hailey Sheats, Whitmore Lake
Olivia Woods, Marshall
Dana Page, Okemos
Rachael Shields, Fennville
Thea Yagerlener, Ann Arbor
Emily Parks, Marshall
Meagan Shokar, Canton
Emily Young, Freeland
Eleanor Pence, Plymouth
Chantal Singer, Dexter
Jesse Zhou, Canton
Katharine Pepple, Dexter
Rosa Smith, Ypsilanti
Samantha Zimmerman, Standish
Amanda Perlaki, Howell
Amanda Sockow, Canton
Jessica Vosburg, Marshall
Congratulations
25
Congratulations to the Girl Scout Heart of Michigan Silver Award Girls
Tiffani Abraham
Troop 30247
Amber Alcorn
Troop 50546
Anna Argento
Troop 41087
Lindsey Bates
Troop 60690
Mackenzie Benning
Troop 41807
Julia Betzig
Girl Scout Juliette
Zoey Bommarito
Troop 60131
Leah Borquez
Troop 40063
Brianna Bowden
Troop 41807
Madison Braunz
Troop 80026
Haley Broda
Troop 41583
Ariana Brown
Troop 40824
Madeline Carlson
Troop 30125
Rebecca Cho
Troop 50085
Christina Christenson Troop 40196
Heather Cornell
Troop 30125
Lindsey Craig
Troop 41583
Sophia Cunningham Troop 80899
Jessica DeRose
Troop 30679
Shannon Dickman
Troop 80325
Emily Fauser
Troop 41699
Abbey Feenstra
Troop 30125
Erin Fegan
Troop 40187
Olivia Fehrman
Troop 50085
Sara Findsen
Troop 40900
Lauren Folk
Troop 40187
Katie Frayer
Troop 30679
Robin Galler
Troop 40063
Amelia Gardner
Troop 60245
Willene Gehl
Troop 50780
Emma Gerlinger
Troop 40063
Megan Giese
Troop 80325
Sarah Giglio
Troop 50085
Sandra Gofton
Troop 41807
Hannah Graff
Troop 40844
Rachel Graham
Troop 40196
Samantha Graham
Troop 40196
Alyssa Gray
Troop 41807
Kaiti Groth
Troop 80249
Lisa Guthrie
Troop 40346
Carrie Harger
Troop 30701
Chelsea Harrison
Troop 80026
Heather Harte
Troop 30247
Kaylie Hatfield
Troop 80325
Megan Heck
Troop 30075
Madison Hill
Troop 30701
Jordan Hite
Troop 60690
Hannah Holshouser Troop 41583
Helena Howard
Troop 60690
Elizabeth Jenness
Troop 30247
Alyssa Jennings
Troop 30158
Kylie Kellett
Troop 30247
Meghan Kelly
Troop 30679
Skyler Kienutske
Troop 60690
Aliera Konett Katie Kubitskey
Troop 41583
Taylor Laiman
Troop 60131
Lindsay Lang
Troop 50085
Lansing
Bay City
Chelsea
Michigan Center
Chelsea
Westland
Grass Lake
Ann Arbor
Grass Lake
Grand Junction
Northville
Saline
Grand Ledge
Saginaw
Canton
Grand Ledge
Northville
Portage
DeWitt
Schoolcraft
Dexter
Grand Ledge
Brighton
Saginaw
Canton
Pinckney
DeWitt
Ypsilanti
Concord
West Branch
Ann Arbor
Schoolcraft
Saginaw
Chelsea
Northville
Canton
Plymouth
Chelsea
Marshall
Belleville
Mason
Bloomingdale
Lansing
Schoolcraft
Lansing
Mason
Michigan Center
Northville
Jackson
Lansing
East Lansing
Lansing
DeWitt
Michigan Center
East Lansing
Northville
Grass Lake
Saginaw
Akiye Lasu
La Kayla Lee
Mackenzie Leonard
Andrea Loucks
Holly Mannor
Kelsea Martin
Katherine McCollum
Korey McKinley
Jordann McNees
Avery Messina
Michelle Miller
Katherine Moise
Molly Mora
Shell Mullett
Carlie Murdock
Karrigan Niemi
Sarah O’Connor
Lauren Olk
Maggie O’Meara
Gabrielle Peck
Olivia Pelton
Haley Pfeiffer
Malley Powell
Riley Reed
Catey Regis
Amanda Rencsok
Hannah Reutter
Teddi Reynolds
Michelle Ried
Olivia Roe
Stephanie Roskowski
Riley Sabins
Jillian Santos
Emilie Sharp Breanne Siel
Genevieve Soltesz
Nicole Stanley
Paige Stoll
Rachel Stolzenfeld
Evalyn Stow
Madeline Stowe
Emily Struble
Katie Sweeney
Hannah Terrell
Samantha Torres
Emma Treiber
Haylie Tufts
Nichole Tully
Katie Tunney
Katie Ulicki
Katrina Vancena
Brenna Wayne
Julya Weesner
Laura Wicklund
Meredith Wilson
Asia Woods
Maha Zahid
Natalie Zimmerman
Troop 30679
Troop 50546
Troop 90627
Troop 41807
Troop 60690
Troop 80325
Troop 40824
Troop 90627
Troop 80026
Troop 40196
Troop 80249
Troop 41807
Troop 80325
Troop 40460
Troop 60131
Troop 40844
Troop 40063
Troop 41807
Troop 40844
Troop 40063
Troop 80325
Troop 40648
Troop 41807
Troop 40196
Troop 41807
Troop 41583
Troop 30335
Troop 41807
Troop 30402
Troop 40648
Troop 41583
Troop 50780
Troop 40824
Troop 30701
Troop 30382
Troop 90627
Troop 80249
Troop 50085
Troop 40648
Troop 40824
Troop 40196
Troop 30402
Troop 30679
Troop 40725
Troop 40063
Troop 41583
Troop 90627
Troop 90627
Troop 50085
Troop 50085
Troop 40091
Troop 40196
Troop 60115
Troop 60115
Troop 40844
Troop 40725
Troop 40196
Troop 40648
DeWitt
Bay City
Mattawan
Chelsea
Jackson
Schoolcraft
Saline
Mattawan
Grand Junction
Plymouth
Marshall
Chelsea
Schoolcraft
Pinckney
Jackson
Novi
Ann Arbor
Chelsea
Northville
Ann Arbor
Schoolcraft
Ann Arbor
Chelsea
Canton
Chelsea
Northville
Mason
Chelsea
Holt
Saline
Northville
West Branch
Saline
Mason
Lansing
Kalamazoo
Marshall
Saginaw
Ann Arbor
Saline
Plymouth
Holt
Lansing
Ypsilanti
Ann Arbor
Northville
Kalamazoo
Mattawn
Saginaw
Saginaw
Ypsilanti
Canton
Jackson
Jackson
Northville
Willis
Canton
Ann Arbor
“I’ve always been about leadership, caring and
giving back and that’s what Girl Scouts do, but
it starts with fun.”
Retirement Won’t Stop
Kathy Lindahl’s
Involvement with
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
Kathy Lindahl had “zero” connections to Girl Scouting
until she struck up an alliance with Girl Scouts Michigan
Capital Council (which is now a part of Girl Scouts Heart
of Michigan) to help boost attendance at Michigan State
University women’s basketball games.
It was the mid-1980’s when she was an associate athletic
director at MSU and women’s sports at all levels were
beginning to draw more attention as a result of Title 9,
legislation designed to establish parity with men’s and
women’s athletics.
“No one was doing anything to promote women’s
basketball. I started to work on some basketball
promotions at MSU and I thought where else can we
get massive quantities of women to go, but at the Girl
Scouts,” she said. “I wanted to show girls that it was O.K.
to be a girl and be involved in sports.
“That was my vision. I was also looking for opportunities
for girls who wanted to be engaged in other ways.”
These first few tentative steps grew into a long-term
relationship with Girl Scouts in Lansing which includes
an annual event known as the McCheer Off and an
endowed scholarship at MSU in Lindahl’s name.
The McCheer Off brings Girl Scouts from throughout
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan’s 34-county service area
to MSU for a women’s basketball game featuring events
and activities for the girls. The event resulted from
a partnership Lindahl formed with local McDonald’s
franchises more than 25 years ago.
In a letter to donors Lindahl says, “After 10 years of a
very successful relationship, the Girl Scouts honored
this partnership by establishing the Kathryn Lindahl
McCheer Off Scholarship, for a graduating Senior Girl
Scout who would be attending MSU.”
The scholarship, which was endowed in 1998, pays
between $3,000 and $4,000 towards each of the four
years the recipient attends MSU.
“An employee of mine surprised me. I didn’t know what
was happening,” she said of the scholarship. “They
called me down at halftime of a game and announced
that the scholarship had been endowed.”
Colleen Curtiss, recipient of the 2012 Kathryn McCheer Off
Scholarship.
Lindahl, who plans to retire at the end of December
from her job as assistant vice president for Finance
and Operations, said she hopes to grow the scholarship
to cover the total cost of a four-year undergraduate
degree at MSU where she has worked for 34 years.
27
Since its inception, 17 young women have been the
recipients of the scholarship. Lindahl refers to them as
the Lindahl Scholars. They are selected by a committee
of GSHOM representatives.
recipient to discuss her career goals and aspirations.
During the McCheer Off, the Lindahl Scholars are seated
in a special box and donors and potential donors are
invited into the box to meet with the young women.
“One of the things that’s been the most rewarding for me
is what these young women do in terms of their futures,”
Lindahl said. “One of the intangibles that the Girl Scouts
do is this piece of giving back to others. Every one of the
Lindahl Scholars are in nonprofit work or are giving back
in some way to others.
Lindahl said the influence Girl Scouting has had on them
is reflected in everything they do. She said she thinks
often about the relationships she has built along the
way since aligning herself with the organization in the
late 1980’s.
“The deep part of their roots with Girl Scouts comes out
of that. I haven’t seen this with any other group I interact
with.”
Lindahl Scholars include:
• Val, who is working at a wilderness therapy
program in Oregon for high school students who
have behavior, substance abuse, and/or learning
difficulties;
• Kristin, who is in Tanzania and completing a law
internship supporting justice for the victims of the
Rawandan genocide;
• Liz, who is working for a nonprofit (NGO) in
“It was about seeing and watching the passion of the
girls in terms of the fun and the excitement, “ Lindahl
said. “Then you start to see a little more engagement,
more caring and more leadership.
“I’ve always been about leadership, caring and giving
back and that’s what Girl Scouts do, but it starts with
fun.”
The exposure to so many different aspects of life and
the emphasis on teamwork are an invaluable part of the
total package offered through Girl Scouting. Lindahl’s
affiliation with GSHOM has prepared her in part for life
after MSU.
Lindahl said she’s ready to get started on the next phase
of her life.
“I look at building the scholarship and I look at the young
Lindahl Scholars and having my name associated with
these young women who are going to be incredible
givers in the world in so many ways,” she said. “You
just don’t see young women leaving college nowadays
helping refugees instead of looking to cash that next
paycheck.
“I want to move from a career of success to a life of
significance.”
Cambodia focusing on gender issues;
• Katie, who is teaching music in Clarkston;
• Serena, who works in Washington DC and helps
assist some of Iraq’s most threatened and
challenged academics in finding temporary
positions in safe environments ;
• Jenny, who will complete her lifelong dream and
officially become a veterinarian in May; and
• Megan, who works for the State of Michigan
and loves to put her theater major to use by
volunteering at the local children’s theater.
Lindahl meets personally with each scholarship
Go
Team!
How to Apply to the
2013-2014 Kathryn Lindahl
McCheer Off Scholarship
In order to be considered for the 2013-2014
Kathryn Lindahl McCheer Off Scholarship, a girl
must:
•
Be a registered Girl Scout in Girl Scouts Heart
of Michigan
•
Be admitted to Michigan State University as a
freshman for the 2013 fall semester
•
Maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average
•
Hold a demonstrated commitment to Girl
Scout ideals and goals
•
Hold demonstrated leadership roles
•
Demonstrate involvement in community
service and a diversity of activities in her
personal life
The 2013-2014 application can be found at:
http://www.gshom.org/scouts/awards/
goldaward.html
Families Salute
their Gold Award Recipients
Congratulations
Jessica! We are so
proud of you. Your
support for human
rights is proof of the
influence Girl Scouts
has had on you. We
know you will be
successful in anything
you want to do.
Love, Mom and Dad
Congratulations Sarah,
on achieving your Gold
Award! We are proud
of your service through
the Girl Scouts
thoughout the years.
Love, Mom and Dad
Elisabeth, Congratulations
on fulfilling your dream of
earning your Gold Award!
Sharing your passions for
dance was a gift to all who
joined your dance program!
We are so proud of you!
Dad, Mom, Andrew and
Robbie
Congratulations Meredith
on this amazing
accomplishment! We are so
proud of you completing
your Gold Award — You
truly have made the world a
better place!
29
What’s Your Girl Scout Story?
Are you a Girl Scout Alumna who would like
to share her story with Girl Scouts Heart of
Michigan? Are you one of the remarkable women
who achieved the highest award in Girl Scouting
— as a Golden Eaglet, Curved Bar, First Class or
Gold Award recipient? Did you attend a national
convention or a nationwide round-up? We know
that Girl Scouting has shaped the lives of millions
of women across our country. We’d like to share
your Girl Scout story as we continue our two-year
celebration of Girl Scouting’s centennial.
How did Girl Scouting prepare you to make a
positive difference in the world? What did you
learn in Girl Scouting? Why do you think Girl
Scouting is important for today’s girls?
Visit the Alumnae page on our Web site, gshom.
org, or call Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan at 800
497-2688 (800 49-SCOUT) and let us know what
Girl Scouting has meant to you. We’d love to hear
from you!
Everyone has one...
What's Your Girl Scout Story?
Rachel Hopkins
“We did a lot of camping—some backyard camping,” said
Rachel Hopkins, a Girl Scout alumna in Plainwell.
“One of the things I’ll never forget was when we were at
Camp Deer Trails and it rained the whole time we were
there. A lot of us wore trash bags because we didn’t have
raincoats and we were supposed to have a luau around
the campfire and we had to do a lot of improvising, but
everybody was so good-natured about it.”
Rachel also said she will never forget the time at camp
when someone dropped a flashlight into a latrine.
“It was glowing down there and we had all of these moms
and girls dealing with a situation they weren’t used to."
Go to gshom.org
or call (800) 497-2688
and share!
31
Recipients of the
2012 Gold Award
Published by
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, Inc.
601 W. Maple St., Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Five regional centers to serve you!
Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls benefit
in ways that will help them throughout their lives.
Girls learn who they are, develop positive values, learn life skills, seek challenges
and learn how to think critically.
They learn how to have healthy relationships, cooperate, build teams, resolve
conflicts, appreciate diversity and make connections in their communities,
whether at home or around the world.
Girl identify problems and ways to solve them. They champion causes they care
about. They inspire others to act.
In short,
Girl Scouts know they can make a difference in the world.

2012 Gold Award Yearbook - Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan

Transcription

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