Perry County leaders honored with annual Girl Scout awards

The Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, with 3,500 volunteers making powerful, life-changing contributions, has named its 2020 volunteer award winners.

"All of our volunteers' sacrifices and hard work does not go unnoticed," said GSSI CEO Loretta Graham. "I am in awe of each of them. On behalf of our entire council, I am grateful for their heartfelt giving of themselves in the service to the girls of this council. Thank you so much, volunteers."

Because of Illinois' current stay-at-home order, the annual ceremony will not be held this year. However, the honors are going out just the same. Here are the top awards and the local recipients.

Heart of Gold Award: Ruthie Alexander, from Service Unit 30, Jefferson County. This is a lifetime achievement award presented to one volunteer who has 20-plus years of service to Girl Scouts.

Thanks Badge: Kathy Arend, SU 110, Highland. Honors individual, active, registered adult Girl Scouts whose ongoing leadership and service has had a measurable impact on the council.

Thanks Badge II: Rita Schaefer, SU 207, Bellevile/Swansea and Carline Jung, SU 209, Millstadt, Columbia, Dupo, Smithton. Recognizes previous recipients of the Thanks Badge who have provided additional exceptional service.

President's Award: Service Unit 54, Perry County; Service Unit 107, South Macoupin County; Service Unit 201, O'Fallon, Shiloh, Fairview Heights. Recognizes the efforts of a team or committee whose exemplary service in support of delivering the leadership experience surpassed team goals.

Living Her Legacy: Nanette Campbell, SU 210, New Athens, Marissa, St. Libory, Freeburg. Presented to leaders who began a troop at the Daisy level and continued with the same troop until the girls became graduating Ambassadors.

Volunteer of Excellence: Service Unit 54, Perry County, Catherine Brantley, Laura Cannon, Misty Holt (in memoriam), Alicia Kiechler, Sarah Phipps and Vanessa Roach; Service Unit 57, Randolph County (North), Mary Koester; Service Unit 90, West Williamson County, Elizabeth Chapman. Recognizes volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway.

Appreciation Pin: Service Unit 54, Perry County, Shellse Keller; Service Unit 90, West Williamson County, Sara Childress; Service Unit 211, Waterloo, Jean Hoeffken. Recognizes a registered adult Girl Scout's exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Honor Pin: Nanette Campbell, SU 210, New Athens, Marissa, St. Libory, Freeburg. Recognizes a registered adult Girl Scout's exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience that has impact on two or more geographic areas of service.