The Honor Pin was instituted in 1987 by GSUSA. It recognizes an individual’s outstanding service to two or more service units, and which furthers the goals and objectives of GSHNJ.
Volunteers Make the Magic Happen!
Their generosity, courage, and heart light up every corner of Girl Scouts—and our girls see it, feel it, and are inspired by it every day. From the behind-the-scenes masterminds to the bold and brilliant leaders paving the way, our volunteers are the driving force behind the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for more than 12,000 girls we serve across our council.
Troop leaders, service unit team members, committee champions, outdoor trailblazers, and incredible community partners—each one brings something unique to the table, and together, they make everything possible. They’re not just volunteers; they’re adventure guides, safety superheroes, detail ninjas, and the loudest, proudest cheerleaders you’ll ever meet.
Every campfire built, every badge earned, every moment of discovery—it’s all thanks to them. So let’s celebrate the extraordinary people who show up, lift up, and make Girl Scouts unforgettable.
Thank you.
Honor Pin 
Andrea Beck has been a dedicated volunteer with Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey for 12 years, making a profound impact across every level of the organization. As the leader for Troop 20386—founded when the girls were Daisies—Andrea has guided them through every stage of their Girl Scout journey, fostering leadership, friendship, and resilience along the way. As Service Unit Manager for SU 28, Andrea has led communitybuilding events like the annual camporee for over a decade and launched a teen planning committee to engage older girls in leadership. She also supports volunteers council-wide as an outdoor trainer and has served as both a council and national delegate. Andrea continues to shape the future of Girl Scouts in powerful ways and we are thrilled to celebrate her impact with the Honor Pin.
Karen Briegs is a passionate advocate, generous mentor, and longtime leader who has worked tirelessly to ensure every girl has a place in Girl Scouts. As leader of adaptive Troop 60561 and SU 72’s outdoor co-chair, Karen believes there are no limits—only opportunities. From camporees to skydiving simulations, she’s created unforgettable experiences for her girls. She also launched a Rallyhood group to support leaders of adaptive troops and helped establish new troops in Somerset and Jersey City. Karen’s impact is far-reaching, and we are proud to recognize her with the Honor Pin.
Appreciation Pin
The Appreciation Pin was instituted in 1976 by GSUSA. It honors an individual’s outstanding service to a service unit, which furthers the goals and objectives of the service unit and GSHNJ.
Julie Botero SU 86
Gretchen Byrne SU 52
Terri Chapman SU 53
Jennifer Cridge SU 72
Natasha DeLaCruz SU 72
Ivonne Droz SU 84
Cynthia Ellis SU 61
Lyndsay Korbylo SU 84
KC Lister SU 76
Susana Machado SU 53
Christina Smith SU 84
Amy Snider SU 84
Courtney Sootkoos SU 86
Pam Weintraub SU 72
Volunteer of Excellence
GSUSA’s Volunteer of Excellence award replaced the Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2013. It is awarded to an adult in a position other than leader whose outstanding service benefits a troop or service unit and contributes to delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience directly to girls.
Courtney Agnello SU 56
Aleasea Arbubakrr SU 21
Kristie Barba SU 52
Raquel Breece SU 53
Elizabeth Cavanagh SU 27
Joy Cleveland SU 48
Gladys Collazo SU 52
Jendayi Collier SU 21
Rebecca Coniglio SU 50
Jamie DeBiase SU 66
Tecia Holden-Martinez SU 21
Ginny Houle SU 72
Leigh Anne Jadro SU 53
Chemagne Kania SU 76
Gillian Kost SU 52
Maureen Lamberti SU 56
Alicia Ochs SU 76
Samantha Plum SU 63
Carrie Russoniello SU 63
Liz Santisi SU 86
Michele Simeone SU 52
Dawn Umemoto SU 67
Meghann Valeo SU 72
Katie Van Kott SU 48
Tracy Williams SU 84
Shannon Woerner SU 72
Dedicated Leader Award
Unique to GSHNJ, the Dedicated Leader Award honors troop leaders or group coordinators who exhibit continued outstanding performance in delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls.
Renee Amponsah SU 53
Nicole Beniamini SU 72
Jillian Boidy SU 48
Susan Brooks SU 76
Jennifer Clarke SU 24
Stacy Grady SU 86
Kristina Junkroft SU 53
Kathy Kafka SU 72
Lisa Malecki SU 48
Jennifer Perna SU 72
Shannon Rabin SU 72
Shawna Roth SU 27
Rookie of the Year Award
Unique to GSHNJ, the Rookie of the Year award recognizes a troop or group leader, or Service Unit Team member for outstanding performance contributing to GSHNJ’s goals during their first year of service. Awarded in the year after volunteer has completed one year in their role.
Sherri Biniaros SU 84
Camille Braker-Balkum SU 40
Andres Caballero SU 53
Jeff Cawaling SU 56
Beth Ann Christiansen SU 52
Elisabeth Christopher SU 72
Tara Civitillo SU 86
Avni Desai SU 72
Kristen Fantuzzi SU 72
Taylor Faust SU 84
Sharyn Finno SU 72
Maria Galletta SU 72
Sarah Giannantonio SU 52
Randi Hutchinson SU 47
Sunaina Khanna SU 72
Jamie Kordusky-Salvaggio SU 72
Leah Lake SU 72
Giorgi Lauro SU 72
Shannon McCray SU 72
Kelly Meka SU 84
Brittany O’Donnell-Sudah SU 72
Teresa Panas SU 56
Laura Parker SU 84
Kaitlyn Price SU 81
Jo-Ann Ricks SU 84
Nadia Rovitto SU 72
Krista Ruh SU 72
Christine Salzman-Barbato SU 53
Kelly Sinnk SU 52
Loretta So SU 72
Louise Grace Spencer SU 27
Leslie Thompson SU 72
Suzette Tiongson SU 27
Jenie Petersen Vargas SU 72
Deborah Walkoczy SU 63
Camille Braker-Balkum SU 40
Andres Caballero SU 53
Jeff Cawaling SU 56
Beth Ann Christiansen SU 52
Elisabeth Christopher SU 72
Tara Civitillo SU 86
Avni Desai SU 72
Kristen Fantuzzi SU 72
Taylor Faust SU 84
Sharyn Finno SU 72
Maria Galletta SU 72
Sarah Giannantonio SU 52
Randi Hutchinson SU 47
Sunaina Khanna SU 72
Jamie Kordusky-Salvaggio SU 72
Leah Lake SU 72
Giorgi Lauro SU 72
Shannon McCray SU 72
Kelly Meka SU 84
Brittany O’Donnell-Sudah SU 72
Teresa Panas SU 56
Laura Parker SU 84
Kaitlyn Price SU 81
Jo-Ann Ricks SU 84
Nadia Rovitto SU 72
Krista Ruh SU 72
Christine Salzman-Barbato SU 53
Kelly Sinnk SU 52
Loretta So SU 72
Louise Grace Spencer SU 27
Leslie Thompson SU 72
Suzette Tiongson SU 27
Jenie Petersen Vargas SU 72
Deborah Walkoczy SU 63
Community Partnership Award
Thanks I
Recognizes volunteer service that benefits all of GSHNJ or the entire Girl Scout movement and goes above and beyond in their role.
Patrick Szary has been a devoted volunteer with Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey for 11 years, serving in numerous vital roles - troop leader, service unit volunteer, Service Unit Cookie Manager and most recently, as a member of the GSHNJ Product Program Committee. Since joining the Committee in 2022, Pat has been an instrumental force behind the success of the council-wide Product Programs. His dedication to providing expert guidance, commitment to sharing best practices, and unwavering support for troop and service unit volunteers has strengthened the programs at every level. He played a key role in the council’s transition to ABC Bakers and has managed one of GSHNJ’s largest Mega Drops with precision. Pat’s steady presence and thoughtful insights have made a lasting impact, and we are honored to present him with the Thanks Badge.
Thanks II
Honors a Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide outstanding volunteer service benefitting GSHNJ or the entire Girl Scout Movement.
Volunteer Service Award
The Volunteer Service Award recognizes an individual for combined years of active adult volunteer service in any Girl Scout or Girl Guide organization in five-year intervals. 5-10 years of volunteerism are recognized at the service unit level; 15+ years of volunteerism are recognized at the Volunteer Recognition Awards dinner.
15 Years of Service
Courtney Agnello SU 56
Karen Briegs SU 72
Dana Shapiro SU 72
20 Years of Service
Everlyn Hay SU 21
40 Years of Service
Dolores Kresge
Anna Nelson SU 28
Tenure Award
Recognizing a volunteer’s dedication strengthens our Girl Scout community. Submit your nomination today and help us celebrate their achievements!
