What you do means so much. Thank you.
They let their generosity, courage, and heart shine through in everything they do—and our Girl Scouts take notice. From behind-the-scenes support to trailblazing leadership, the people who give their time to deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to over 13,000 Girl Scouts—from troop leaders to service unit organizers, to committee members, to outdoor trainers—plays a vital role in fulfilling our promise to give Girl Scouts access to life-changing experiences that inspire them to do something big. And really, they’re so much more than just volunteers: they’re adventure guides, safety supervisors, organizational wizards, loud and proud cheerleaders…they do it all.
This year, GSHNJ recognizes the superlative volunteerism of 86 individuals from across our council who were nominated by their peers to receive a Girl Scout Adult Achievement Award. Each honoree, Service Unit Manager, and Council Volunteer will receive their award during the Volunteer Symposium on April 20, 2024. Help them feel the love by exploring the listings below, visiting our social media feeds, and honoring their volunteerism when you connect with them within your community.
Honor Pin 
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.
Laura Hornby’s commitment to the Girl Scout mission is unparalleled. In addition to leading Trailblazer Troop 80400, she has been an integral part of the SU 86 team since 2020, helping support its 375 members across eight communities in Hunterdon County. In her SU volunteer roles, Laura has supported local recruitment efforts, spearheaded outdoor and service opportunities for Girl Scouts, and played a key role in maintaining communications. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Laura exhibited creativity and adaptability by creating the WOO! Winter Outdoor Odyssey patch—a collection of 64 winter activities for individuals or troops. She went on to develop complementary programs for spring, summer, and fall along the Delaware River Tow Path. A true team player, Laura's enthusiasm for the outdoors is contagious. As a GSHNJ Experienced Outdoor Trainer, Laura has inspired hundreds of individuals to confidently embrace the natural world alongside their Girl Scout troops.
Whether leading training sessions or exploring nature trails, she radiates a genuine passion for the outdoors and Girl Scouting. Laura’s unwavering dedication and innovative spirit embody the essence of the Girl Scout movement, making her a valued asset to our council and the communities we serve. Laura Hornby is a beacon of inspiration, and we are honored to celebrate her contributions to Girl Scouting.
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.
Lori Albanese, SU 82
Terry Bierwisch, SU 71
Elizabeth Capezio, SU 26
Kate Facto, SU 28
Kathleen Fitzgerald, SU 64
Deborah Fox, SU 72
Antanina Imbriaco, SU 64
Kristina Junkroft, SU 53
Susan Mayer, SU 72
Cristina Mendez, SU 53
Anna Nelson, SU 28
Susan Parola, SU 72
Theresa Steer, SU 56
Gina Stravic, SU 71
Patrick Szary, SU 72
Michelle Tomenchok, SU 72
Michele Tuck, 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.
Nicole Beniamini
Megan Brenan
Sandra Cassidy
Dawn Cebula
Sally Chew
Stacy Grady
Katie Hutzayluk
Daniel Kestin
Catherine Matera
Melissa Miller
Kathleen Mills
Trusha Palkhiwala
Kristina Rodriguez
Jessica Romero
Pam Short
Amee Sierko
Jacqueline Sulikowski
GSHNJ 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.
Michelle Anderson, Troop 62409
Jamie Angosto, Troop 62517
Caryn Antunes, Troop 60125
Rhonda Bridges, Troop 20134
Katherine Chapman, Troop 60725
Jill Darby, Troop 60788
Jill Giuliano Kenny, Troop 62409
Cara Holzer, Troop 63200
Jamie Hovick, Troop 40138
Sarah Jones, Troop 60788
Melissa Leonard, Troop 60003
Elissa Meth Kestin, Troop 21126
Shannon Quinn, Troop 60509
Caitlin Quinones, Troop 60125
Erica Swanson, Troop 40850
Karen Tershana, Troop 20458
Megan Tozzi, Troop 61149
Melissa Wahlers, Troop 20251
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.
Anne Albright
Michelle Campbell Jordon
Victoria Carey
Anna Cheung
Rebecca Hantranft
Renee Holmes-Solomon
Megan Incantalupo
Eliza Kaplan
Tatiana Miller
Jean Monique Severino
Catalina Villasuso
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 here.
Fifteen Years of Volunteer Service
Antanina Imbriaco
Kelly Selikoff
Jettie Tyler
Lori Wighard
Twenty Years of Volunteer Service
Terry Bierwisch
Kerri Jordan
Erin Sweeney
Thirty-Five Years of Volunteer Service
Susan Lacerda
Forty Years of Volunteer Service
Mary Ellen Day
Coralyn Vossler
Forty-Five Years of Volunteer Service
Sherley Penrose
Membership Tenure
Community Partnership Award
It is GSHNJ’s privilege to recognize the regular, ongoing service to Girl Scouts provided by our Board of Directors, Service Unit Managers, and other adult volunteers who serve on working or advisory committees across the council.
Board of Directors & Board Committees
Girl Experience Program Volunteers
GSHNJ Museum Committee
National Council Delegation
Product Programs Committee
Service Unit Managers
Volunteer Recognition Working Committee
Volunteer Trainers
There are four classifications of volunteer trainers that speak to experience and commitment: Apprentice Trainers have been hosting trainings for one year, Experienced Trainers an additional two years, Master Trainers add on another two years, and Dedicated Trainers have been training for a minimum of six years, or four years since achieving Master Trainer status.
In addition to maintaining their own instructor certifications with American Heart Association or American Red Cross, GSHNJ’s First Aid & CPR trainers volunteer their time to teach life-saving skills to both leaders and girls. Because of their service, GSHNJ is able to offer these certification courses at a cost considerably below market price.
Liza Davis, Dedicated Trainer
Peggy Ann Dry, Dedicated Trainer
Kathleen Mulligan-McHenry, Dedicated Trainer
Christine Peters, Dedicated Trainer
Barbara Piwinski, Dedicated Trainer
Our Outdoors & Overnights trainers volunteer their time in all kinds of weather to teach outdoor skills and best practices to leaders. Their experience, expertise, and sense of fun make it possible for our leaders to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to give our Girl Scouts outdoor experiences that are safe, girl-led, and that provide memories for a lifetime.
Andrea Beck, Master Trainer
Andres Caballero, Experienced Trainer
Lori Coleman, Dedicated Trainer
Kathleen Cunningham, Dedicated Trainer
Peggy Ann Dry, Dedicated Trainer
Gwen Duralek, Experienced Trainer
Kathy Gilroy, Dedicated Trainer
Jeff Goldsmith, Dedicated Trainer
Laura Hornby, Experienced Trainer
Robin Kelly, Experienced Trainer
Jane Maloney, Dedicated Trainer
Mechelle Norton, Dedicated Trainer
Christine Peters, Dedicated Trainer
Carolyn Solon, Dedicated Trainer
Our Service Units
Not finding what you’re looking for? Need guidance on a nomination? Reach out to us at volunteerrecognition@gshnj.org
