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Celebrating Those Who Make Girl Scouts Possible: 2026 Volunteer Recognition Awards

On April 22, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey proudly gathered at the Bridgewater Manor in Bridgewater, NJ to celebrate the incredible individuals who bring the Girl Scout experience to life each and every day.

Held during Volunteer Appreciation Month and in recognition of Girl Scout Leader’s Day, the 2026 Volunteer Recognition Awards honored the dedication, leadership, and impact of our volunteers across the council.

From troop leaders and service unit team members to committee volunteers and community partners, these individuals are the driving force behind the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, supporting more than 13,000 youth members from Kindergarten through 12th grade across our region.

Throughout the evening, our volunteers were recognized not only for what they do, but for the lasting impact they make. They are adventure guides, role models, and champions for every girl they serve. Every badge earned, every campfire built, and every moment of discovery is made possible because of their commitment.

Awards were presented by members of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey’s leadership team and Board of Directors, including CEO Natasha Durant, Director of Membership Gina Dandrow, Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy Joie Langford, Vice President of External Affairs Tenisha Malcolm-Wint, and Board members Delia Ware-Tibbs, Secretary, and Nichelle Howe, MBA, Member-at-Large.

This year also marked an exciting evolution in how we recognize volunteer impact. The introduction of two new awards, the Compass Award and the Guiding Star Award, highlights the passion, leadership, and long-term commitment of volunteers who continue to shape and strengthen our movement.

2026 Award Recipients

Guiding Star Award

Recognizes troop volunteers with 10+ years of service whose steady guidance has shaped Girl Scouts’ experiences and created a lasting legacy of support and inspiration.

Andrea Beck, Kevin Brice, Ivonne Droz, Rick Knecht, Sandra Kopytek, Cristina Mendez, Lucia Triolo

Dedicated Leader Award

Honors volunteers whose exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment have made a lasting difference in their Girl Scout community.

Marea Adejuwon, Raquel Breece, Andres Caballero, Dawn Cebula, Tegan Culler, Frances Di Clemente, Cindy Edwards, Patricia Gardner Mielo, Malena Gordon-Ramos, Allison Gossar, Sharon Granatir, Stefanie Konikiewicz Hamenia, Lisa Marshott, Sandra Nogueira, Jessica Palmer, Melissa Paloti, Christine Rivera, Jennifer Sariano, Heather Segal, Stephanie Shapira, Heather Watson-Perez, Shannon Woerner

Rookie of the Year

Unique to GSHNJ, this award recognizes first-year volunteers whose outstanding performance and enthusiasm have made an immediate impact.

Audrey Blumberg, Kathleen Brommer, Diana Chan, Donna Dedinsky, Sarah Doctor, Robin Dwyer, Christina Fitzsimmons, Christine Gaynor, Paula Giuffre, Jennifer Golinski, Morgan Henry, Lisa Herrera, Jill Hnatko, Alyson Howe, Nicole Hudson, Jennifer Hume, Alissa Jankowski, Alyson Jasina, Theresa Lapinski, Karen Lazarowitz, Kristin Madan, Tiziana Masi, Meghan Murphy, Edward Necci, Ashlea Newman, Jose Nunez, Naimah Odom, Safiyyah Odom, Tora Ostaszewski, Aarti Patel, Shannon Paterno, Lisa Pizzuti, Nadine Romero, Elizabeth Salvati, Lauren Sammerson, Elizabeth Santisi, Melissa Scuderi, Erminia Severini, Cassandra Shannon, Rachel Singer, Marie Vogel, Kase Wickman, Katherine Young

Compass Award

Honors seasoned volunteers who provide mentorship, guidance, and support to others—helping them grow and succeed.

Aleasea Arbubakrr, Karen Briegs, Linda Cunniff, Leigh Anne Jadro, Gail Moose, Susan Parola, Judy Stahl, Patrick Szary, Michelle Tarry, Michele Tuck

Appreciation Pin

Recognizes volunteers whose outstanding service has made a meaningful impact within their service unit and strengthened the Girl Scout community.

Idria Barone Knecht, Lisa Bernstein, Melissa Hixon, Lauren Rodriguez, Jackie Sulikowski, Erin Sweeney

Volunteer of Excellence

Awarded to volunteers whose outstanding service and deep commitment have directly enriched the Girl Scout experience and strengthened their communities.

Christina Adami, Lori Albanese, Ray Aron, Jennifer Bordieri, Elizabeth Capezio, Andrea Cariello, Cara Cerullo, Terri Chapman, Tara Civitillo, Taylor Faust, Sharon Granatir, Danielle Guinta, Kelly Hutcheson, Eliza Kaplan, Jamie Kordusky-Salvaggio, Kelly Meka, Rosemarie Olden, Laura Parker, Leigh Perry, Jo-Ann Ricks, Brittany Schpakow, Christina Smith, Amy Snider, Loretta So, Jessica Zerella

In addition, we also recognized those volunteers for their years of service and membership tenure:

Volunteer Years of Service

Honors volunteers who have dedicated 15 or more years of service to Girl Scouts, supporting girls, building community, and making a lasting impact.

15 Years: Donna Hauss, Melissa Hixon
20 Years: Karen Briegs
25 Years: Rita Read
30 Years: Julie Murphy, Pam Touretzky

Membership Tenure

Recognizes an individual’s total years of membership in any Girl Scout or Girl Guide organization, celebrating lifelong connection to the movement.

20 Years: Judy Stahl, Mara White
25 Years: Cara Holzer, Alison Harris, Fatima Latif, Dawn Umemoto
30 Years: Rita Read, Pam Touretzky
40 Years: Lorette Cheswick, Julie Murphy
45 Years: Francine Dello Russo
50 Years: Anna Nelson
55 Years: Donna Hauss
70 Years: Marsha Nagelberg

May 01, 2026