ISLAND FALLS — This past Sunday, May 22, was the annual Court of Awards for the Girl Scouts of Maine Tourmaline Service Unit, which services Houlton and the surrounding areas.
Held at the Island Falls Recreation Center, several girls were recognized for their accomplishments and work throughout the year. The adult volunteers were also recognized and appreciated for all their efforts throughout the past year as well, reminding all involved that the Service Unit would be nothing without those volunteers and their effort.
The Tourmaline Service Unit recognized 20 Daisy Girl Scouts moving up to being Brownies; 11 Brownies flying up to Juniors; four Juniors moving up to Cadettes; and eight Cadettes moving up to Seniors.
There was also a single Girl Scout Ambassador who graduated this year, Amber Ivey, who was recognized for receiving the Jo Stevens Girl Scouts of Maine scholarship. The attention was not solely on these girls moving up and those who accomplished things — all girls were recognized for being outstanding Girl Scouts throughout the year.
“The volunteers and Service Unit strive to make sure the girls understand the difference they make within their community,” said Erin Keehn, spokesperson.
The Adult Volunteers recognized specifically this year were Debbie Ganzel and Nicole Lyons, who were both recognized and received the Girl Scouts of Maine Volunteer of Excellence award.
“These two leaders exemplify the true role model girls involved in Girl Scouting need,” Keehn said. “They put in extra work throughout the week, even after the meeting has ended, continuously proving to the girls that they are an important part of the world around them. Each leader lends new ideas to the Girl Scout Service Unit, which encompasses ten troops total, to rejuvenate the old traditions of Girl Scouting, in order to keep their girls happy.”
The remaining volunteers and leaders were also awarded small gifts for their outstanding work effort and time commitment, which make the experience all the better for each girl involved. The girls made sure to remind their leaders and volunteers how important they are to their meetings and events going smoothly.
“The next time you see a Girl Scout or her leader, make sure to say, ‘Hi!’ or even ask about possible projects they have planned,” Keehn said. “And always keep a lookout during the late winter for cookie sales. Above all else, make sure to thank any volunteer in any line of work, because without their help, very little would be accomplished.”
