2024 On My Honor Awardees
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Girl Scouts, making every troop meeting, event, and adventure possible. Without their dedication, creativity, and care, the life-changing experiences Girl Scouts offers wouldn’t be the same. Every volunteer plays a vital role in empowering girls to discover their strengths, grow their confidence, and make a difference in their communities. Their hard work and passion make Girl Scouts a truly special place for girls to learn, lead, and thrive.
This year, we were thrilled to honor some extraordinary Badgerland volunteers at our On My Honor celebration on Saturday, September 7, 2024. These volunteers have gone above and beyond, pouring their time, energy, and talents into creating incredible opportunities for Girl Scouts to succeed. Whether leading innovative programs, mentoring girls, or building lasting connections, these honorees have made a remarkable impact—and we couldn’t be more grateful for their dedication.
Learn more about our 2024 honorees and the amazing work they do to make Girl Scouts shine!
BADGERLAND: LEADERS AWARDS
Leadership:
Katie Holt
Katie Holt has been recognized with the prestigious Badgerland Leadership Award for her remarkable contributions to the Girl Scout Movement. She’s known for collaborating closely with her Girl Scouts to make sure activities are reflective of their interests and goals, from service projects to STEM explorations. Katie is a shining example of the Girl Scout mission in action, and her dedication continues to inspire both her peers and the girls she serves.
Crystal Knoll
Crystal Knoll, co-leader of Troop 7503 in Melrose, has been honored with the Badgerland Leadership Award for her commitment to creating a fun, dynamic, and supportive environment for her Girl Scouts. Known for her hands-on leadership, Crystal often makes troop meetings interactive and engaging, ensuring that learning is always exciting for girls. A Girl Scout herself growing up, Crystal has taken her childhood experiences to heart by offering even more opportunities for her troop. Crystal’s dedication extends to the Girl Scouts cookie program, where she helps her girls develop goal-setting, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills.
Hannah E Miller
Hannah Miller has been awarded the Badgerland Leadership Award for her exemplary role as a leader within the Girl Scouts of Badgerland. Hannah has shown exceptional dedication to organizing events that engage and excite her Girl Scouts, from building parade floats to coordinating overnight camp experiences. Even when juggling multiple responsibilities, Hannah continues to prioritize her troop, ensuring each girl feels supported and included. Her ability to plan engaging and impactful activities is a testament to her leadership and commitment to fostering the next generation of female leaders.
Entrepreneurship:
Brea Akim
Brea Akim has been named a recipient of the Badgerland Entrepreneurship Award for her outstanding contributions to the Girl Scouts Cookie Program in Middleton. Known for her enthusiasm and organizational expertise, Brea has fostered an environment where girls can confidently develop skills in financial literacy, goal-setting, and business management. Under her guidance, her troop has consistently achieved high sales, with every girl reaching or exceeding their cookie goals.
Carolyn Jahnke
Carolyn Jahnke, a member of the Girl Scouts of Badgerland Board of Directors and co-leader of a 32-member multi-level troop in Verona, has been awarded the Badgerland Entrepreneurship Award for her outstanding contributions to the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Carolyn has demonstrated incredible organizational skills and leadership in managing the cookie sales for her large troop, which included renting a U-Haul to transport the first batch of cookies—an effort so impressive that even the truck couldn’t hold them all! Beyond the cookie program, Carolyn is a role model for Girl Scouts, exemplifying how leadership and entrepreneurship go hand-in-hand. Her efforts have equipped girls with the skills needed to navigate challenges, set ambitious goals, and succeed in both girl scouting and life.
Jenny Tracy
Jenny Tracy, the powerhouse behind the Girl Scout Cookie Program in Johnson Creek, has been honored with the Badgerland Entrepreneurship Award. As a troop leader, Jenny’s leadership during cookie season has inspired her Girl Scouts to become confident, strategic entrepreneurs, consistently achieving remarkable sales results year after year. Jenny’s contributions to the Girl Scouts of Badgerland are celebrated across her community. Her commitment to the Cookie Program has made a lasting impact on the lives of her Girl Scouts, helping them develop key business skills that will benefit them well into the future.
Amateur:
Alexis Gill
Alexis Gill, a Fitchburg resident, has been recognized with the Badgerland Amateur Award for her exceptional leadership in her first year as a Girl Scout troop leader. Despite being new to the role, Alexis has made a lasting impact on her junior troop in Verona, guiding them through an exciting year of activities, from badge-earning adventures to an overnight trip to the Dubuque Aquarium. For Alexis, the greatest joy comes from facilitating opportunities for girls to discover their potential, and her leadership has already set a strong foundation for a thriving troop.
Marissa Hoehne
Marissa Hoehne has been awarded the Badgerland Amateur Award for her transformative work during her first year as a Girl Scout leader. Taking over a struggling troop in Fennimore, Marissa not only saved it from disbanding but also doubled its membership, offering 21 girls meaningful Girl Scouting experiences. From hosting a 70-girl campout to mentoring new troop leaders, Marissa’s tireless dedication continues to uplift both Girl Scouts and volunteers alike, making her a valued and inspiring leader.
Megan Holzmann
In her first year as a Girl Scout troop leader, Megan Holzmann has been honored with the Badgerland Amateur Award for her exceptional dedication to guiding and supporting her troop in Oregon. In addition to impacting the lives of the girls, Megan says her time as a troop leader has changed her life for the better, reinforcing her belief in the power of Girl Scouting to make a lasting difference.
Development:
Heidi Schuessler
Heidi Schuessler, a pillar of the Girl Scouts community in Lake Geneva, has been awarded the Badgerland Development Award for her dedicated leadership of a multi-level troop of girls with diverse abilities. With over nine years of service, Heidi is working closely with the Highest Awards Committee to ensure her girls have a pathway to earn their Silver and Gold Awards. She is a passionate advocate for girls of all abilities and has built a troop environment where every Girl Scout can thrive at their own pace, supported by tailored accommodations.
Jessica Schwoerer
Jessica Schwoerer has been recognized with the Badgerland Development Award for her exceptional leadership and dedication to developing the next generation of Girl Scout leaders. Since forming her troops in 2018, Jessica has played a pivotal role in growing community event participation and fostering leadership among older Girl Scouts. As a mother, career professional, and active Girl Scout volunteer, Jessica’s commitment to building self-confidence and leadership skills in her Girl Scouts continues to make a profound impact in her community.
Kristin Danninger
Kristin Danninger, a long-time volunteer and co-leader of the Mariners Troop, has been awarded the Badgerland Development Award for her efforts in developing leadership skills in older Girl Scouts. Kristin has been involved in Girl Scouts for 12 years, ever since her daughter Lacy joined as a Daisy. Kristin continues to mentor girls in her troop as they take on more responsibilities, particularly in the Girl Scouts cookie and BFF sales, providing guidance while allowing them to take the lead.
Emeritus:
Michelle Niemeyer
Michelle Niemeyer has been recognized with the Badgerland Emeritus Award for her exceptional dedication to Girl Scouts over the past 13 years. Under her guidance, Michelle’s troop grew from a small group to over 25 Girl Scouts, each benefiting from the diverse programming and meaningful experiences she provided. Beyond her role as a troop leader, Michelle has been actively involved in supporting new leaders and families, running both the local and Service Unit Cookie Cupboards, and completing lifeguard training to ensure water events can be safely enjoyed.
Sharon Furan
Sharon Furan, a dedicated volunteer with Girl Scouts of Badgerland, has been honored with the Badgerland Emeritus Award for her exceptional long-term contributions to the broader Rock County Girl Scout community. Her dedication to volunteer recruitment has ensured that girls in her area continue to have access to meaningful Girl Scout programming. Her leadership extends to managing the local Cookie Cupboard, where she helps streamline cookie operations for the entire service unit.
Rising Stars:
Kara Schwichtenberg
Kara Schwichtenberg has been awarded the Badgerland Rising Star Award for her outstanding contributions as a troop leader and event organizer. Known for going above and beyond to enhance the Girl Scout experience, Kara has played a pivotal role in ensuring that Girl Scouts in her troop and service unit have access to enriching and memorable experiences. Kara’s thoughtful approach to leadership and her willingness to step in wherever needed have earned her the admiration of her peers and fellow volunteers.
Crystal Daley
Crystal Daley has been honored with the Badgerland Rising Star Award for her exceptional contributions as an emerging leader. Since joining the Girl Scout community last year, Crystal has quickly taken on a leadership role, providing support and guidance to new and younger leaders. Through her commitment to mentorship and leadership, Crystal is helping to shape the future of Girl Scouting in her community, ensuring that new leaders have the support they need to thrive
Amelia Erbs
Amelia Erbs has been named a recipient of the Badgerland Rising Star Award for her exceptional leadership. In addition to her event planning and leadership roles, Amelia has taken on the responsibilities of treasurer, showcasing her commitment to strengthening the Girl Scout community. Her efforts have made her an integral part of her service unit, and her passion for Girl Scouting continues to inspire both girls and volunteers.
SU Superheros:
Jessica Nephew
Jessica Nephew has been honored with the Badgerland Service Unit Superhero Award for her exceptional leadership and organizational skills. Since joining Girl Scouts just three years ago, Jessica has become an influential figure, actively working to grow the Girl Scout membership and support new leaders. Jessica’s dedication to Girl Scouts is evident in her willingness to go above and beyond for her community, making her a valued and admired leader.
Linda Rand
Linda Rand has been recognized with the Badgerland Service Unit Superhero Award for her outstanding contributions. Her leadership has been essential in launching a new digital platform to track troop progress and manage event registrations, making it easier for everyone involved. Linda’s commitment to the Girl Scout mission has created countless opportunities for girls to thrive in a supportive, well-organized environment.
Katie Pavlik
Katie Pavlik has been awarded the Badgerland Service Unit Superhero Award for her extraordinary volunteer efforts. Katie’s leadership, organizational skills, and commitment to the Girl Scout mission have made her an invaluable asset to her community, ensuring that girls and volunteers alike have access to fun, educational programming. A longtime advocate for introducing girls to STEM, Katie recently organized a "Girls in Engineering" day, where her troop built and programmed small robots—an experience that not only introduced girls to new fields but also encouraged curiosity and perseverance.
GSUSA: VOLUNTEER OF EXCELLENCE – TROOP LEVEL
Meghann Brennan
Meghann Brennan, a dedicated troop leader in Onalaska, has been awarded the GSUSA Volunteer of Excellence Award for her unwavering commitment to Girl Scouts and her troop. As the troop’s treasurer and primary organizer for both the BFF and Cookie Programs, Meghann has played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in ensuring her Girl Scouts have access to enriching and meaningful experiences. Her impact on the lives of her Girl Scouts is undeniable. She has made a lasting difference in her troop, and her leadership embodies the true spirit of the Volunteer of Excellence Award.
Dolores Beaver
Dolores Beaver has been honored with the GSUSA Volunteer of Excellence Award for her outstanding contributions as a troop leader in Middleton. For over six years, Dolores has been a guiding force in her troop, offering hands-on leadership and mentoring as the girls embark on new adventures, from outdoor exploration to community service projects. Her troop recently organized a "Help the Homeless" initiative, gathering and donating essential supplies to local shelters, which was one of many examples of her troop’s impact under her leadership.
GSUSA: APPRECIATION PIN – SU LEVEL
Mary Purcell
Mary Purcell has been awarded the prestigious GSUSA Appreciation Pin for her outstanding contributions to the Girl Scouts of Badgerland at the Service Unit level. One notable achievement was her coordination of a service unit community garden, which not only provided fresh produce to local food banks but also taught Girl Scouts valuable lessons about sustainability and teamwork. Her leadership continues to inspire both girls and volunteers.
Christie King
Christie King, a dedicated troop leader and Service Unit volunteer, has been awarded the GSUSA Appreciation Pin for her exceptional contributions to the Girl Scouts of Badgerland. Known for organizing the annual Service Unit Encampment Weekend, Christie has created opportunities for girls to engage in outdoor adventures, building resilience and leadership skills. Her troop, now in high school, has benefitted greatly from her leadership, especially in fostering meaningful Girl Scout experiences over the years.
Mary Teclaw-Ciano
Mary Teclaw-Ciano and her husband, Tony Teclaw, have been recognized with the GSUSA Appreciation Pin for their exceptional service to Girl Scouts of Badgerland. Together, they have been key figures in supporting Girl Scouts at the Service Unit level, contributing countless hours to planning, organizing, and leading events that provide girls with enriching experiences. Their teamwork and dedication have had a lasting impact on their local Girl Scouts community, making them true champions of the Girl Scout mission.
GSUSA HONOR – MULTIPLE SUs
Linnea Anderson
Linnea Anderson, a founding member of CampHERO and a dedicated volunteer, has been awarded the prestigious GSUSA Honor Pin for her exemplary service across multiple Girl Scouts of Badgerland service units. As a firefighter and paramedic, Linnea brings her professional expertise to the CampHERO program, which introduces Girl Scouts to careers in the protective services. Her work has empowered hundreds of girls to build confidence and develop essential skills through hands-on activities.
Jennifer Hamill
Jennifer Hamill, a key member of the Highest Awards Committee, has been recognized with the GSUSA Honor Pin for her outstanding service to multiple Girl Scouts of Badgerland service units. Jennifer’s leadership on the Logistics Committee has streamlined operations and enhanced the experience for Girl Scouts pursuing their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Jennifer’s commitment to ensuring that each Girl Scout receives the support they need to succeed in their Highest Awards journey has been transformative. Her leadership and dedication have made her an invaluable asset to the council.
GSUSA: THANKS BADGE – COUNCIL-WIDE IMPACT
Sandy Thistle
Sandy Thistle has been awarded the prestigious GSUSA Thanks Badge, the highest honor given for exceptional service that benefits the entire council. Sandy’s leadership and vision have had a transformative impact on Girl Scouts of Badgerland, most notably through her work in creating and running CampBUILD. As a carpenter and advocate for women in the trades, Sandy has used her expertise to introduce girls to non-traditional career paths, empowering them with the skills and confidence to explore the building trades. With over 15 years of service to Girl Scouts, Sandy’s dedication to expanding opportunities for girls has made a lasting impact across the council.
