Check out our 2026 winners
and learn about what they did here!

Showing love and appreciation for our volunteers is a long-standing Girl Scout tradition. After all, our volunteers are amazing! Our volunteers are all about the girls. We love them for it and Girl Scouting wouldn’t be the same without them. Some volunteers go above and beyond all expectations and have a definite impact on not only their troop, but their service unit and sometimes the whole Council.

Volunteer Recognitions are our way to say thank you to those who work hard to help us successfully fulfill our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. This includes volunteers and staff within Girl Scouting, as well as individuals and organizations outside of Girl Scouting, who provide outstanding service and support to our council members.

Deadline: Nominations for service performed during the 2026 (submitted after April 2026) or 2027 membership year will be accepted through March 15, 2027.

Current & Previous Award Winners

2026 Council and National Awards toggle arrow

Council Award Recipients

Novice of the Year Award: Kacie Jackson, Kerry Littlefield, Sydney Loggains, Christine Nielsen, Autumn Riker

Dynamic Duo: Katee Adams & Christiana Link, Barb Playter & Amanda Lemley, Crystal Trout & Becky Pinney, Elysha Pleasant & Paula Messenger, Kate Greer & Tina Rohrbach, Krystel Winship & Sarah Pengilly, Sydney Loggains & Kate Kinkead, Amber Nichols & Tiffney Hojem

In the Shadows Award: Sandra Blackwell, Val Dimitrov, Tim Meyer, Glenn Morris, Kimberly Sharples, Terence Soule, Spencer Ullock

Izzy Award: Marie Clark, Laura Fulton

Innovation Award: Kelli Cooper, Jyoti Kahlon

Spirit Award: Celine Acord, Erin Bailey, Tara Cunningham, Caitlin Kubale, Jacklyn Gust, Sara Holden, Cassandra LaFarge, Jillian Looney, Jennifer Miller, Melissa Morse, Shayla Pambrun, Monica Smith

Community Award: Covenant United Methodist, Lancaster Market, Medical Lake School District, Miller's Harvest Foods, Mobius Discovery Center, Theresa Hart of Newby-ginnings, Pastor Hanna Shearer of Kennewick First Presbyterian Church, REACH Museum, Society of Women Engineers

Team Member of the Year: Jenette Buffum, Brandey Crane, Alexa Cripe, Deb Ornelas, Ryanne Pilgeram, Sarah Sawatzki, Lorrie Summers, Monica Walker, Cassie White

Daisy Award: Melody Barker, Mae Burghardt, Jordyn Cord, Millie Gillette-Fox, Stevie Jo Ottinger, Lydia Swenson

Angel in Green: Becky Knight, Amanda Kral, Elizabeth Lincoln, Samantha Mason, Virginia Shoup

National Award Recipients

Volunteer of Excellence: Katie Davey, Shellie Feather, Marjorie Grant, Brandi Hollingsworth, Andrea Peter, Julie Simpson, Tracy Wallen-Sandin

Honor Pin: Kendra Caton

2025 Council and National Awards toggle arrow

Council Award Recipients

Novice of the Year Award: Caitlin Kubale, Pamela Martin, Jessica Ellingsworth, Darielle Lieberman, Sunny Pascoe, Tiffany Bruson, Alex Cripe

Dynamic Duo: Brittany Wilkins & Krystin Price, Amber Rivers & Rianne Evans, Jennette Buffum & Anissa Buffum, Mark & Madeline Stewart

In the Shadows Award: Nick Epps, Fernando Cervantes, Scott Buck

Izzy Award: Kendra Caton

Innovation Award: Cindy McNeal

Spirit Award: Amanda Kral, Jessica Ellingsworth, Susie McDonald, Shelby Wirkus, Debbie Ostler, Julia Marstall, Carey Musburger, Aly Shapanus, Paula Messenger, Leslie Mueller, Myranda Kolar-Briggs, Heather Heitman, Julie Laird

Community Award: Swigg Coffee Bar, Freedom Equipment Rental, Soroptimist of Spokane, The American Legion Dudley Loomis Post 6, Les Schwab Tire Center (Pasco), USL Socer & Zephyr, Brian O'Shaughnessey, The Vine Church, Seright's Ace Hardware, The Golden Wings Pet Pantry, Cheney VFW Post 11326, Dave Knoel Black Sheep Sporting Goods, Accent Floors & Design, Palouse Clearwater Environmental Institue

Team Member of the Year: Stacey Hust, Christina Lundin, Arianna Equihua, Rebecca Knight, Jackie Malone, Katie Davey, Marjorie Granit, Victoria Iaukea, Becky Pinney, Shellie Feather

Daisy Award: Jessika Lambert, Larissa Truax, Addison Mueller, Haileigh Strand, Hayley McNeal, Charleen Lundvall, Alex Swenson, Angela Bateman, Arianna Brewer

National Award Recipients

The Presidents Award: Service Unit 405

Volunteer of Excellence: Melica Haarr, Kira Barker, Rayne Andrews, Kaia Barnes, Jillian Looney, Amber Chavez, Cora Johnson, Majilis Shook, Nick Dighans

Appreciation Pin: Elise Dunkin, LaVita Grenn

Honor Pin: Dani Kaschube

Thanks Badge: Carl Imhoff, Jennifer Lehn, Amy Ball

Thanks Badge II: Staci Huffman, Jackie Livingston

2024 Council and National Awards toggle arrow

Council Award Recipients

Novice of the Year Award: Natalie Babcock, Eva Corona, Katherine Napier-Janz, Jennifer Pittman

Dynamic Duo: Jackie Malone & Jill Witham, Nikki Pollock & Carol Dormady, Sarah Sawatzki & Amanda Wick

In the Shadows Award: Kurt Hageman, Joleen Panus, Bryan Rhodes, Carriann Shae

Spirit Award: Jessemy Bradley, Jenette Buffum, Cora Johnson, Amber Lambert, Aly Shapanus, AdriAnn Smith, Missy Wardon

Community Award: Barbara Phillips & Debi Newton - Cabela's, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Horizon Credit Union, Inland OBGYN, Lorrie Wilson & LFW School of Dance, Melanie Sommerville, National Credit Union, St. Luke's Episcopal Church

Team Member of the Year: Fawn Downing, Angelique Holt, Jackie Livingston, Charlene Luby, Amanda Moore, Jennifer Morris, Andrea Peter, Elysha Pleasant

Daisy Award: Celeste Blair, Julia Costello, Allison Merritt, Katelyn Moylan, Elizabeth Ophardt, Courtney Ostler, Shelby Sandford, Katie Sturm, Magdaline Vega

Angel in Green Award: Lois Carpenter, Stephanie Ingoldby, Jessie Story

National Award Recipients

The Presidents Award: Service Unit 432

Volunteer of Excellence: Jessica Chadwick, Susanne Konold, Becky Pinney, Cori Planagan, Laura Via

Appreciation Pin: Ranae DeCaro, Jennifer Krantz, Janice Rader, Lisa Rhodes

Honor Pin: Jamie Elser

Thanks Badge: Nancy Fike, Tiffanie Eyre

2023 Council and National Awards toggle arrow

Council Award Recipients

Innovation Award: Debra Ornelas

Novice of the Year Award: Meredith Brinton, Sarah coe, Stephanie Fredericks, Jullian Looney, Amanda Mann, Milissa Shorter

Dynamic Duo: Rachael Neeser & Geoffrey Latner, Kari Rader & Erin Urdahl, Lori Thomson & Cora Johnson, Stacey Hust & Alicia Petersen, Stephanie Fredericks & Christina Griffin, Chelsea Burright & Ehren Burright, Trinity & Candice Livingston, Danielle Kaschube & Amber Chavez, Jessie Story & Renee Nielsen

In the Shadows Award: Bruce Asplund, Rae-Lynn Barden, Jason Bader, Don Larson, Dakota Livingston, Megan Marion, Chris Olson, Sarah Roberston

Spirit Award: Kaia Barnes, Jenna Bincarowsky, Katie Davey, Carol Dormandy, Robin Henderson, Talitha Parsons, Elysha Pleasant

Community Award: Alex Lopez & jared Vlahovich at Delivery Express, Amerigroup, Bill Pogue & Skyline Adventures, Copple Road Storage, Dalton Gardens Church of Christ, Heppner Molds, Inc (Scott Livingston), Kiwanis of Spokane, Omak Chamber of Commerce, Spokesman Review

Team Member of the Year: Amy Ball, Jeni Johnson, Ashley Newbill, Ncole Pollock, Jennifer Schalk, Jessica Rush, Erin Urdahl, Jessica Varang

Daisy Award: Samanth Cutter, Ellie Saunders, Kyoko Fisher, Anna Brehm, Mackenzie Goodsel, Linnea Erickson, Sierra Livingston, Madelyn Brown, Sophie Henderson

IZZY Award: Jessica Swenson, Candy Ross

National Award Recipients

The Presidents Award: Service Unit 406

Thanks Badge I: Elysha Pleasant

Thanks Badge II: Michelle Jung, Marie Clark

Appreciation Pin: Lori Thomson, Beth Marsh

Honor Pin: Shirlee Roberts-Downey

Volunteer of Excellence: Kendra caton, Elise Dunkin, Lavita Grenn, Alana Hageman, Robin henderson, Scott Henderson, Deborah Morris, Richard Ortega, Deborah Ostler, Tony Smith

2022 Council and National Awards toggle arrow

Council Award Recipients

Innovation Award: Sheli Funderbunk, Elisa Rodriguez

Novice of the Year Award: Kelly Suko, Jennifer Schalk, Bekka Shelp, Kali Kotsar, Kristin Thomas, Victoria Kippes

Dynamic Duo: Brandy Hollingsworth & Amber Lambert, Darcy Smith & Janice Rader, Jamie Gilbertz & Stephanie Cutter, Sarah Voelzke & Chelsea Burright

Angel Award: Jessica Chadwick

Community Award: Larson Transfer Co, Salavation Army, Yokes, Safeway, Fred Meyer, Pasco School District, Spokane Public Schools. Kalispal Tribe (Northern Quest Casino & Resort)

Spirit Award: Itron, Johnson Fixx Foundation, Spokane United Way, Clearwater Paper, Wendle Ford, Calvery Lutheran Church – Pastor Matt Erickson, Bob Zaglow and Clara Bald Trust

Daisy Award: Darby McLaughlin, Erin Hallquist, Milani Ornelas, Isabella Powell, Jaycene Ramey, Makayla McIntyre, Wendelyn Hall

National Award Recipients

The Presidents Award: Service Unit 454

Thanks Badge 1: Pam Westall, Teresa Stuck

Appreciation Pin: Danielle (Dani) Kaschube

Volunteer of Excellence: Julie Laird, Janice Rader, Monica Thouron, Heather Brackett, Beth Marsh, Maria Macintyre

1963-2021 Council and National Awards toggle arrow

See all our Council recognitions over the years starting from 1963 here.

How to Nominate

Learn more the awards by reviewing Council and National Awards below.
Complete and submit the Nomination Form(s) below.
- Council Nomination Form
- National Nomination Form
Recruit an additional person(s) to complete and submit the Endorsement Form(s).
- Endorsement Form

GSEWNI Council Recognitions

Innovation Award toggle arrow

Focus of Service: Recruitment

The Innovation Award recognizes an individual who, through creativity and resourcefulness, is instrumental in planning or helping with recruitments and substantially increasing Girl Scout membership in an under-served area. Only one Innovation Award per region is approved each year.

Criteria for Selection:

The candidate is an active, registered, adult Girl Scout.
The candidate has been instrumental in planning of, and helping with, recruitments and substantially increasing Girl Scout membership in an under-served area, compared to the previous membership year.

Novice of the Year Award toggle arrow

Focus of Service: New volunteer in their second year term of service.

The Novice of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional Leader or Co-Leader who, during their second year of leadership, has done an extraordinary job and gone above and beyond their responsibilities. One Novice of the Year Award given in each Service Unit per year.

Criteria for Selection:

The candidate is an active, registered, Girl Scout Leader or Co-Leader.
The candidate must be in their second year of leadership.

Team Member of the Year Award toggle arrow

Focus of Service: Service Unit

The Team Member of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding Service Unit Team Member who has gone above and beyond the expectations of their position. One Team Member awarded for each Service Unit.

Criteria for Selection:

The candidate is an active, registered, adult Girl Scout.
The candidate has provided outstanding service beyond the expectations of the position.

Spirit Award toggle arrow

Focus of Service: Troop, Service Unit or Council level

The Spirit Award recognizes and individual who has motivated and inspired others through their positive attitude.

Criteria for Selection:

The candidate is an active, registered, adult Girl Scout.
The candidate has provided motivation and inspiration through their positive attitude.

Community Award toggle arrow

Focus of Service: Community Group or Business

The Community Service Award recognizes community groups or businesses that have supported a Service Unit or the Council as a whole.

Criteria for Selection:

A community group or business that has supported at least one Service Unit or the Council as a whole.

Daisy Award toggle arrow

Focus of Service: Girl Scout Ambassador

The Daisy Award is given to a Girl Scout Ambassador in recognition of outstanding service to the community during her 12th grade year of high school. One award given per SU each year.

Criteria for Selection:

The candidate is an active, registered, Girl Scout Ambassador who is currently in the 12th grade of high school.
The candidate has shown outstanding service to the community.

Angel in Green Award toggle arrow

Focus of Service: Troop, Service Unit, or Council as a whole

The Angel in Green Award recognizes varied or unusual service, usually performed on a one-time or short-term basis.

Criteria for Selection:

The candidate is an active, registered, adult Girl Scout.
The candidate’s performance has been beyond the expectations of the position and has supported the Council’s mission delivery goals in one or more of the following functional areas: Membership Development/Community Cultivation, Volunteer Relations and Support, Program, Leadership and Governance, Fund Development, and Council Support Service (such as IT, Customer Service, Merchandising, or Marcomm).

In the Shadows Award toggle arrow

Focus of Service: Spouse, parent helper

The In the Shadows Award recognizes the individuals who work in the background and make it possible for another person to volunteer with Girl Scouts. This person is “always there” when needed. The candidate can be a spouse, friend or partner who baby-sits on a regular basis, helps out at meetings when needed, teaches the girls or new special skill, or provides needed transportation.

Criteria for Selection:

The candidate has shown continuous support for Girl Scouts.
The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of Girl Scouts.

Service Unit Annual Strength in Diversity Award toggle arrow

Focus of Service: Service Unit as a whole

The Service Unit Annual Strength in Diversity Award is given to a Service Unit whose actions have measurably advanced diversity and inclusion within the council community. There is only one awarded per year.

Criteria for Selection:

The Service Unit improves the understanding of, and appreciation for, differences.
The Service Unit encourages diversity in its membership and working towards reaching the goal of making Girl Scouts available to every girl, everywhere.

Izzy Award toggle arrow

Focus of Service: Leader, Co-Leader, Service Unit Team Member emphasizing the outdoors

The Izzy Award recognizes an outstanding Leader or Co-Leader with a minimum of five years adult leadership who, during this time, has been helping girls learn to appreciate, and be comfortable in, the outdoors.

Criteria for Selection:

The candidate is an active, registered, adult Girl Scout Leader, Co-Leader or Service Unit Team Member.
The candidate has spent at least five years with girls in the outdoors.
The service(s) goes beyond the expectations of their position.

Dynamic Duo Award toggle arrow

Focus of Service: Two volunteers on the Troop or Service Unit level

The Dynamic Duo Award recognizes two people that have paired together to make the world a better place. Their unique traits, when combined, allow for extraordinary things to be accomplished in Girl Scouts. Their sisterhood and strength is a model for all Girl Scouts.

Criteria for Selection:

Both candidates are an active, registered, adult Girl Scout.
Together their services are given to Girl Scouting and benefit the girls, Troop, Service Unit, other volunteers, and/or the Council as a whole.

National Recognitions

Volunteer of Excellence Award toggle arrow

Focus of Service: Troop, Service Unit, or Council

The Volunteer of Excellence Award recognizes those volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through the use of the national program portfolio, or who have contributed outstanding service in support of the Council’s mission delivery to girl and adult members.

Criteria for Selection:

The candidate is an active, registered, adult Girl Scout.
The candidate has successfully completed a term of service and all requirements for the position.
The candidate has performed beyond the expectations for the position to deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls using the national program portfolio, or
The candidate’s performance has been beyond the expectations of the position and has supported the Council’s mission delivery goals in one or more of the following functional areas: Membership Development/Community Cultivation, Volunteer Relations and Support, Program, Leadership and Governance, Fund Development, and Council Support Service (such as IT, Customer Service, Merchandising, or Marcomm).
The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior.

Endorsements Required: 1

Appreciation Pin toggle arrow

Focus of Service: At least one Service Unit or Association

The Appreciation Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience with impact on one geographic area of service which contributes to the goals and objectives of the Council.

Criteria for Selection:

The candidate is an active, registered, adult Girl Scout.
The candidate has significantly contributed to meeting one or more council goals in membership growth and retention, fund development, or increased community visibility in one geographic area.
The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior.

Endorsements Required: 3

Honor Pin

Focus of Service: At least two or more Service Units

The Honor Pin is a prestigious award that can be designated to any volunteer. It recognizes outstanding service to two or more Service Units. The candidate must be a registered, active member whose performance is beyond the expectations of the position held.

Criteria for Selection:

The candidate is an active, registered, adult Girl Scout.
The candidate has successfully completed a term of service and all requirements for the position.
The candidate has performed beyond the expectations for the position to deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls using the national program portfolio.
The candidate’s performance has been beyond the expectations of the position and has supported the Council’s mission delivery goals in one or more of the following functional areas: Membership Development/Community Cultivation, Volunteer Relations and Support, Program, Leadership and Governance, Fund Development, and Council Support Service (such as IT, Customer Service, Merchandising, or Marcomm).
The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior.

Endorsements Required: 3

Thanks Badge l toggle arrow

Focus of Service: Council or entire Girl Scout movement

The Thanks Badge is one of the highest awards an adult member can receive. It recognizes outstanding service benefiting the Council as a whole or the entire movement.

Criteria for Selection:

The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout.
Services given to Girl Scouting which highly benefit the girls, Service Unit and/or Council.
The volunteer has retained or increased under represented adults and girls.
The volunteer has taken a leadership role at the council level in one or more of the following areas during the previous four years:
Increasing Membership growth and retention
Increasing the percentage of adult-generated funding in the total council income.
Increasing innovative program opportunities council wide.
Developing broad participation in policy-influencing through the democratic processes.
Ensuring that inclusive behavior is recognized, understood, and practiced at all levels.

Endorsements Required: 4

Thanks Badge ll toggle arrow

Focus of Service: Council or entire Girl Scout movement

The Thanks Badge II is the highest award in Girl Scouting and recognizes outstanding service that benefits the council as a whole or the entire movement by a volunteer who has already received the Thanks Badge I for prior service.

Criteria for Selection:

The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout.
Services given to Girl Scouting that highly benefit girls, Service Unit and/or the whole Council.
The volunteer has retained or increased underrepresented adults and girls.
The volunteer has taken a leadership role at the council level in one or more of the following areas during the previous three years.
Membership
Program
Fund Development

Endorsements Required: 4

The President's Award toggle arrow

Focus of Service: Service Unit as a whole

The President’s Award recognizes the efforts of a Service Unit in moving toward the Council’s goals and objectives.

Criteria for Selection:

Service Unit team members must be active, registered Girl Scouts.
All team members have completed appropriate trainings.
The Service Unit retention rates meet council goals.
Overall girl membership for the Service Unit has reached or surpassed its membership goal, as set by their Membership/Volunteer Support Manager.
Service Unit team members reflect the diversity of the area. The Service Unit maintains contact in the community. (This is defined as scheduled talks to Civic organizations, school officials, sponsoring agreements, community profile updates, and publications in the newspaper.)
The annual Service Unit finance report is submitted on time.
Service Unit team maintains ongoing communication with each troop and individually registered girls in the area.

Endorsements Required: 1

Check out our 2026 winners and learn about what they did here!

Current & Previous Award Winners

Council Award Recipients

National Award Recipients

Council Award Recipients

National Award Recipients

Council Award Recipients

National Award Recipients

Council Award Recipients

National Award Recipients

Council Award Recipients

National Award Recipients

See all our Council recognitions over the years starting from 1963 here.

How to Nominate

GSEWNI Council Recognitions

Focus of Service: Recruitment

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: New volunteer in their second year term of service.

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: Service Unit

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: Troop, Service Unit or Council level

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: Community Group or Business

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: Girl Scout Ambassador

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: Troop, Service Unit, or Council as a whole

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: Spouse, parent helper

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: Service Unit as a whole

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: Leader, Co-Leader, Service Unit Team Member emphasizing the outdoors

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: Two volunteers on the Troop or Service Unit level

Criteria for Selection:

National Recognitions

Focus of Service: Troop, Service Unit, or Council

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: At least one Service Unit or Association

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: At least two or more Service Units

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: Council or entire Girl Scout movement

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: Council or entire Girl Scout movement

Criteria for Selection:

Focus of Service: Service Unit as a whole

Criteria for Selection:

Check out our 2026 winners
and learn about what they did here!