Some people do what is asked of them. They render their services in a timely and responsible manner to help get things done.
Then, there are those who take it upon themselves to go above and beyond what is asked.
Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s Service Unit 22 celebrated the outstanding service of some of its adult volunteers at a Court of Awards ceremony held May 31 at New Hope Community Church.
Charles Clupny of Hermiston was recognized by the GSOSW as an Outstanding Community Partner, which recognizes outstanding support to Girl Scouts by an individual or business. Clupny is a certified first aid and CPR instructor for the American Heart Association and has provided trainings for Girl Scout volunteers and youth members for the past three years.
“He understands the importance of getting the proper life-saving instruction to the volunteers who work directly with girl members,” explained Michelle Kane, a service team volunteer for the service unit. “Yet, he also fully appreciates that these volunteers are already giving much of their time and resources to guide girls, so he helps to keep the cost for the training low and sets up trainings around their schedules.”
Amber Ruiz-Burleson of Hermiston was also presented with a council-level award, the Volunteer of Excellence, which recognizes volunteers who have contributed outstanding service to further the council’s mission while partnering directly with girls.
“Amber started as a leader for her oldest daughter’s troop, but was so impressed with what our organization has to offer girls everywhere that she wanted to be even more involved,” said Kane. Ruiz-Burleson then joined the service team, a group of volunteers that provides assistance to Girl Scout volunteers in the four-county area, as the event/travel coordinator and a trainer. She also coordinated Service Unit 22’s Earth Day project with Hermiston’s community garden coordinator.
The service unit presented Jenny Thomas of Echo and Jamie Wiseman of Hermiston with Rising Star Awards for “hitting the ground running” during their first year as Girl Scout volunteers. They helped to establish the first troop that Echo had in about a decade. Both ladies took all the required trainings for their volunteer positions and then some. Also, their troop took part in several community service projects during its first year and hosted a service unit event.
“Jamie has since coordinated our annual food drive, Scouting for Food, for the Stanfield Food Basket and Jenny has joined the Me and My Prince Ball committee, helping to put together the annual father-daughter dance for the community,” Kane stated.
Flora Christenson of Pendleton and Hailey Owens, a Girl Scout Cadette from Umatilla, received the Wind Beneath My Wings awards by the service unit, which recognizes an adult or older youth member for their amazing support.
Christenson “has helped with all the major activities that our troop does,” explained Diane Hamby, a Pendleton troop leader. “She helps car pool the girls from meetings or events. She comes up with fun activities to do … and she encourages the girls to complete until we finish with a smile.”
Owens, an eighth grade student, was nominated for the recognition by her troop’s leaders for stepping up to a troop helper role for the troop of 19 girls ranging in age from kindergarten through fifth grade.
“She always stays positive no matter the circumstances,” said Denise Griffith, leader of Umatilla Troop 50117. “I have seen her resolve conflicts and handle difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact.”
“She is a tremendous role model to each of her younger Girl Scout sisters and always has a word of praise or a smile and hug to brighten their day,” added Eva Owens, the troop’s assistant leader.
“We are very thankful for the time, patience and work our volunteers give to Girl Scouts each year,” said Kane. “They make the program work for the girls in our community.”
Kane added that there is a waiting list of girls who would like to join Girl Scouts, but there is a shortage of leaders. If you would like to join Girl Scouts as a youth member or volunteer, visit the Girl Scouts website or call (541) 389-8146.
