WINTHROP – Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (GSEIWI) recently recognized Service Unit 622 of Buchanan County with several awards for service and volunteerism.
We have so many amazing parents, volunteers, and organizations here in Buchannan County that have contributed to our Service Unit that we are proud to share all of their hard work and dedication. Without their time and efforts, our Girl Scout Troops would not succeed. Thank you all for your work and ensuring Buchanan County Girl Scouts will continue to grow and thrive!!!
Awards
- Liz Optiz of Troop 1420 received the Volunteer of Excellence Award. This award recognizes volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
- We had three recipients of the Rising Star Award from Troop 2493: Amber Gudenkauf, Stephen Westcott, and Lisa Noesen. This award recognizes volunteers with 1-3 years of experience who have demonstrated service beyond expectations or have contributed outstandingly to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience directly with girls. Dani Gerbracht received an Honorable Mention for Outstanding Service due to her volunteer work with the troop.
- We had many organizations in Buchanan County including schools, churches, and individual volunteers who were nominated for the Outstanding Service Award. However, the Outstanding Service Award can only be awarded to one person/organization per region. The Outstanding Service Award is for short-term or episodic community volunteers, typically working with a program or event. The recipient of Buchanan County’s Outstanding Service Award was presented to Melissa Keating and the Speede Shop of Winthrop. Melissa and her staff have let many Troops sell cookies in the store during Girl Scout Cookie Season and due to the store’s heavy foot traffic, these Troops made their cookie goals which included buying uniforms and planning fun and educational field trips. The staff have always been friendly and have helped keep the Girls safe while selling their cookies. The Speede Shop has also let Girl Scout Troops hang up flyers and have helped spread the word of any volunteer opportunities or service projects the Girls have been working on or needing help.
- Honorable Mention for Outstanding Service include the Winthrop Public Library. The Winthrop Public Library has been instrumental in helping Girl Scouts with recruitment opportunities, announcing service projects the Girl Scouts have been involved in, and was a collection spot for Girl Scout Troop 2493 for their pet supply drive for Otter Creek back in 2024.
- Honorable Mention for Outstanding Service include the Independence Public Library. The Independence Public Library has been the heart and soul in helping us plan recruitment opportunities for Buchanan County, announcing service projects the Girl Scouts have been involved in, has been a fun and safe space for troops to conduct their meetings in, and much more.
