Adult Recognitions 2021

2021 Recipients of Volunteer of Excellence Award


Linda Cabello Almonte

Mimi Bermudez

Meredith Rosenberg

Stephanie Hudson

Elizabeth Kane

Nicole Morales

Lisa Bendicto

Fanta Sandoval

Nancy Mercado

Joann Mittelstadt

Maura Gannon

Jen Garry

Venecia Segura

Kimberly Carozza

Aileen Morales

Tynelle Booth

Danielle Barry

Kelly Rogan

Rebecca Bertoline

Andrea Grafer

Jessica Middlebrooks

Delia Vieira-Cruz

Diana DiSapio

Jalery Kelly

Lori MacDonald

Tara Saponara

Betsy Alberty

Pam Zicca

Kristina Garcia

Kathy Aleva

Livia Brundage

Karen Vega

Nicole Lembo

Jen Hayes

Amy Roth

Michelle Defonce

Tyhessia Perez

Carol Yazzetti

Lisa Peterson Grace

Kelly Sorrentino

Kathleen Jones


Troop or Service Unit, The Volunteer of Excellence Award was instituted in 2013. This award replaces the now-retired. Outstanding Volunteer Award from GSUSA. It is awarded to an adult volunteer who provides outstanding support to the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls. The service is beyond the expectations of the position(s) such that it warrants local area recognition.


2021 Recipients of The Appreciation Pin

Christina Iannuzzi

Heather Mueller

Genie Feliu

Kristen DiMauro

Lisa White

Marianne Rodriquez

Jen Sassano


The Appreciation Pin was instituted in1976 by GSUSA. It honors outstanding service performed by the candidate which benefits at least one service unit or association and which contributes to the goals and objectives of the council.


2021 Recipients of The Honor Pin

Krista Bireinkrant

The Honor Pin was instituted in 1987 by GSUSA. It recognizes outstanding service performed by the candidate which benefits at least two Service Units or associations and which contributes to the goals and objectives of the council.


2021 Recipient of The Thanks Badge II

Maureen Delia Connolly


The Thanks Badge II was instituted in 1987 by GSUSA. It recognizes continued outstanding service given by a Thanks Badge recipient. The quality of service performed is the same as that for the Thanks Badge: “It is truly outstanding, benefits the total council or the entire Girl Scout organization, and is so significantly above and beyond the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate.” Additionally, this award might acknowledge outstanding performance that surpasses the earlier achievement.

Certificate of Recognition

Hand in Hand

These certificates of recognition are for Service Units to acknowledge the support and assistance from community members, organizations, or businesses. Examples include facilities that provide meeting and event locations, partners who have donated supplies or funds for special events, and businesses that have hosted troops for badge-earning activities.


Sean Iannuzzi

Frequently and cheerfully supports troops


Kavita Tomlinson

Kavita is always so willing to help. Prior to COVID19, She organized an amazing day for our whole troop! We learned from start to finish how they collect/make maple syrup and had a chance to make some, taste it and took home some! They also cooked for the whole troop. We had an amazing time with her, husband and kids…… Tynelle and Nancy


Ingred Whittman and Janine Melillo

”Midnight Run”, Ingrid and Jan have been an inspiration to many girls and leaders within our Community. They have risen above the challenges of the pandemic, rolled up their sleeves and dove in to help the homeless on the streets of NYC! They have encouraged and inspired several girls to Gold Projects and a safe environment for real good community service. Thank you both❤️


Karen Grexa

”Way to Repay”, Karen has provided support and guidance to our girls for several years! She has encouraged intergenerational bonds and has taught our girls how to thank and appreciate our local Veterans, by inviting the troops to participate in various Town Meetinand Ceremonies. We are grateful for her support and encouragement. She was a fabulous advisor on a Girl Scout Silver Project and continues to support the project.


American Legion of Peekskill

Generously supporting our Girl Scouts with Veterans Projects, Cemetery Beautification and meeting space.


Linda Puglisi

Continuous support of the Girl Scout Movement. Linda has been a fantastic role model to our girls. She has taken the time to help invite them to the board room and talk to them. She has encouraged them to follow their passions, and reminds them that they can do anything they put their mind to. She has supported the volunteers by providing space for meetings, space for activities of all sizes, including the town buildings, parks and the pool for celebrations! We have felt so supported by our town. Linda has even supported our efforts with staffing. We have been running large scale events for the girls, and Linda has shown how interested she is in the girls and programs we are doing. Prior to Covid19, she noticed that we could use a little help with set up and technology. She offered staff to assist us. She has incorporated the girls in many Town Ceremonies and even posts our girls on the town website. She has been a huge support to the youth and the Volunteers!


Russell Sorrentino

Supporting Pinewood Grand Prix and Midnight Run, storing the Gift Bags during COVID.


Matthew Duteau

Supporting Pinewood Grand Prix and Kayaking Adventures, helping to keep all participants safe during COVID.


James X Cronin

Providing continuous and ongoing support on a regular basis! Around the clock, and without hesitation.


JT Tomlinson

Supported Tree Climbing outdoor Adventure badge program and opportunities to the Service unit and troops during COVID.


Evan Lioasko

Always answering the phone and supporting Girl Scouts with advice, a beautiful venue, amazing food and great ice cream!


The Jefferson Valley Mall

During a time when no one would let us meet, the Jefferson Valley Mall has generously provided amazing space for Girl Scouts to meet.

Flower Certificates

Criteria: These certificates are available to Service Units to acknowledge the distinguished efforts of volunteers as role models of the values in the Girl Scout Law that we strive to instill in girls. These certificates are based on the flowers that represent the petals that are part of the Girl Scout Law: Clover (Use Resources Wisely), Rose (Make the World a Better Place), Tulip (Courageous and Strong), and Violet (Be a Sister to Every Girl Scout).


Venecia Segura

Vencia Dobles is a phenomenal Girl Scout leader, and has educated the girls in her troop 2095 about famous women in history that have shaped the world that we live in today. During these meetings she has encouraged the girls to use them as examples to create positive changes in our world. She has been able to accomplish this goal through their numerous arts and craft projects, caroling at the nursing home, care packages sent to those in need, and donations made to the local shelters. During this pandemic she was able to lift the spirits of the girls in her troop by hosting zoom meetings so that they would have an opportunity to connect with one another in a time when we were not able to interact in person. She has always created an inclusive environment for every Girl Scout and allowed a space where they could express themselves. That is how Vencia has made this world a better place ….. Nicole Morales