GLEN CARBON, IL –Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois presented the Thanks Badge II and Honor Pin to two outstanding volunteers at the annual Recognition of Excellence awards ceremony. Kathy Arend from Highland was awarded the Thanks Badge II while Carrie Davitz from Belleville was awarded the Honor Pin. The Thanks Badge II honors a previous Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role resulting in a measurable impact that benefits the entire Girl Scout Movement. The Honor Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which has had a measurable impact on two or more service units within the council and contributes to the mission-delivery goals of the council.
Thanks Badge II
Kathy Arend – Highland, Illinois
For more than two decades, Kathy Arend has been a constant source of leadership, encouragement, and inspiration within Service Unit 110 and across the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Council. Her long-term dedication has strengthened our Girl Scout community at every level. She has led two troops, helps recruit, welcome, and train new Girl Scout volunteers, and leads countless events to engage Girl Scouts in outdoor adventure. Even with all those local commitments, she serves as a Council Trainer, as well. Her dedication has equipped so many volunteers and Girl Scouts with the tools and encouragement they need to succeed. She elevates others, leads collaboratively, and then steps back to let others shine.
One of Kathy’s most enduring contributions has been her dedication to helping Girl Scouts enjoy the outdoors. She has taken many troops camping just to help them build the confidence to continue on their own. She mentors many volunteers, and even serves as a council trainer to help other adults lead their troops in archery and outdoor adventure.
Kathy does not volunteer for the accolades – she demonstrates humility, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of Girl Scouting. She exemplifies what it means to lead with both head and heart, and the impact of her 20+ years of service will be felt for generations of Girl Scouts to come.
Honor Pin
Carrie Davitz – Belleville, Illinois
Carrie Davitz is a dedicated volunteer who lends many talents and great team spirit to Girl Scouting. She led a troop through graduation several years ago, yet continues to serve in a variety of roles, including Service Unit Fall Product Program Manager, Day Camp Volunteer, Council Trainer for CPR/First Aid, and more. In addition, she is instrumental in helping lead service unit events for SU 207, which often hosts Girl Scouts from throughout the surrounding region.
Carrie is known as a joy to be around and is glad to help others build skills with patience and care. She continues to go above and beyond to ensure that girls and volunteers have fun, meaningful experiences in Girl Scouts.
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois serves over 6,300 girls and engages nearly 3,600 adults in 40 counties in Southern Illinois. Call 800-345-6858 or email customercare@gsofsi.org. Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit organization supported by United Ways, businesses, and individual donors throughout the region.