Council and National Award Winners Left to Right Front: Sue Olson, Cathy VandenBerge, Alison Wash, Back Row, left to right: Cathy Hopper, Jenny Burford, Anne Mitchell Photo submitted

Lafayette Girl Scouts recently celebrated Leader Appreciation Day, honored five year anniversaries and selected Adult Leaders for truly significant service. The Northern California area council and national awards recognize outstanding accomplishments that go well beyond what would be expected for the position held.
Outstanding Leaders, Jenny Burford, Cathy Hopper, Sue Olson, Cathy VandenBerghe, and Appreciation Pin recipients Linda Hargreaves and Alison Wash received national awards for their significant contributions.
Highlights of the award criteria are: Selecting a wide range of program activities to provide leadership experience, helping girls to recognize, understand, practice the values of inclusive behavior and meeting goals in membership growth, retention, fund development, or increased community visibility.
In addition, Anne Mitchell, a Girl Scout of 43 years, received the council award, Maud Whalen Continued Exceptional Service for consistently performing at a level that exceeds position expectations combined with being an exceptional role model for adults and girls. Over the years, Anne has held numerous Girl Scout, school and community leadership positions. "By her own example of leadership and service at Service Unit meetings, Leader meetings and within the community, Anne continues to inspire others to volunteer and become involved."
The evening was capped by honoring Adult Leaders whose Ambassador Girls were graduating from high school, joining the adult ranks, attending college this Fall or beginning exciting life journeys.