Local Volunteer Recognized by Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council

CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — One local volunteer was recently recognized for their service to Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council.

Troop leader and outgoing Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council Board of Directors chair Kathryn Simmons of Nitro was nominated by her peers and honored with the Thanks Badge at the GSBDC Annual Meeting on April 13 at the Marriott Town Center in Charleston, West Virginia.

The Thanks Badge honors an individual whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of the entire Council or the entire Girl Scout Movement. They have taken a leadership role at the council level in one or more of the following areas during the previous four years: Increasing membership growth and retention, increasing the percentage of adult-generated funding in the total council income, increasing innovative program opportunities council wide, developing broad participation in policy-influencing through the democratic process, or ensuring that inclusive behavior is recognized, understood, and practiced at all levels.

“[Simmons] has made sure that our volunteers have been able to provide input and participate in policy influencing through several methods, one being through our delegate discussions. Another important change that happened under her leadership was the election of teen delegates as national delegates. This helped ensure that our girls’ viewpoints were also represented – not just those of our volunteers,” fellow GSBDC board member Pam Harvit said during the ceremony. “Along with the years of service through our Board of Directors, she has been a dedicated troop leader. The girls have grown and blossomed through experiences this volunteer has facilitated. They have pushed their own comfort zones, set, and reached astonishing goals all under her leadership. As a service unit team member, she has helped plan events and pushed for more opportunities for the girls in her area. This level of care and dedication is something that we are beyond thankful for, and we are blessed to have had this volunteer serve our council in such a tremendous way.”