CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council recognized the service and leadership of its volunteers during the organization’s 52nd Annual Meeting of Delegates, held April 18.
Taking place during Volunteer Appreciation Month and in honor of National Girl Scout Leader Appreciation Day on April 22, the event celebrated the individuals whose dedication make Girl Scouting possible across the region.
Volunteers were honored with some of Girl Scouts’ highest recognitions, including the Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge and Thanks Badge II. These awards recognize individuals who have made a measurable impact through leadership, mentorship, community engagement and their commitment to supporting girls and fellow volunteers.
This year’s Appreciation Pin recipients — Dianna Pare of Cross Lanes, Jessica Allen of White Sulphur Springs, Laura Candell of Fairmont, Megan Massie of Fayetteville and Valerie Richards of Parkersburg — were recognized for their outstanding service within their local communities.
Through troop leadership, mentorship, recruitment and program support, these volunteers have created empowering environments where girls can thrive.
Jessica Wintz-Adams of Charleston was awarded the Honor Pin for her contributions across multiple areas, including her leadership as a board member, her support of council programming and her role in strengthening fundraising and community partnerships.
Ruth Bradley of Davisville received the Thanks Badge in recognition of her council-wide impact through volunteer mentorship, program leadership and dedication to strengthening systems that support troop success and volunteer retention.
Bonnie McLaughlin was honored with the Thanks Badge II, recognizing her long-term leadership benefiting the broader Girl Scout Movement.
“Volunteers are the heart of Girl Scouting,” said Beth Casey, CEO of Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council. “Their leadership and dedication ensure that girls have access to life-changing experiences that help them grow.”
In addition to volunteer recognition, the council also celebrated the achievements of Girl Scouts who earned the organization’s highest awards during the 2024-2025 membership year.
A total of 35 Girl Scouts earned the Bronze Award, 28 earned the Silver Award and 8 earned the prestigious Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting.
Gold Award recipients included Zadie Behnke of Morgantown, Sophia Bell of Morgantown, Aaliyah Dodrill of Shinnston, Anna Floyd of Vienna, Hannah Hall of Marietta, Ohio, Katherine Morris of Summersville, Sierra Noonan of Bridgeport and Mylie Scott of Dallas.
The Girl Scout Gold Award recognizes girls who identify challenges in their communities and develop sustainable solutions that create lasting change — an achievement made possible through the guidance and support of dedicated volunteers.
Through the continued commitment of its volunteers and members, Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council remains focused on building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
For more information on how to get involved, visit girlscouts.info/Join.
Working in partnership with almost 2,000 volunteers, Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council serves nearly 3,400 girls in 61 counties in West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio and Maryland. For more information on how to join, volunteer, or donate to Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, call 304-345-7722 or visit www.bdgsc.org.
Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, with 2.5 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
