Volunteer Recognitions | Girl Scouts Heart of the South

We have the best volunteers! Now it's time to publicly recognize them.

At Girl Scouts Heart of the South, we know that your time is precious and how you contribute as a volunteer is invaluable. It makes everything we do possible!

We value all our volunteers and every year, there are formal recognitions in Girl Scouting to acknowledge the accomplishments of those who go above and beyond our expectations.

We invite parents, girls, volunteers, and staff to nominate an adult for any of the adult recognitions listed below.

Links to the all recognitions can be found in the award descriptions below and are due by July 15th.

Previous Award Recipients toggle arrow

Board of Directors' Approved Recognitions toggle arrow

Appreciation Pin toggle arrow

The Appreciation Pin recognizes adults who have performed beyond the expectations of the position held and has had a measurable impact on one geographic area. Click HERE to nominate a deserving GSHS volunteer for the Appreciation Pin.

Honor Pin

The Honor Pin recognizes adults who have performed beyond the expectations of the position held and has had a measurable impact on two or more geographic areas. Click HERE to nominate a deserving GSHS volunteer for the Honor Pin.

President's Award toggle arrow

The President's Award recognizes the efforts of a service-delivery team or committee whose exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience surpassed team goals and resulted in significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council’s overall goals. Click HERE to nominate a deserving GSHS volunteer for the President's Award.

Volunteer of Excellence toggle arrow

The Volunteer of Excellence award recognizes those volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through use of the national program portfolio or who have contributed outstanding service in support of the council’s mission delivery to girl and adult members. Click HERE to nominate a deserving GSHS volunteer for the Volunteer of Excellence Award.

Thanks Badge toggle arrow

The Thanks Badge recognizes adults whose service has benefited the entire Council, and is so significantly above and beyond the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate. Click HERE to nominate a deserving GSHS volunteer for the Thanks Badge.

Thanks Badge II toggle arrow

The Thanks Badge II recognizes adults who have received the Thanks Badge and have continued to provide outstanding service to the entire Council or entire Girl Scout organization. Click HERE to nominate a deserving GSHS volunteer for the Thanks Badge II.

Years of Service Pin toggle arrow

The Years of Service Pin recognizes an adult member for years of active volunteer service at five-year intervals. Submissions to the online form are accepted annually by July 15th. Click HERE to request a Years of Service Pin.

Volunteer Recognition/Award Criteria toggle arrow

Click here for pictures of these prestigious awards and specific criteria required for each.

Letters of Endorsement toggle arrow

Certain awards require additional endorsement from those who can attest to the caliber of service. The person making the nomination cannot also submit an endorsement for the same nomination. To endorse a nomination, please submit an Endorsement for Adult Awards Form found HERE.

Helpful Hints to Writing an Endorsement Letter

The Membership Numeral recognizes tenure in Girl Scouting. Numeral Guards are available in five-year increments to recognize total girl and adult membership years. These can be purchased through the council shop. No form/proof needed.

GSHS Troop & Service Unit of the Year Awards toggle arrow

Each year Girl Scouts Heart of the South presents several unique awards to volunteers, service units, and troops for their outstanding work during the membership year.

To nominate a troop or service unit for one of these prestigious awards, please complete THIS FORM no later than July 15th.

All nominations are reviewed by a committee.

GSHS Troop of the Year Award toggle arrow

The GSHS Troop of the Year Award serves to recognize two troops that excel in service to the community, have shown sisterhood within and beyond their troop, and support and participate in council sponsored events and product sales. The troops' members and leaders model the spirit and virtues of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. One troop is awarded from our Mississippi region and another troop is awarded from our Tennessee region or Crittenden County, Arkansas.

GSHS Service Unit of the Year Award toggle arrow

The GSHS Service Unit of the Year Award serves to recognize the team that uses effective communication within their service unit and with council staff, provides support to troop leaders and other volunteers within and beyond service unit, works well together and is unified as a team, hosts regular service unit meetings, and has surpassed SU membership goal.

GSHS Adult Awards Nominations toggle arrow

GSHS Adult Awards serve to recognize individuals, volunteers, families and service units who excel in service to Girl Scouts. Nominees should model the spirit and virtues of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Descriptions for the awards can be found below.

To nominate an individual, volunteer, family or service unit for one of the prestigious awards listed below, please complete THIS FORM no later than July 15th.

All nominations are reviewed by a committee.

Distinguished Leader at the Troop Level toggle arrow

Distinguished Leader at the Troop Level: Contributes outstanding service while partnering directly with girls and supports the council’s mission delivery to girl and adult members.

Distinguished Leader at the Service Unit Level toggle arrow

Distinguished Leader at the Service Unit Level: A community organizer that has a positive attitude. Encourages and provides support to others within and outside of service unit. Takes on additional tasks for the sake and benefit of others. Invites and welcomes others into Girl Scouting.

Labor of Love Award toggle arrow

Labor of Love Award: A Girl Scout family who loves Girl Scouts and it's mission, works tirelessly within the community to help support girls and volunteers, going above and beyond normal expectations.

New Community Partner Award toggle arrow

New Community Partner Award: This award recognizes an individual or group in the community for their first year of support to Girl Scouting. Examples of recipients include businesses and schools who provided a place for troops to meet and additional support (clerical assistance, volunteers, financial support, publicity or communication to members, etc.), as well as community partners who have generously donated their time and facilities to offer GSLE-based program to girls in their community.

One Heart Award toggle arrow

One Heart Award: Given to volunteers who show the world that Girl Scouts serve others through foundational principles of kindness, compassion, understanding and teamwork. They put differences aside, striving to unite with others to have One Heart.

Rising Star of the Year at the Troop Level toggle arrow

Rising Star of the Year at the Troop Level: Is an outstanding new leader with a positive attitude. Participates SU/council programs. Completed volunteer approval onboarding process in a timely manner (background check, member registration, training). Models the Girl Scout spirit.

Rising Star of the Year at the Service Unit Level toggle arrow

Rising Star of the Year at the Service Unit Level: Someone serving in a new role on the service team or is new to the service team. Positive attitude, fresh ideas, and is supportive of the SU and council.

GSHS ADULT AWARDS NOMINATION FORM