Elizabeth Simmons of Jaffrey, has been named a Volunteer of Excellence by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, the council serving Girl Scouts across New Hampshire and Vermont.
Simmons joined Troop 59095 as a leader in April 2021. She began as a youth with her mother as troop leader, and now there are three generations in the troop, as her mother continues as a volunteer and her daughter is now in the troop.
“Liz brought to the troop her considerable experience as a social worker, which has been a huge benefit for the girls in the troop as they navigate life,” stated Amanda Powell, the council’s team lead for the volunteer support department. “She also stepped into the troop product sales coordinator role and has knocked it out of the park. The troop has grown to 26 girls and seven registered volunteers.”
Simmons was also asked by the council to be a new leader mentor for her service unit.
“She has navigated them from supporting a girl with significant behavior challenges to assisting in a community-wide cookie rally and navigating challenging interpersonal dynamics in the leadership team,” stated Powell. “Knowing that Liz is a key figure in the service unit makes me feel confident that the Monadnock region can offer a fantastic Girl Scout experience for girls and leaders alike.”
Inside sales specialist Michele Moulton stated, “Liz’s troop is a multi-level troop from Daisies to Cadettes. She is welcoming to all and is a positive role model for the girls and a valuable resource for new leaders. She is a ‘go-getter’ and truly embodies what it means to be a Girl Scout.”
The Volunteer of Excellence Award recognizes volunteers who have performed beyond the expectation of their position and have supported the council’s mission delivery goals.