Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan recently recognized four women from the Ann Arbor region with awards from Girl Scouts of the USA. These Girl Scout volunteers were honored at the GSHOM Councilwide Recognition Ceremony, held May 1 at the Kellogg Center in Lansing.

Kathy Van Buren of Saline received the GSUSA Thanks Badge, the highest national adult award in Girl Scouting, while Donna Aubuchon, Sue Emens and Pam Powell received the GSUSA Appreciation Pin. The Appreciation Pin is a national award recognizing service of least one Girl Scout area that exceeds expectations for the volunteer position.

Van Buren was honored for her 20 years of service to Girl Scouting in the Ann Arbor region, particularly to Saline Area Girl Scouts. She initiated the Saline Area Road Rally more than 10 years ago and coordinates the event with a different troop taking the lead each year. She began trips overseas to Girl Scout World Centers 11 years ago and now mentors other volunteers regarding travel abroad.

Involved in Girl Scouting for more than 20 years, Aubuchon has provided outstanding service to leaders and girls in the Dexter area. As a leader for Brownies through Ambassadors and a troop organizer, she has assisted girls with many service projects and community events, helping them earn their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

Emens has been instrumental in the high retention rate of older girls in the Plymouth-Canton area. She advises the Cadette Connection committee on the placement of girls and makes sure that popular events (such as the Summit Lock-in, which serves 200-plus girls and 50-plus adult chaperones) are successful.

As Ann Arbor area facilitator, team organizer and troop leader, Powell coordinates community service projects, such as holiday visits to a senior citizens’ center and tending the garden at Carpenter Elementary School. Her ability to recruit experienced and new volunteers to the Ann Arbor area resulted in increases in girl membership.

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