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Special Events
Our signature special events, Awards of Distinction, directly support the Girl Scouts’ mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Proceeds raised help strengthen Girl Scouting throughout western Pennsylvania.
The Awards of Distinction events have grown to include three events within our council’s jurisdiction. Each awards event honors individuals who have made significant contributions in their communities.
Erie Awards of Distinction - August 9, 2011
Join Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011 at the Bayfront Convention Center to recognize outstanding honorees from the community for their efforts in the following categories:
Woman of Distinction
Linda Stevenson, PNC Bank
Corporation of Distinction
Gannon University Small Business Development Center
A Girl Scout Troop of Distinction
To be announced
Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania is pleased to welcome Barbara C. Chaffee, President and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership as the 2011 keynote speaker.
Registration begins at 11 a.m. with the luncheon program starting promptly at 11:30 a.m.
To register online, please visit our event site.
RSVP by Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011.
Erie Awards of Distinction Event Details:
Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011
11am Registration
11:30 Lunch & Program
Bayfront Convention Center
1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507
Vote now for GSWPA's 2011 Girl Scout Troop of Distinction! Voting concludes July 17, 2011.
The Girl Scout Troop of Distinction will be honored at the luncheon along with the Woman of Distinction and Corporation of Distinction. Nominees must meet each of the following criteria.
- Represent the ideals inherent in Girl Scouting through their participation in and commitment to community service, personal development/leadership and academics
- Demonstrate integrity and leadership characteristics
- Emulate a healthy life style for themselves and others
Pittsburgh Awards of Distinction
Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania held its Awards of Distinction event in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Westin Hotel and Convention Center. We welcomed over 200 guests for a luncheon program celebrating women and community. Hosted by Stephanie Watson from Pittsburgh’s KDKA News, the event presented 10 awards to outstanding community leaders and role models for our council’s girls.
This year’s Women of Distinction, in their respective categories, included:
• Arts: Rona Nesbit, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
• Business: Andrea Carelli, PNC Bank
• Community: Aradhna Malhotra Dhanda, Leadership Pittsburgh
• Education: Dr. Linda Lane, Pittsburgh Public Schools
• Government: Valerie McDonald Roberts, Dept. Real Estate
• Health Care: Diane P. Holder, UPMC Health Plan
• Technology: Denise Sabolcik, FedEx Ground
In addition, EQT Corporation was honored as the Corporation of Distinction, Sarah Blahovec as Girl of Distinction and Bailyn Bench as the winner of the Girl Scout Humanitarian Award.
A highlight of the program was when Chief Executive Officer Patricia A. Burkart presented Sylvia Fields, Executive Director of the Eden Hall Foundation, with a Girl Scout Lifetime Membership. Ms. Fields served as Honorary Chair for this year’s event, and has been a tremendous supporter of GSWPA and Pittsburgh-area women.
Johnstown Awards of Distinction
Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania’s 34th Annual Johnstown Awards of Distinction Dinner was held on Monday, May 2 at 6 p.m. at the Sunnehanna Country Club in Johnstown.
The event was a successful fundraiser for the council and provided more than 200 guests with information on GSWPA’s great programming initiatives and an introduction to our inspirational girls.
Joyce Murtha served as the Honorary Chair and Michele Moore Ridge, former First Lady of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was the keynote speaker. Robert Eyer, CEO, Wessel & Company, received the 2011 Community Leader Award and members of Girl Scout Troop 40978 were presented with the Troop of Distinction Award.
Over 200 Girl Scout supporters and Scouts mingled, enjoyed a wonderful dinner prepared by Sunnehanna Country Club and relived many scouting moments. When Michelle Moore Ridge asked Girl Scouts past and present to stand, the majority of the room stood to applause and smiles.
