Friday, January 10, 2014

Melissa Hays from Salem Named December Pearl of the Month



Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is pleased to announce that Melissa Hays from Salem has been named the December Pearl of the Month. The Pearl of the Month Award recognizes a Girl Scout volunteer who has delivered service beyond expectations and helped to ensure that the approximately 14,000 Girl Scouts in southern Illinois benefit from a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience.  Nominees must meet several criteria, including completion of all required training for his or her volunteer position as well as providing outstanding service to his or her Service Unit or the Council.
Melissa is a Troop Leader and Product Sales Manager for Service Unit 21 - East Marion County. She does an excellent job keeping parents informed through a newsletter and Facebook page. She is always available to lend a helping hand or answer questions with a positive attitude. Most recently, Melissa planned a Cookie Rally for the Service Unit with stations including safety, selling tips, and goal-setting to help girls get excited and prepared for the Girl Scout Cookie Program.
The mission of Girl Scouting states:  Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.   Girl Scouts is the world's pre-eminent organization dedicated solely to girls - all girls - where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world.  In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives - like strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.
Today’s Girl Scouts not only enjoy camping and crafts, but they also explore math and science and learn about diversity, good citizenship, leadership and teamwork.  Girl Scouting is the place where girls experience the fun, friendship and power of girls together. Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912. 
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit organization supported by various United Ways throughout the region.  Girl Scouts is a Proud Partner of United Way.