San Jacinto Girl Scouts recognize Memorial volunteers

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council's outgoing President of the Council and Chair of the Board Ellen DeSanctis, center, received the prestigious Thanks Badge at GSSJC's adult recognition event. She is pictured with incoming President of the Council and Cha

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council recently recognized local volunteers Bette Lemberg, Penny Harp, Nancy Zimmerer and Ellen DeSanctis for their contributions to the Girl Scouts.

Bette Lemberg was given the Key Award for her work welcoming 52nd National Convention visitors at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

The Girl Scouts presented Penny Harp with the Thanks Badge II. Harp had already received the Thanks Badge and earned the second-level award by serving as chair for the National Council Meeting Shadow Team for the 52nd National Convention in Houston.

Nancy Zimmerer was awarded the Appreciation Pine for training new volunteers.

Ellen DeSanctis, the president of the council and chair of the board, also received a Thanks Badge for her leadership on the board during the past two years, her help at the 52nd National Convention and helping to launch the Success to Significance Luncheon and Councils' $30 million Second Century of Leadership Campaign.

"At 100 years old, I am often asked what has helped our organization endure over time," said GSSJC CEO Mary Vitek in the press release. "I believe the secret to our success is our volunteers. Volunteers represent 99 percent of the adult membership in Girl Scouts, and they work tirelessly to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place today and will, one day, become the future women leaders of our nation. We are proud to have these volunteers leading our young ladies into the next century of Girl Scouting."

The Girl Scouts also recognized the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, Ashford United Methodist Church and Concentra for their contributions to Girl Scouting.

The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center and Ashford United Methodist Church were both awarded the Walnut Plaque for their many years of service to the council. This award is the second level of community awards.

Concentra was awarded the Certificate of Appreciation, which is the first level of community awards.