Anyone who’s got a daughter in the Girl Scouts or is a troop leader knows the amount of dedication and time it takes to be a part of the organization.
That’s why three women from the Oxford Area Girl Scouts are being recognized for their hard work.
Julie Skelley, Jan Matsumoto and Laurie Wrobleski, all from Oxford, were all nominated and were selected to win the prestigious Girl Scout’s National Appreciation Award.
The award is given to those Girl Scout volunteers who show exemplary service and go above and beyond their duties.
Skelley has been volunteering with the Oxford Area Girl Scouts for the last four years and has various job descriptions.
She leads two troops consisting of second and fifth graders from Clear Lake Elementary. She’s also the secretary and community relations manager for the Oxford Community Service Unit.
Skelley felt it necessary to strive to become an outstanding troop leader for the Girl Scouts because she ‘didn’t have a good experience? when she was a scout.
‘It gives them a solid foundation to know themselves, so when they grow up and go into middle school and high school, they have a good self-image,? Skelley explained.
She also believes she’s helping her daughter create ‘life-long friends.?
Matsumoto also has two troops she’s in charge of. A fourth grade troop at Oxford Elementary and an eighth grade Oxford Middle School troop.
Like Skelley, Matsumoto has other job titles she’s responsible for, like treasurer and encampment coordinator for the Oxford Service Unit.
She’s been a troop leader since her daughter was in kindergarten 10 years ago and was a Girl Scout herself until tenth grade.
She believes the Girl Scouts ‘teach self-esteem? and ‘leadership? to the young girls.
Wrobleski is also a troop leader and acts as an Organizer/Consultant at Daniel Axford Elementary and Oxford Elementary. If young girls want to join a troop, she finds a place for them.
She also organized a Girl Scout can drive for last year’s Christmas Parade.
Each of these women will receive a National Appreciation pin for the award at a volunteer recognition banquet in April.