Salem-Area Girl Scout Volunteers Earn President's Award

SALEM, NH - Salem’s Girl Scout volunteer community was honored with the President’s Award during a ceremony at Mary A. Fisk Elementary School on Dec. 2, 2015. The award recognizes the efforts of Community teams whose exemplary service has resulted in a significant impact on the Council’s overall goals, according to a press release. About 50 community members, including troop leaders and volunteers, attended the ceremony.

Patricia K. Mellor, chief executive officer for Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, said the Salem community truly exemplifies what it means to be a Girl Scout.

“From our youngest girl members to our long-term volunteers, Salem Girl Scouts share strong values and a deep sense of community,” Mellor said.

Story Vlahos, longtime volunteer support coordinator for the Salem region, said earning the President’s Award was a team effort.

“It took a community to get us where we are today,” she said. Such teamwork earned them a second place award in Salem’s recent holiday parade. “Everyone worked together to create our float- from Brownies to Cadettes,” Vlahos said.

Vlahos noted that the Salem community has been successful not only in attracting loyal volunteers, but retaining and increasing girl membership. The community has 11 Lifetime members among its adult volunteers.

Troop Leader and Events Coordinator Tracy Acker said the Salem community is like an extended family.

“Our girls work well together,” she said, noting that it’s not uncommon for older girls to oversee activities for younger girls. During Salem’s annual Winterfest, older troops pitch in with such activities as igloo-making. “We all take care of one another,” Acker said.