
Girl Scout volunteers honored, years of membership marked

Tara Pacht receives special honor for years of service leading council board
THETFORD, VT– Volunteers are the heart and soul of Girl Scouting. There are thousands of people across Vermont and New Hampshire who bring their dedication, leadership, and expertise to Girl Scouts. Dozens of outstanding volunteers were recognized at a special ceremony at Camp Farnsworth on Sept. 7 by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, the council serving Girl Scouts in the two states.
The Thanks Badge was presented to Tara Pacht, president of the council’s board of directors and a resident of Thetford, for her ten years of service to the board, the past six as president. Pacht said, “Girl Scouts is my life” and thanked everyone for the honor.
“Tara has embraced her role as governance leader with passion and commitment,” said Patricia K. Mellor, CEO of the council. “Tara has also been an active participant in the National Board Chair group supporting and mentoring new board chairs. She has also served as a National Council delegate representing Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains in national strategic and governance meetings for nine years.”
The Thanks Badge recognizes volunteers whose service has benefited the entire council and is so significantly above and beyond expectations that no other award would be appropriate.
Also recognized with the Thanks Badge was Alexandra Lafond of Bow, NH, who was unable to attend the ceremony. Lafond has been the leader of Troop 60258 in Bow and attended the 2019 Juliette Low Seminar in Peru.
“She consistently goes beyond the responsibilities of the position,” said Deb Drake, a council facilitator and member of the Alumnae Advisory Board. “She is appreciative of everyone’s time, commitment and contributions and is an effective organizer and communicator.”
The Honor Pin was presented to Sue DiSalvo of Derry, NH, who has been a Girl Scout troop leader for more than 24 years and was a service unit manager and volunteer support coordinator for her unit. She has provided troop leader training, outdoor and first aid training, and attended the Global Leadership Conference.
“Sue is a leader that her former troops will always look back on and I hope to have the same impact on troop,” said Teresa Murray. Co-leader Michele Fontaine called her “an outstanding individual who possesses a unique blend of leadership, dedication and passion for service.
The Honor Pin recognizes volunteers who have performed beyond the expectations of their position and have supported the council’s goals in two or more geographic areas.
Also honored were:
New Found Treasure
Volunteers of Excellence
Volunteers of the Month for 2023-24 Girl Scout year
Years as a Girl Scout (both as a girl and as a volunteer)
Being a Girl Scout volunteer allows adults a chance to influence the next generation and share skills while making social connections for themselves. See more about joining Girl Scouts at www.girlscoutsgwm.org.
We Are Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.
Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains serves girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont through volunteer-run troops, events, and virtual programs. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org to learn more.