Inspirational leader Award-winning Girl Scout leader Valerie Johnson, Motley, helped three Daisy's with a craft project March 12, Staples World photo by Dawn Schimpp Timbs at Motley Elementary School. Pictured with Valerie are (from left) Brooke Ferdon, Hannah Heschke and Kitra Barros. Valerie Johnson of Motley was recently presented with the Girl Scouts of the USA Appreciation Pin. This award is presented to an individual that is an active adult Girl Scout volunteer.

The individual that receives this award goes above and beyond the expectations of their position, and contributes greatly in reaching the goals of a community within the Girl Scout service area.

"Valerie is a troop leader and Community Coordinator to the Motley Girl Scouts," said Monica Husen, Girl Scout membership staff. "She has made great strides in bringing this area to a standard of excellence that inspires and motivates leaders to offer many programs," she added.

Husen went on to say that, "Valerie is always encouraging troops to try new things and to learn all that they can from their Girl Scout experiences. Her strength and guidance has truly been instrumental in keeping Girl Scouting active and fun for the girls and leaders of Motley."

Johnson's efforts were recognized at the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines Annual Meeting and Recognition Celebration recently at The Lodge in Brainerd.

"They really surprised me," Valerie said at a Girl Scout meeting in Motley March 12. "It was such an honor," she added.

Valerie has been a registered member of Girl Scouts for the past 10 years. She started out as a volunteer

parent when her

daughter, Elizabeth joined. "She's now in her 11th year

of girl scouting," Valerie said. "It's been a neat thing for us to do together."

Having grown up in Motley, Valerie (Storry) said she has great memories of being a Girl Scout when she was in the fifth and sixth grades.

"I can't say enough good about the program," she said. "It was a great experience when I was a kid; and now I'm having a blast as a leader."

In the fall of 2008, Valerie was instrumental in starting a Daisy program (for Kindergarten and firstgrade girls) in Motley.

"We've had a great response," Valerie said. "We hadn't had Girl Scouts in Motley for many years and for a new program, I think it's going really well."

The Daisy group has grown to include nine girls; and about three more have recently expressed interest in joining."

They meet Thursday

afternoons at Motley Elementary

School, from 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.

"It's a lot of fun," said Hannah Heschke, who was busy working on a craft project recently with her fellow Daisy's.

Valerie said she enjoys working with the girls; and she has also appreciated developing adult friendships with other parent/ guardian volunteers. She said it's been a privilege to watch the girls grow up over the years.

"I'm grateful for the experiences I've had in Girl Scouts," Valerie said. "I also think I've been challenged in ways I never would have if I hadn't become a leader. I never would have imagined I'd become a public speaker," she laughed.

Valerie was also happy to report that a recent potluck supper/silent auction held by the local Girl Scouts went very well. "It was awesome," Valerie said. "Approximately 60 people attended and we raised $300 to go toward the 'Councils Give to a Girl Fundraiser Fund.'" This helps girls within the council register as Girl Scouts, helps pay for programs, camp, etc.

Girls Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin serves 10,000 girls throughout 39 counties in northern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. For more information about Girl Scouts, visit www.girlscouts.org or call the Brainerd Girl Scout offi ce at 800 955-6029.