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Hello and Happy 2023!
I love all things about January and the new year. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the year that’s passed and be grateful for all that’s been accomplished, and it’s also a chance to look forward to new beginnings.
In my new role as the Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, I’m so impressed by the strength, creativity, and commitment to the Girl Scout mission here in western Ohio and southeastern Indiana. Roni has been a mentor to me since I started with Girl Scouts in 2008, and I am honored to follow in her footsteps. The more people I meet, the more I know that we share in the belief that Girl Scouts helps girls dream big, so they can become our leaders of tomorrow.
The new year not only gives us a chance to reflect on the past, but it’s also a time to get excited for new things to come. In this spirit, this newsletter will share stories about some of our bravest Girl Scouts, programs, and supporters.
First, you’ll read about two inspiring girls who acted in a heroic way. I always love seeing how our teachings come to life, truly making the world better. Next, you’ll hear about exciting new programs that the council has introduced, including ‘Girl Scouts for Every Girl’, an innovative approach that will ensure that every girl, regardless of her neighborhood, can join a troop, attend a program and go to camp. It’s truly inspiring work – work that relies on the generosity of supporters like you. Finally, you’ll have a chance to meet one of our newest board members who is ready to make a difference and already has; I can’t wait for you to meet Christine.
Over the next few months, I look forward to getting to know you all virtually and in person. I will be traveling up and down I-75, getting to know the council and supporters like you who enable us to achieve our mission. Be sure to check your emails as we communicate these opportunities.
In the meantime, if you have any information that you think I would find helpful as I onboard, reach out to me at the office. You can also send me any thoughts on how to thrive in winter and best drive in the snow – those are new life skills for this Texas native, and I'm up for the adventure!
Thank you for all you do for Girl Scouts!
Yours in Girl Scouts,
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Aimée Sproles
Chief Executive Officer
Girl Scouts of Western Ohio
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PS – If you missed the original announcement with more information about me, feel free to read it here. | |
New Heroes: Two Girl Scouts Earn National Medal of Honor | |
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Thanks to their Girl Scout experiences, 4th graders Lucy and Maddalyn knew exactly what to do when they saw a girl struggling in the deep end of a hotel pool. During a Girl Scout field trip to Toledo, Lucy and Maddalyn noticed a girl seemingly playing in the pool’s deep end, but it soon became clear she needed help, as she could not stay above the water. Lucy and Maddalyn worked together to pull her to safety.
For their heroic actions, the two were honored with Girl Scouts’ National Lifesaving Award, the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is awarded to a Girl Scout for gallantry in saving a life or attempting to save a life with the presence of mind (a clear and calm head) and true Girl Scout spirit in an emergency. The pin is worn on a uniform sash or vest, level with the Girl Scout membership pin.
Girl Scouts of Western Ohio presented the awards during the December 13 Springfield Township trustees meeting. The award presentation was held here because Maddalyn, Lucy, and their Girl Scout troop attended Springfield Township’s “Youth Fire Academy.” Their leader, Debbie Baker, credits the academy for the girls learning and developing the skills needed to act in this situation.
Girl Scouts have been honored since 1913 for meritorious deeds that helped save lives. Lifesaving Awards (Bronze Cross and Medal of Honor) are national awards given to a registered Girl Scout who has saved or attempted to save a human life under circumstances that indicate heroism or risk of her own life. These awards are reserved for those Girl Scouts who have performed acts of heroism beyond the degree of maturity and training expected for their age.
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New Programming:
Girl Scouts for Every Girl
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For more than 110 years, Girl Scouts’ proven program develops girl leaders of tomorrow. We know that girls who participate in Girl Scouts learn problem-solving skills, face challenges, and develop the self-confidence that will serve them well in the future.
While the reach of Girl Scouts of Western Ohio (GSWO) is among the strongest in the nation, the reality is that not every girl has the same access to Girl Scouting in her community across our council. Whether she doesn’t have reliable transportation, family finances are tight, or there aren’t available volunteers in her neighborhood, not all girls are able to participate in Girl Scouting.
Understanding this, we have an ambitious goal. We want to ensure that every girl in every neighborhood has access to a robust Girl Scout experience. New this year, we will expand the Girl Scout experience for girls who participate in the school series program with our Girl Scouts for Every Girl initiative. Specifically, we will link girls in these series to program activities, events, camps, and self-guided program opportunities year-round.
On December 14, GSWO hosted a Girl Scouts Celebration for the girls who completed the Fall series program at their school. The girls were celebrated for all that they learned and accomplished through the program.
Girls and their families had fun participating in activities such as crossbows, crafts, and more. The evening allowed girls to experience new things and make new friends. Parents and caregivers were given resources, tools, and a schedule of events to help each girl continue her Girl Scout experience in a way tailored to her interests. What an exciting way to kick off our Girl Scouts for Every Girl program!
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Meet Christine! One of our newest Board Members | |
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"Growing up in a military family, Girls Scouts was one thing that was a constant. No matter how many times we moved, there were badges to earn, new things to learn, and cookies to sell! My love of the outdoors was encouraged by summers spent at Girl Scout camp.
"My mother was my first troop leader, and she continued to volunteer as a leader and camp counselor. The local Girl Scout council provided her with her first job opportunity after my parents’ divorce. I proudly wear her pin in her memory at Girl Scouts events, as a symbol of what Girl Scouts meant to us, and of the opportunities that Girl Scouts is providing today to girls and families across Northwest Ohio." - Christine Castellano
Christine M. Castellano is Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of The Andersons located in Maumee, Ohio. The company conducts business in the grain, biofuels, plant nutrient, and rail sectors. In 2021, The Andersons ranked number 366 in the Fortune 500 list, with revenues in excess of $8 billion.
In addition to serving as general counsel, Christine manages the human resources, environmental, social and governance (“ESG”), and corporate communications functions. In April 2019 Christine was certified as a diversity professional by the National Diversity Council.
Christine moved to the Toledo area in January 2020. In addition to serving on the GSWO board, she currently serves on the Board of the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority. She also serves on the legacy board of The John Marshall Law School in Chicago.
Since joining the Girl Scout board, Christine has gotten to work! She has joined the audit committee, provided support to the fund development team, and has already visited Camp Libbey. We are so lucky to have Christine on the board!
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Thank you for investing in girls, and supporting the visionary leaders, doers, innovators, creators, and thinkers of tomorrow. Together, we will continue to help girls discover their untapped potential and build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
In this NEW YEAR, you can establish a NEW GIFT! Donate today!
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