Three Salina residents have been recognized with special awards from Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland for their extraordinary service as volunteers.

Brenda Sydow, a volunteer for Girl Scout Service Unit 203, received the Appreciation Pin for displaying excellent service in delivering the Girl Scout mission to one or more geographic areas or communities. Sydow has been a Girl Scout volunteer for more than 17 years, and as a volunteer for the largest Service Unit in the North region, she supports numerous Girl Scout troops and manages the Product Sales programs. She helps ensure the Girl Scout Cookie Sale runs smoothly and works with troop leaders after the sale, as well. Her nominator said she “truly lives the Girl Scout Law by being friendly, helpful, considerate, responsible, respectful, and definitely a friend to every Girl Scout.”

Amanda Kirby, leader of Girl Scout Troop 20998, and Jaime Kelsey, co-leader of Girl Scout Troop 20948, both received the Volunteer of Excellence Award, which is given to Girl Scout volunteers who display excellent service in delivering the Girl Scout mission as they work directly with girls in a troop, camp or other activity. About 50 volunteers received the Volunteer of Excellence Award this year from Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland, which serves 80 counties in Kansas.

“Our dedicated volunteers encourage girls to raise their hands, to take action and make a difference in their community, and to set their sights on the stars,” said Liz Workman, CEO of Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland. “They prepare girls to lead successful lives and are key to our mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.”