| Published April 25th, 2012 | National Girl Scout Awards Announced | Submitted by Linda Bailey Wurgley, Senior School Organizer, Events Coordinator | ![](../issue0604/images/0604-02201.jpg) | Geni Federas Photos provided
| If you really want to fight poverty, fuel growth and combat extremism, try girl power. Two Lafayette women exemplify this edict and contribute to the Girl Scout goals of the three C's: courage, confidence and character.
Geni Federas, who was recently honored with the Appreciation Pin, patiently attends to each and every leader, making them feel that it is okay to be a bit overwhelmed by all of the requirements, and assuring them that it will get easier, one fellow leader noted. "This important skill of reassuring the new troops is important. The new leadership is not scared off by the mountain of forms and paperwork.
"When Federas first started the volunteer position she was a stay-at-home mom. She has continued the position, worked full time, attending to the Service Unit Registration details in the evenings. She attends each Fall and Spring Leader Meetings to teach leaders, old and new, the updated registration procedures. She does it in an entertaining style with handouts for easy reference later."
Sandra Patterson, who was awarded the Honor Pin, is unwavering in her forward-march attitude and problem-solving abilities. Through her ability to structure activities, she makes it seem easy to jump on board. She possesses a rare combination of being detail-oriented and having a broad, clear vision for the organization. She is masterfully organized and truly cares that everyone feels able to effectively carry out their jobs and motivates fellow leaders to take on new challenges.
As the interim school organizer for Happy Valley Elementary she learned about eight second-grade girls who had been on a waiting list for a troop, and she committed to starting a second-grade troop so that the parents could see how a troop runs. Sandra was also interim Membership Coordinator and SUD while working full-time.
Both of these role models recognize, understand, and practice the values of inclusive behavior. The 1,443 girl and adult members are proud and thankful for these women's service to our community. As a small token of Lafayette Girl Scouts' appreciation, both of these outstanding women will be honored at a special lunch with Girl Scout Northern California CEO Marina Park.
| ![](../issue0604/images/0604-02202.jpg) | Sandra Patterson
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