Thank you for joining us on Thursday, October 8, for our 2026 Boots & Pearls celebration!

We had a wonderful time celebrating our honorees! You can view each honoree's video below:

two honorees pose with Board Chair Kavita Borsum and COO Lynn Arve

Honoree Videos

Learn more about our previous Boots & Pearls honorees!

WATCH

Celebrating Courage. Honoring Legacy. Inspiring the Future.
Since 2013, Boots & Pearls has recognized exceptional women from the Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union communities who lead with purpose and live out the values of courage, confidence, and character—the foundation of every Girl Scout journey.

This fall tradition is more than a ceremony—it’s a heartfelt celebration of leadership, legacy, and community spirit. Named in honor of Karen H. Mitchell, a beloved volunteer and visionary leader, the award reflects a deep commitment to service that mirrors the spirit of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low.

The “Boots & Pearls” theme pays tribute to Juliette’s iconic pearls, which she once sold to help fund the early Girl Scout Movement, and to the boots that symbolize the bold journeys our girls are taking toward their futures.

Our past honorees:
We are fortunate to have recognized an extraordinary group of women over the years and are excited to continue this annual tradition. Please browse below to view a list of our incredible honorees.

2026
Dr. Marjorie Boafo Appiah
Mary Breeden†
Andrea Johnson
Karen "KP" Parrott

2025
Mary Helen Dunn Wade
Anne Flynn
Dr. Alysa Handelsman†
Nicke Haney

2024
Cathy McCabe
Marchele Garrett, PhD
Savannah Ray†

2023
Traci Fant
Devon Holder†
Betsy Teter

2022
Tracey Jackson
Katherine O'Neill

2021
Dr. Amy Baruch
Ms. Laura Ringo

2020
J. Ruth Littlejohn
Stacy McBride

2019
Hope Blackley-Logan
Elaine Smith

2018
Valerie Manatis Barnet
Mary Ann Deku
Marsha H. Gibbs

2017
Rep. Rita Ann Allison
Robyn Hussa Farrell

2016
Dr. Gloria Webb Close
Kathy Dunleavy
Dr. Kay E. Woodward

2015
Joy Ayers Couch
Dr. Fern Powell

2014
Ruth L. Cate*
Renee Buyck Romberger

2013
Randi Berry
Susu Johnson

* Deceased; † Young Professional Honoree