Nominations are open! This year, we will be looking for community honorees and young professional honorees. All nominees must reside or work within the Spartanburg Regional Service Area (Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties). Community honorees do not need to have been a Girl Scout. Young professional nominees, however, must be a Girl Scout alumna in the early phases of her career. Once all nominations are submitted, a panel will review each nomination and make selections based on the following criteria:
Nominate a community member or young professional:
History
In 2013, the Girl Scouts' Women of Distinction event was introduced to the Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union areas and the community established its own theme: Boots & Pearls. The award is named after and given each year in honor of long-time community volunteer and supporter, Karen H. Mitchell. Karen's dedication (including serving as board president and later a member at large for the Piedmont council) mirrors that of the Girl Scouts' founder, Juliette Gordon Low. Naming the award after Karen was a fitting tribute to her embodiment of Juliette's spirit in our community. The Boots & Pearls theme is a tribute to Juliette Gordon Low, who sold her pearls to fund the organization's early days.
Each year, we invite the community to help us recognize exceptional women who embody the Girl Scout mission of courage, confidence, and character, and who positively impact our world. These women are honored for their professional and personal achievements and their volunteerism and service to others, all of which set a powerful example for our girls and volunteers involved in Girl Scouting.
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.
2013
Randi Berry
Susu Johnson
2014
Ruth L. Cate*
Renee Buyck Romberger
2015
Joy Ayers Couch
Dr. Fern Powell
2016
Dr. Gloria Webb Close
Kathy Dunleavy
Dr. Kay E. Woodward
2017
Rep. Rita Ann Allison
Robyn Hussa Farrell
2018
Valerie Manatis Barnet
Mary Ann Deku
Marsha H. Gibbs
2019
Hope Blackley-Logan
Elaine Smith
2020
J. Ruth Littlejohn
Stacy McBride
2021
Dr. Amy Baruch
Ms. Laura Ringo
2022
Tracey Jackson
Katherine O'Neill
2023
Traci Fant
Betsy Teter
Devon Holder (Young Professional Honoree)
*Deceased
