Sally Weirich Celebrates 50 Years in Girl Scouts
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| From left to right: Sally Weirich, CEO Anne Reel and Victoria Zieba, friend and Girl Scout volunteer. |
50 years ago, Sally Weirich of Elkhart, embarked on an
adventure by
becoming a member of Girl Scouting. She has seen a lot of
change, experienced tremendous growth and overcome many challenges
during her tenure with the Indiana Lakeland Girl Scout Council and has
been an important part of those critical changes which have shaped the
future of Girl Scouting.
Sally has been a leader, a volunteer association chair, an
event
coordinator, a camp director, a program advisor, a board member, a
member of the girl awards review board, a delegate to the national
council sessions and a long time advocate and supporter of the Girl
Scout mission. Her dedication and true desire to make the
world a better place have been evident in every task to which she has
applied her skills. Girls and adults alike have benefited in
both big and small ways from her passion for Girl Scouting.
When talking about her years of service Wierich downplays her
contributions saying, “Yes, I’ve given a lot to
Girl Scouting, but I know I’ve gotten so much more in
return.”
Weirich enjoys sharing her Girl Scout memories; though when asked if
she had a favorite she had a hard time coming up
with just one. “There are just so many, but there is one
special one that sticks with me.” Weirich shared a story of
one small moment that impacted her life from nearly 49 years ago, at
the very beginning of her now fifty year Girl Scout journey.
“I was at the Girl Scout National convention in St. Louis,
Missouri, 1959. Roughly 3000 adult volunteers were gathered together
waiting for the national conference to begin it’s opening
ceremony. We were very loud, talking excitedly to one
another. The room was filled with energy and chatter, everyone sharing
stories and getting to know each other. Very quietly a young Brownie
Girl Scout entered the front of the auditorium and raised her right
hand over her head to signal for attention and quiet, as is a tradition
at any Girl Scout gathering. Within 20 seconds, maybe even 10 seconds,
the entire room was silent and still. We were ready to
begin.” After reflecting for a moment, Weirich continues,
“There were so many of us, and we were so loud a few seconds
before. But everyone responded. It was awe inspiring! What a sign of
respect was shown to Girl Scouts.”
Weirich shared that she has not only had the privilege of contributing
to the many Girl Scouts she guided throughout the years, but they in
turn have contributed to her by providing her the opportunity to
develop life skills of her own. “I learned a fair amount of
patience over the years and diplomacy!” she says explaining
that she was able to learn the skills to relate to all kinds of
people, always working together to reach the best possible solution.
“A soft answer turns away wrath.”
In 2004, special tribute was paid to Weirich, when she was surprised
with a Lifetime Membership in Girl Scouts. This year Weirich
was once again honored by Indiana Lakeland Girl Scouts as she was
presented with her 50 Years of Service pin at the annual Volunteer
Appreciation ceremony.
Weirich is a tremendous resource. Her selfless contributions will
forever be part of Girl Scouting. Indiana Lakeland Girl Scout
Council is honored to celebrate Weirich’s remarkable
milestone!
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With 3.6 million girl and adult members worldwide, Girl Scouts of the USA is the leading authority on girls' healthy development. We build girls of Courage, Confidence and Character who make the world a better place.
The organization strives to serve girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girls Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts, call toll free 866.223.7740 or 574.533.8881, or email.
| Partially funded by United Ways of Elkhart, Kosciusko and Noble Counties |  |
