Lake Erie Duathlon a success for participants, Girl Scouts

The Lake Erie Duathlon presented by Girl Scouts WesternPennsylvania (GSWPA) took place on Sunday, August 2 at 7 a.m. at Presque Isle State Park in Erie.

More than 200 people registered to compete in the race, which consisted of a 5K run, a 20K bike and another 5K run, completed in that order by individuals or two-person relay teams.

Participants were from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and New York.

Each registered race participant received a hat featuring the race logo, coupons and a water bottle from Dick’s Sporting Goods, and other local coupons. Every finisher received a medal and a box of Girl Scout cookies.

Winners received gift certificates from Dick’s Sporting Goods and awards featuring artwork by Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouts and leaders volunteered at the event, handing out water, finisher medals, setting up post-race refreshments, cheering on participants, and covering as much ground as they could on the second 5K with inspirational messages for runners (photos attached). Nearly 60 total volunteers helped make the event a success.

Event sponsors were GEICO, UPMC Health Plan, Highmark, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Erie Times-News/GoErie.com, Tungsten, and the Erie Runners Club.

Feedback from the event has been very positive, and many participants are already planning to return in 2016.

All proceeds from the event benefit GSWPA.

Additional photos from the event are available here: http://reprints.goerie.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=1961086&CategoryID=60276&ListSubAlbums=0

Race results are listed here: http://bigwhitetrailer.com/timing/results_2015/20150802LakeErieDuathlon.php

Fox Chapel volunteers receive awards

The Fox Chapel Service Unit 5903 presented awards to two amazing volunteers recently. Thank you to these outstanding role models for helping build girls of courage, confidence and character!

Amulya Garimella, Appreciation Pin recipient Kathy Demetri, and Satya Venneti

Satya Venneti and her daughter Amulya Garimella presented the Appreciation Pin to troop leader Kathy Demetri.

This was Amulya's last year with the troop and she thanked Kathy for being an outstanding troop leader.

Appreciation Pin Criteria: The candidate is a registered Girl Scout Adult Volunteer and has provided outstanding service to ONE or MORE geographic or program delivery audience in a way that furthers the Council’s goals. The candidate has significantly contributed to meeting one or more council goals in membership growth and retention, fund development, or increased community visibility in two or more geographic areas. And the candidate activity recognizes, understands and practices the values of inclusive behavior.

Wow! Congratulations Kathy on your award!

Troop leader Sue Stiger was presented with the Volunteer of Excellence Pin by co-leader Kathy Jerich. The girls in their troop attend Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy.

Sue Stiger and Kathy Jerich

Volunteer of Excellence Pin Criteria: The candidate has successfully completed a term of service and fulfilled all requirements of the position. She/he has performed beyond expectations for the position to deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls using the national program portfolio or has gone beyond the expectations of the position and supported council’s mission delivery goals in one or more of the following areas: Membership Development/Community Cultivation, Volunteer Relations/Support, Program, Leadership and Governance, Fund Development, and Council Support Services. She/he actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior in her/his troop and service unit. 

Awesome! Congratulations Sue!

Want to honor Girl Scout volunteers who are doing amazing things for girls? Check out the awards criteria and how to nominate on our Adult Awards section of our website.