The following article appeared in the P.R.A.Y. Update to Members of GSUSA for September 2019:
Sandra DeTora Receives Celtic Cross Award
Girl Scout Makayla J. Gives Inspiring Speech
“I am one of the Green Hill Girl Scouts, under the leadership of Ms. Sandi, and I want you all to know that I realize how lucky I am. Ms. Sandi has three of us, her two daughters and myself, but I truly believe that she sometimes forgets that we are not all hers, or she forgets which of us is not. She is an awesome role model and I have learned so much from her, but it is not all about Girl Scouts. She often shares her faith just by her actions, her love of Jesus with every good deed for fellow church members or anyone that needs it. She is the epitome of a Christian Mother and friend. When I have been in need of something, she always has it in her Mary Poppins bag or in the back of her car….When something goes wrong she is my first phone call….So [Ms. Sandi] is not just my Girl Scout leader….she is my friend, my confidant, my sometimes fill-in Mom, and most of all my mentor. I love Ms. Sandi and have never doubted that she loves me too, even when I make it hard. Thank you for all you do for me and with me and thank you Green Hill for recognizing this wonderful woman. I am so proud of you.”
This amazing speech was given by Makayla J. upon the presentation of the Celtic Cross award to her Girl Scout leader Sandra DeTora.
The Celtic Cross award is sponsored by the National Association of Presbyterian Scouters and recognizes “adult leaders who have given exceptional service to children and youth.” Sandra was nominated for this award by the Session of Green Hill Presbyterian Church. In addition to working with youth at Green Hill through such programs as Vacation Bible School, Sandra has been a Girl Scout volunteer for nearly ten years, organizing Girl Scout Sunday every year and teaching the My Promise My Faith Award. Receiving the Celtic Cross Award means a great deal to Sandra: “ I am a Girl Scout volunteer and I am a Christian. Those two parts of my life are intrinsically tied together. Raising girls of courage, confidence, and character, as Girl Scouts does, requires a focus on God. I am proud to wear the Celtic Cross, not because I have done anything special, but because the award represents the connection between Girl Scouting and Christianity. ” Sandra expressed her thanks to both the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama, Service Unit 923 and Green Hill Presbyterian Church for their ongoing support.
Congratulations, Sandra, on this special achievement, and thank you for your ministry to young people!
For information on adult religious recognitions, click here.
Green Hill Presbyterian Church 