Somersworth teen among those honored at Girl Scout Spirit Awards

Recognized at the Spirit of NH Awards for their volunteer work were Girl Scout members, from left, Michele Mainz, Susan Henderson and Sophia Day. (GSGWM photo)

CONCORD - A Somersworth teenager was recently recognized at the Girl Scouts' Spirit of New Hampshire Awards held in Concord.

Sophia Day, 17, of Somersworth, won the Youth category for volunteering more than 80 hours of service to her community earning her the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout in high school can achieve.

Day's Care Bags with a Purpose program has resulted in 40 middle and high school students being provided with food, hygiene products, a few fun items, and information on how to find safe and free activities to enjoy through the summer, fulfilling a desperate need in her community. She also participated in many more hours of community service, and the Somersworth area has significantly benefitted from her involvement.

Two other Girl Scout members were recognized at the Spirit of NH Awards last Monday at their annual event, which took place at the Bank of NH Stage in Concord. The Spirit of NH Awards are New Hampshire's largest volunteer recognition ceremony. Volunteer Service awards recognize individual volunteers and groups of volunteers who provide volunteer services that strengthen communities and improve the lives of New Hampshire residents.

The other two to win awards were Susan Henderson of West Lebanon, N.H., and Michele Mainz of Raymond.

Henderson, 80, was recognized in the Senior category. She volunteers as a troop leader and in other roles with the vigor of a young Girl Scout. She brings her skills to support over 150 volunteers who in turn support over 250 girls. Henderson is regarded as thorough and thoughtful in her work making sure that Girl Scouts are getting the best experience possible.

Michele Mainz, 54, of Raymond, was recognized in the Adult category. Mainz provides a wide array of experiences and caring leadership to a multi-level Girl Scout troop in Raymond, and was named the Volunteer of the Month by the Girl Scout council in July. She's been involved in girl Scouts in one way or another most of her life, and is able to communicate her enthusiasm, knowledge, and skills to the volunteers who help her troop and at camp, as well as to the children she mentors. She worked at the supervisor for Camp Kettleford in Bedford last summer.