The Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV) honored Lidia Soto-Harmon, chief executive officer of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital (GSCNC), at its annual Celebration of Service awards ceremony held on May 2, at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner in McLean. The annual awards dinner honors women for outstanding service to the community and celebrates the achievements of the JLNV’s 2012-2013 league year. The evening culminated with the installation of the JLNV’s 2013-2014 President Candice Bennett of Lorton. The JLNV recognized Soto-Harmon for her efforts to create a culture of philanthropy to support the GSCNC, to establish positive and effective relationships inside and outside the organization, and to bring Girl Scouting to every girl in the National Capital Region. The evening also highlighted the JLNV’s community achievements for the 2012-2013 year, including:
*Two Back-to-School Health Fairs that provided 45 physicals and 350 backpacks to uninsured and under-insured children.
*35 monthly Education and Enrichment programs served 342 children in four shelters.
*Eight Kids in the Kitchen (anti-obesity program) interactive activity booths and a community-wide health fair, serving more than 2,400 participants.
*25 Children’s Science Center events serving more than 10,000 visitors. “The theme for the 2012-2013 League year was ‘Catalyst for Community Change’ to encourage and accelerate our mission to prepare children for success as we work to remove barriers to academic success, promote a love of learning and foster self-esteem,” said Jennifer Burnside, 2012-2013 JLNV president. “This year’s Celebration of Service honored women leaders who are a driving force in Northern Virginia. We are proud to honor Lidia Soto-Harmon as our Woman of Vision because she embraces the spirit of the JLNV’s mission in all she does for girls and women. ”
*The following women were also honored at Celebration of Service Junior League of
Northern Virginia Beacon Award for Provisional Achievement: Sharon Ballard of Falls Church, Va.
Victoria Z. Greve Award for Distinguished Service: Lori Ann Terjesen of Haymarket, Va.
Sally Harwood Hardy Award for Excellence in Volunteerism: Sandy Simoncelli of Fairfax
Mary Harriman Award for Leadership: Valerie Richardson of Ashburn, Va.
Council Member "MVP" Awards Communications: Krista Vaught Fields of Arlington
Community: Paula MacDonald of Gainesville, Va. Finance: Shari Lent of Vienna
Fund Development: Laura Towers Romano of Arlington
Membership: Rebecca Goodhart of Arlington
Planning: Amanda Richardson of Arlington
Julia Doig Wilcox Award for Excellence in Youth Volunteerism in the Community: Anne Kickert of Leesburg, Va. The Sustainer Emeritus Award for Excellence in Community Volunteerism (named in honor of our 2012-2013 Emeritus members Jean Felts and Lita Harrison): Jacqueline Pastore of Alexandria
Corporate Partner Award: Patti Schultz, PS Design of Fairfax
More information can be found at www.jlnv.org or by calling 703-442-4163.