Fennimore Girl Scouts Troop 5417 Leader Marissa Hoehne was recently awarded the Girl Scouts of the USA Volunteer of Excellence Award at the annual meeting of the Girl Scouts of Badgerland in Waterloo on Sept. 6.
Hoehne, who is also a Badgerland council member, is in her third year of being Troop 5417’s leader. She became leader in 2023 after the previous leader stepped down. If a new leader wasn’t found, the troop was in danger of being dissolved.
Hoehne, whose two daughters, Addison and Hadley, were in scouts and loved being involved, wanted them to stay involved so she “stepped up” and became scout leader.
After 12 scouts in 2023, the troop grew to 33 last year, which as Hoehne stated. gave the troop some “growing pains” with a doubled membership but that of course is a good thing.
Before the annual council meeting, Hoehne was informed she would be receiving an award, but it wasn’t until she arrived there that she realized which award it would be.
The award, which one does have to be nominated for, recognizes registered adult volunteers who have contributed outstanding service to girls and the council’s mission, going above and beyond the expectations of their role to implement xperience or support the organization. Nominees must actively embrace and practice inclusive behaviors and have successfully completed their term of service. The award is nominated via a form and typically requires letters of endorsement, with final approval coming from the local council’s leadership or recognition committee.
Having a “growing pains” year, Hoehne didn’t imagine that would be the award she would be presented with. “Going from 12 to 33 scouts was big, and with our growing pains, I didn’t think I had done anything to deserve it,” she stated.
It wasn’t even until she was called onto stage that it all “hit her” and what the award meant to her.
“Seeing the close to 200 leaders and volunteers in the audience, and all of them nodding in agreement, it just hit me how so many of us leaders do this for the love of it,” Hoehne stated.
Rachel Hanson, Director of Membership Engagement at Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Badgerland Council stated the following on Hoehne and why she received the Girl Scouts of the USA Volunteer of Excellence Award:
“Marissa has transformed her troop and community in just two short years, growing her troop to 33 girls across all levels while cultivating a family-like environment that keeps everyone engaged and inspired. Under her leadership, the troop has executed remarkable achievements, including large-scale Hurricane Relief Drives sending aid to Tennessee, Florida, and Los Angeles, as well as record-breaking cookie sales exceeding 17,000 boxes with 12 top sellers.”
Hanson went on to say, “Marissa’s dedication extends well beyond her troop. She serves as operations lead, a council delegate, and continually seeks new ways to expand her impact on the community. Her approach emphasizes putting youth first, empowering them to take initiative, develop leadership skills, and give back in meaningful ways.”
Hanson finished with, “Marissa’s vision, resilience, and heart have not only strengthened her troop, but have left a lasting mark on the council and community at large, making her an exemplary recipient of the Volunteer of Excellence Award.”
“My daughters drive my passion. Seeing how much they love scouts makes my heart happy. I am just a mom that found something unexpected. The unexpected grew into love of something I continue to learn about and from,” Hoehne stated.
The 2025 troop year has already begun, Hoehne explained, and the troop should “hover around 30-35 members” this year.
If anyone is interested in joining Girl Scouts, the next two full troop meeting are scheduled for right after school on Fridays, Sept. 26 and Oct. 24 in the cafeteria of Fennimore Elementary School.
Anyone with questions can reach out to Hoehne by phone at (608) 412-2337 or e-mail at gs5417mh@gmail.com.
