Girl Scouts Recognize 95-Year-Old Volunteer

L-R: Linda Henry, Marilyn VanVleet and Diane Henry
Photo: Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida

(Press Release) LAKE WORTH, Fla. (February 23, 2026) – Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida recognized longtime volunteer, 95-year-old Marilyn VanVleet of Lake Worth, with the esteemed Lifetime Service Award.
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Introduced in 2014, this prestigious honor is awarded to volunteers who have made extraordinary contributions to the Girl Scout mission, who give their time and talents generously through consistent and far-reaching acts of volunteerism that have strengthened the organization and have shaped the lives of countless young women.

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“We are incredibly fortunate to witness the impact across generations of remarkable volunteers like Marilyn who continuously contribute to our mission,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “Over the years, she has had an extraordinary impact as a Girl Scout leader and mentor. It speaks volumes that her former Girl Scouts remain part of her life.”

From 1967 to 1987, VanVleet held numerous volunteer roles and served as a troop leader and mentor for her Girl Scout troops. She shaped countless lives, leading troops on extraordinary adventures including hiking the Appalachian Trail, Grandfather Mountain and Mount Washington, canoeing in Georgia and the Ozarks, sailing aboard the Joseph Conrad in Mystic, Connecticut, embarking on a sailing trip to the Bahamas and more.
 
Through decades of leadership, guidance and hands-on adventure, VanVleet has profoundly impacted the lives of hundreds of girls. Many of these girls were inspired by her example and went on to become Girl Scout leaders themselves. Today, her former Girl Scouts, now in their fifties and older, remain a vibrant and cherished part of her life. They continue to gather with her for sing-alongs, lunches, visits and reunions, nurturing the bonds forged through trust, challenges, laughter and shared experiences.
 
Reflecting on her journey, VanVleet said, “Throughout my life, I was able to dedicate my passion for leadership and adventure to an organization that shares my values. But I never imagined how much it would become a part of me all these years later. Volunteering has given me the opportunity to watch girls grow into strong, confident women who have now continued on the legacy I’ve built through this journey.”

Data from the State of the Florida Girl Report, the groundbreaking assessment of the unique challenges facing girls across the state commissioned by the Girl Scouts of Florida Association, emphasizes the need for strong community support for girls. With volunteers like VanVleet, Girl Scouts fosters a sense of belonging among women by connecting them through shared values and community support. This creates environments where a significant majority of Florida Girl Scouts, approximately 90%, feel a strong sense of belonging for generations to come.

“The time, care and leadership our volunteers give to Girl Scouts is invaluable,” Johnson said. “Volunteerism has always been central to our mission. Through mentorship, service and shared experiences, volunteers strengthen the girls, their families and local communities. Like Marilyn, they are the unsung heroes. She truly deserves this honor.”

For more information about the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida and volunteer opportunities, visit gssef.org/en/get-involved/become-a-volunteer.html