The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can earn. Requiring a team-led project that addresses a community issue or need, the girls complete a Junior Journey and then work together to identify, research, and execute a solution that both benefits the community as well as the Girl Scouts.

On Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock, local Junior Girl Scout Troop 356 members Savannah Darling, Leia Kent, Sylvia Moss, Emma Novello, Joycelynn Oumrim, Lauren Saul, and Vivienne Skuthan were pinned and honored with the Bronze Award, as friends and family clapped and cheered at the Cochecton Volunteer Ambulance Park near the Cochecton Town Hall.

Troop Leader Maryann Oumrim proudly called each of the girls’ names, giving them an official certificate while Lee Ann Hubbert pinned them with steady hands.

Shortly after, Junior Troop 356 unveiled the picnic table that they purchased and painted with the help of Cadette Girl Scout Troop 736, so people could bring lunch or have a place to sit while spending time at the park.

“Part of the team-led project and earning the Bronze Award is getting other helpers involved,” stated Maryann, “so both troops worked together.”

Maryann then paused for a moment, and a hush came over everyone gathered.

“There is another Junior Girl Scout we’d like to honor today,” whispered Maryann, “Delana Weyandt.”

Delana, who tragically passed away on August 4 of last year after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the road with her older sister, was a beloved member of the Junior Girl Scout Troop 356. Saturday afternoon was meant to be both a ceremony for the Bronze Awardees, and a Memorial for young Delana.

Maryann tried her best through tears to read her speech, before stopping to wrap Delana’s parents Daniel and Shelby in a heartbreaking embrace.

“Delana was my daughter’s best friend,” said Maryann. “She wasn’t just a Girl Scout, she was so much more to so many of us.”

CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Dr. Kari Rockwell, and former Elementary School Principal, Rod McLaughlin, also stood up to congratulate Bronze Awardees as well as speak about Delana, before everyone headed over to a tree planted at the edge of the park. 

Girl Scouts began placing painted rocks around the base of the tree in memory of their fellow scout and friend. Shortly after, small envelopes containing petite butterflies were handed out, which were opened in unison, bringing smiles and tears to the faces of each person present.

“The Girl Scout Troops came up with the idea of the tree and painting the rocks,” noted Maryann, “but the Cochecton Volunteer Ambulance Corps were the ones who allowed us to utilize the park. They were the ones who graciously donated and planted the tree.”

Cochecton Volunteer Ambulance Corps Captain Rob Senzon, President Michael Attianese, Peter Grosser, Chet Skiba and Walter Keesler were of particular mention for not only helping with the tree, but for the park’s impeccable maintenance and care.

“Not only did Maryann put together a beautiful ceremony and memorial,” said Patricia Skiba, RN and Cochecton Volunteer Ambulance Corps Board Member, “but our board of trustees and volunteers put so much time and effort into maintaining and keeping the park beautiful leading up to it.”

According to Maryann, the release of the butterflies was inspired by Delana’s mother, Shelby, who released butterflies with family and friends on Delana’s birthday.