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Michelle: One “Yes” That Inspired Generations of Girl Scouts
August 13, 2026
Sometimes one "yes" can shape generations.
Michelle's Girl Scout journey began in 1977 with a happy circumstance. Before there was a Daisy program, her elementary school needed a Brownie troop leader. Her mom volunteered—but only if her five-year-old daughter could join, too. That simple "yes" became the beginning of a lifelong Girl Scout story.
Growing up, Michelle's leaders gave her opportunities she never forgot—from camping at Camp Catron and spending a muddy weekend at a dude ranch to building confidence through leadership experiences like Toastmasters.
Years later, Michelle found herself passing those same opportunities on to her own daughter, Brynnleigh. Together, they built a troop from the ground up with six friends, earned Bronze and Silver Awards, led a Take Action project addressing human trafficking awareness, and watched the girls grow into confident young leaders.
Girl Scouts continued opening doors for Brynnleigh through GSAG, YWELead, YWECamp, YWEAchieve, international travel, and ultimately her Gold Award, which created a STEM-for-All activity station at the Papillion Library.
Today, their Girl Scout journeys continue. Brynnleigh now co-leads a Daisy troop in St. Louis and volunteers with Girl Scouts, while Michelle serves as Co-Chair and Events Coordinator for the Papillion Service Unit. Both are Lifetime Members, continuing the legacy that began with one mother's decision to raise her hand and volunteer.
"We are both appreciative of the opportunities and experiences Girl Scouting has provided and love sharing them with other Girl Scouts."
That's the power of Girl Scouts. One generation inspires the next, creating a ripple effect of leadership, service, and women who continue opening doors for girls who follow.
100 years. Countless stories. One lasting legacy.
