Our Commissioner, Karen Walker, receives the Laurel Award
Our Island’s Commissioner gets rewarded for her exceptional contribution to Girlguiding.
The It’s About You Evening of 2022 will be remembered as the night that saw our wonderful Commissioner, Karen Walker, receiving the prestigious Laurel Award: For the quality of her performance in the multiple senior roles she has held in guiding; the positive impact that she has had on the girls, leaders and volunteers; and for being an excellent role model.
Here is the speech that Julie Walton, Girlguiding North West Region’s Chief Commissioner, at the ceremony:
“I am immensely proud to present this award to Karen – and to be here in person makes it even more special. Karen was appointed as Assistant Island Commissioner in 2015 and Island (County) Commissioner in 2016. The role should have ceased in October 2021 but Karen kindly offered to extend her appointment due to the pandemic. Prior to (and alongside) her Island Commissioner role, she has held several other roles in Guiding since becoming an adult leader in 1988, all whilst continuing with her commitment as Guider in charge of not one, but two Rainbow units (St Thomas Rainbows). She is hugely loved and massively respected by all members of Girlguiding Isle of Man – from the age of 4 upwards – and I cannot think of anyone more worthy of this award. I thank Karen for her endless dedication, hard work and enthusiasm and for everything she has given to Girlguiding over the years.”