Janice Paganelli Wins Patch 2012 Person of the Year

The voting has closed in the Ossining-Croton-on-Hudson Person of the Year poll and the majority have selected Janice Paganelli, community director for Ossining Girl Scouts, as the 2012 person of the year.

Paganelli said she was honored to be included and when she looked at the she would have voted for the other candidates. Then she gave credit to her peers.

"I work with the greatest group of women on earth—it's truly wonderful to be recognized for doing something I love," she said.

Paganelli has served as a Girl Scout leader for 18 years and community director for six. She saw her both of her daughter's troops through their high school graduation and now leads a fourth grade troop.

"I love spending my time with kids—and if I can make a difference and affect their lives positively, even in the smallest way, then I'm happy," she said.

Paganelli said Girl Scouts gives young girls skills and helps instill tremendous values, including being honest, fair and friendly—values she said she tried to teach her own girls and two boys. "If every adult could say the Girl Scout law every morning, the world would be a better place," she quipped.

She said she wouldn't trade the years with Girl Scouts for anything—and in fact, has gained much herself that she would never have otherwise experienced.

"I have learned so much about the world—my Girl Scout experiences remind me to be a good person," she said.

Paganelli was one of five people nominated and selected through an unscientific poll on Ossining-Croton Patch.

Congratulations to all who were nominated and thank you to the locals who voted.