Aug. 20, 2025
Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians will honor local education champion Minnie Miller at the 2025 Trefoil Society Luncheon, an annual fundraising event recognizing a distinguished woman who exemplifies the spirit of Girl Scouting. Miller has been a dedicated advocate for education in Johnson County throughout her career and beyond.
The luncheon celebrating Miller will be held at the Johnson City Country Club, 1901 E. Unaka Ave., on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $35 and available for purchase at TrefoilSociety.org.
“We encourage Girl Scouts to look for meaningful ways to contribute to their communities. and Minnie Miller is a great example of a leader who has made a significant contribution in her hometown,” said Lynne Fugate, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians. “We’re pleased to recognize a woman whose commitment has advanced academic achievement, highlighted the importance of musical heritage and fostered increased investment in Johnson County.”
Miller served as a high school teacher, supervisor of instruction and assistant superintendent before becoming the first female director of schools for Johnson County, a position she held until her retirement in 2006. Miller is credited with developing the first family life program and establishing the first General Educational Development (GED) test program for Johnson County.
During her career, Miller earned several state and national honors including State Supervisor of the Year and ETSU Distinguished Alumna in Education. She was appointed by the governor of Tennessee to serve on a national task force created by the U.S. Secretary of Education to recommend improvements in American education.
Miller also is dedicated to preserving the rich musical heritage of Johnson County and is co-author of a book entitled “Traditional Tennessee Music.”
The Trefoil Society luncheons are named after the trefoil-shaped pin that Girl Scouts receive to symbolize the acceptance of ethical leadership values and are held in the council’s Appalachian Highlands, East Tennessee and Tennessee Valley & North Georgia regions each year.
Miller will be introduced at the luncheon by Scott Niswonger, Chairman of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Greeneville, Tenn., and Chairman Emeritus of Landair Transport, Inc. and Forward Air Corporation. Jillian Townsend, Girl Scout Silver Award recipient and native of Kingsport, will speak at the luncheon to share the impact Girl Scouts has had on her life.
Sponsors for the Trefoil Society Luncheon in Johnson City include Eastman Credit Union, Graphic Creations, Karen Rowell, and Susan and Peter Lodal. Other companies or individuals seeking to honor Miller with a sponsorship should email [email protected] or call Alicia White Price at 865-244-4188. All donation checks should be sent to Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians, Attn: Development, 1567 Downtown West Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37919.
About Girl Scout Council of Southern Appalachians
Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, offering programs that give every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of entrepreneurship, adventure, and success—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike, advocate for community causes or make their first best friends. The Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians serves members in 46 counties from southwest Virginia, through eastern Tennessee and northern Georgia. Membership is open to all girls from kindergarten through their senior year in high school. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors and millions of alums, Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. To join us, volunteer, reconnect or donate, visit girlscoutcsa.org or call 800-474-1912.
