PEARL HENDRICKS SARNO
CLASS OF 1932
EDUCATOR/AUTHOR/NURSE/VOLUNTEER
INDUCTED 1999
Pearl Sarno is a life long resident of Covert, Michigan. She received her BS Degree in Nursing from Western Michigan University in 1953, and her MS Degree in Education from Western Michigan University in 1963.
Her local service includes: Nursing, teaching prenatal education, elementary school teacher, Principal, curator, Girl Scout leader, Church supervisor, consultant and Head Start program organizer.
Pearl Sarno founded the Van Buren County Historical Society and the Covert Historical Museum. She has written a History of Covert Congregational Church and "A Look at Covert's Heritage."
The length of Pearl's involvement shows her commitment to community interests. She served as Vice President of the Covert United Fund for 15 years, was active in Girl Scouting for 40 years and chaired their 125 Anniversary. She is a member and past president of the American Association of University Women-South Haven Chapter. Pearl organized the first Girl Scout Troop in 1940, and served as a leader for 22 years. She was also a member of the Southwestern Michigan Girl Scout Council, nurse for the National Girl Scout "Round Up" in Vermont in 1963. Pearl instituted a program to finance and attend camp at the Yankee Springs Scout Camp. She was an active director of the Head Start Program at the local and Van Buren County levels. As a Van Buren County Maternity Nurse (1940-42), she was instrumental in forming the Covert Mother's Club.
Pearl is a member of the Michigan Historical Society, Log Cabin Society, Sarret Nature Center, and the Scott Club-Literary Book Club. Her awards are as numerous as her activities including two Girl Scout Thank You Awards, 1960 and 1963 (the highest award a leader can achieve); the Golden Scout Award, 1963; Southwestern Michigan Prenatal Excellence Award, 1988; the Michigan 150-First Lady Award, 1987; Red Cross Appreciation Blood Program Nurse, 1987; Michigan Merit Mother, 1969; International Women's Year, 1975; State of Michigan Michigan Senate, 1987; State of Michigan-Michigan House, 1987; Covert Teacher of the year, 1977, and Who's Who of American Women, 1988.
Pearl is married to Tony Sarno and they have two daughters. Pearl Hendricks Sarno from the beginning was determined to give life a purpose. She has been dedicated to people and the Covert community.