A Stitch in Time: Maggie's Mental Health Mission
Maggie Brown, a recent graduate from Lincoln-Way East, has achieved something extraordinary. She earned the Girl Scouts' highest honor, the Gold Award, for a project that supports teens with mental health challenges.
A Journey Began at Seven
Maggie's journey started when she was just seven years old, joining Girl Scouts and enjoying adventures with her troop. Her project focused on teaching high school students how to cross-stitch, an unusual but impactful choice.
The Power of Cross-Stitching
Cross-stitching, a type of needlework, can be a relaxing and expressive activity. Maggie spent about eight months teaching around 40 students this craft, showing them a new way to channel their emotions.
Passion for Mental Health Awareness
The idea for this project came from Maggie's passion for mental health awareness. She wanted to do something meaningful for her Gold Award, and this topic resonated with her. She worked with the school's Bring Change 2 Mind club, which aims to reduce the stigma around mental health issues.
Meeting the Gold Award Requirements
To earn the Gold Award, Maggie had to meet several requirements:
- Identify a community issue
- Spend at least 80 hours addressing it
- Ensure the project was sustainable and measurable
Maggie's project checked all these boxes. She didn't just teach the students; she also made sure they had the resources to continue cross-stitching on their own.
A Journey Filled with Memories
Maggie's journey with Girl Scouts has been filled with memorable experiences. From movie trips to archery lessons, she's done it all. But her Gold Award project is something she's particularly proud of. It's a testament to her dedication and her desire to make a positive impact on the world.