Eastern Missouri Gold Award Girl Scout Organizes Stress Detox Events for Students at Pattonville High School
Mental Health Awareness Month, celebrated annually in May, is observed to raise awareness and fight the stigma surrounding mental health issues. The COVID-19 outbreak has led to a significant increase in the mental health of many individuals, especially young adults. According to the Girl Scout Research Institute, 84 percent of girls are stressed about the future and how the pandemic will impact their endeavors. Kalista Roades, a 2022 graduate of Pattonville High School, decided to take action to create a positive impact among her peers.
To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, Roades worked with the superintendent of the Pattonville School District, and the principal and counselor of Pattonville High School to implement Stress Detox and Mindfulness events at her high school. Roades organized and led a peer committee to host three events that provided students with self-care tips, stress management techniques, and a safe space for everyone to take time to reconnect. Roades also presented their project at the Mental Health Summit put on by Pattonville High School. Roades provided detailed instructions to a Pattonville High School teacher who works with student organizations to continue the events.
“I encourage future Girl Scouts to pursue the Gold Award because completing the project teaches you valuable skills like organization, dedication and leadership that will serve them in college and beyond,” said Roades.
The Girl Scout Gold Award – the highest award in Girl Scout – is earned by Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors, girls in 9th-12th grade, who dedicate more than 80 hours identifying a need in their community and providing lasting solutions to issues in their neighborhoods and beyond. Gold Award Girl Scouts truly are the world changers, rock stars, role models, and real-life heroes we all look up to.
