by Mike Matzinger
At its best, Scouting prepares young people not only to lead, but to care deeply for others.
That commitment is on full display in the work of Piper Jackson, a sophomore at Troy High School who recently completed an Eagle Scout project focused on mental health awareness and support. Piper installed signs promoting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in every restroom at her school, ensuring that students and staff have immediate access to a confidential resource if they are struggling.
The 988 Lifeline provides free, 24/7 support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, substance use concerns, or other mental health crises.
Piper’s project began with the installation of 988 awareness signs in parks across Miami County, Ohio, in partnership with local mental health organizations. When she realized she had additional signs available, she worked with school leaders to place them in high-visibility areas where students would encounter them every day.
Her goal was simple and powerful. To remind her peers of three things. They matter. They are not alone. Help is available.
For Piper, the project was also personal. Her father serves as the statewide 988 System Administrator for the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, making the mission especially meaningful for their family.
Piper’s journey to Eagle Scout reflects the evolving story of Scouting itself. Girls were first welcomed into the Scouts BSA program in 2019, and Piper was among the first members of a troop started by fathers who had grown up in Scouting and wanted their daughters to share the same opportunities.
Today, her project stands as a powerful example of what Scouting Alumni know well. The values learned in Scouting do not end with a rank or a ceremony. They show up in service, leadership, and the courage to make a difference when it matters most.
Read her story 👇