Theo Jackson from O'Fallon Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Theo Jackson from O’Fallon, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by combining her love of art with her desire to address mental health.
“I have an immense love and passion for mental health and art,” said Theo, when asked how she developed the idea for her Girl Scout Gold Award project. She wanted to incorporate these two passions in a way that is helpful and affordable, while spreading awareness about options that go beyond traditional forms of mental health therapy. She held a series of mental health fairs in her community where people could learn about different art-related forms of therapy. Eight diverse stations were part of each fair, including art therapy topics like painting and dancing.
As they take action to transform their world, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they are the leaders our community and world need. The Gold Award is earned by girls in grades 9–12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership in developing sustainable solutions to local, national and global challenges. Since the highest award was established in 1916, Girl Scouts have answered the call to drive lasting, impactful change. The Gold Award is the mark of the truly remarkable.
“I never realized how many people were conveying their thoughts and feelings in what they were doing or their body language/movement,” said Theo, reflecting on her Gold Award project. “It was fantastic and fun to see the different ways.”
Theo is the daughter of Melinda Smith. She is a graduate of O’Fallon Township High School and is currently attending Southwestern Illinois College where she is studying psychology.
February 27, 2024
