Johnston County Teen Earns Girl Scouts’ Highest Honor For Mental Health Advocacy

JOHNSTON COUNTY – Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines has recognized Eva Jean S. of the Willow Spring community, an exceptional member of the 2025 Gold Award Girl Scout class. She earned the Gold Award—the highest honor in Girl Scouting, by taking meaningful action to address one of the most pressing challenges in her community. Her impactful project focused on raising awareness and support around mental health.

Gold Award Girl Scouts become innovative problem-solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers.
The 2025 Gold Award Girl Scout class identified issues in their communities, took action, and found or created solutions to earn their Gold Awards, addressing real-life problems such as environmental sustainability, racial justice, mental and physical well-being, and gender inequality in STEM.

“Eva turned compassion into action—and that’s the heart of what it means to be a Gold Award Girl Scout, “said Lisa M.K. Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines. “By shining a light on mental health, she’s helping break down stigma and build a stronger, more supportive community. Her courage and leadership remind us that real change often begins with one bold voice willing to speak up.”

The 2025 Gold Award Girl Scouts embody the spirit of “I am a Girl Scout” by boldly tackling some of today’s most pressing challenges through innovative and compassionate leadership. Inspired by the belief in big dreams and big possibilities, these changemakers addressed issues that reflect the diverse concerns of youth in our communities—from mental health, education, and civic engagement to STEM, the environment, and healthy relationships. Their projects are a powerful reminder that when girls are empowered with purpose and support, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.

Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines is the largest girl-led leadership development program in central and eastern North Carolina, reaching over 20,000 members and volunteers across 41 central and eastern North Carolina counties.