Astoria, OR – This fall, student leaders at Scappoose High School in Columbia County, Oregon, took a close look at the issues impacting their small, forested town, located just 20 miles northwest of Portland. Like many other students across the state, they quickly identified a growing concern that surpassed all others: mental health and suicide prevention.
Senior Allison Brown, 17, expressed the urgency many students feel regarding the issue. “All my friends, most of my peers, either they know someone that struggles with mental health or suicide, or they themselves are struggling with it,” Brown shared. This personal connection to the problem was a driving force behind the students’ desire to create change in their school and the broader community.
In their efforts to address mental health concerns, these students have turned to the Oregon Community Foundation’s Community 101 program. The program connects high school classrooms with local philanthropic organizations, encouraging students to identify community issues and take action. Through this initiative, students gain hands-on experience in community engagement and philanthropy, empowering them to make a real difference in their surroundings.
Allison Brown, along with fellow student Chloe Tetz, demonstrated their commitment to their community by serving at a 2024 Veterans Day Breakfast hosted by Community 101 students. The event brought together community members to celebrate veterans, but it also served as a reminder of the importance of supporting those who are struggling, whether due to mental health challenges or other life difficulties.
The students’ involvement in the Veterans Day Breakfast is just one example of how young leaders in Scappoose are using their voices to address critical issues. By focusing on mental health, they aim to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage others to seek help when needed. Their work exemplifies the power of youth-led initiatives in tackling some of the most pressing challenges faced by their peers and communities.
As the school year progresses, the students of Scappoose High School are expected to continue their advocacy for mental health awareness, demonstrating that even in a small town, the actions of young people can have a lasting impact.
