EATON — When Madeline Ebright of Eaton Girl Scout Troop 39998 learned there were no student-led groups or clubs at Eaton Middle School, she decided to start a school newspaper.

“I’ve always liked writing, and I thought a school newspaper was a good option,” said Ebright, now a freshman at Eaton High School. “It’s fulfilling to write articles that are informative and that kids enjoy reading.”

Ebright worked with the principal at Eaton Middle School to bring her idea to life. In the first year, she planned every issue and wrote every article. In year two she assumed the role of editor in chief, recruiting other students to help her research and write articles. She and eight dedicated team members met weekly to discuss topic ideas and divvy up writing assignments. Together they produced an issue each month during the school year and distributed papers to every student in the school through homerooms.

While Ebright is in high school now, the Eaton Middle School newspaper still lives on with a new editor and class of writers.

Girl Scout official say Ebright proves that small ideas can make a big difference.

“She identified an issue in her community, made a plan, and took action, putting over 50 hours into her project and earning her Silver Award, the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn,” Katelyn Scott, communications manager for Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, said.