Most students at Marion High School (Marion, IA) spend six hours or more a day within its walls. Madison Lear spends considerably less time there—just enough for band, choir, and the extracurricular activities that connect her homeschool education to the broader school community. Yet, she's made a significant impact on mental health awareness both within the school and the broader community, making Madison a deserving honoree of the November 2025 Iowa School Mental Health Hero of the Month award.
When Madison started high school, she did not know a lot about mental health. What started off as simple curiosity about the Green Bandana Project club, when she and a fellow homeschooled friend were exploring club options, has grown into a heartfelt mission to support others. "We didn't know very much about the Green Bandana Project club at first," Madison recalls. "We went to the first meeting and found out it focused on suicide prevention and training students to support peers who have mental health struggles. That is when I knew it was a place where I could make a difference."
For Madison, it was personal. She had been managing anxiety for years. So, the idea of transforming that experience into something that could help others was, in her words, "just a beautiful thing." So, she dove, eventually becoming an ambassador for the non-profit I'm Glad You Stayed Project, turning her part-time presence at Marion High School into full-time mental health advocacy.
Madison has organized mental health awareness events at football games, complete with resource tables and a speech to the crowd about the importance of self-care and suicide prevention. Additionally, she has twice coordinated fundraising efforts at Marion Masquerade, the school's annual show choir competition, raising money for the I'm Glad You Stayed Project during one-minute countdowns. She plans to continue this tradition by raising money again this year.
Her advocacy also extends to using her voice for good, appearing on the "Riding the Wave" podcast to discuss her mental health experiences openly. She's become a fixture at school and I'm Glad You Stayed Project events, always ready to staff a table, share resources, or simply listen.
"Madison is always one of the first ambassadors to reach out and ask how she can contribute to the project. She has actively raised money for us, participated in events and helped us spread our message more widely. Madison emphasizes that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a courageous act. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on our side, and we eagerly anticipate her future endeavors to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide." - Abbey Schley, President & Founding Member, I’m Glad You Stayed Project
After graduation, Madison plans to continue pursuing her passion for mental health advocacy by working with the I'm Glad You Stayed Project, aiming to inspire the younger generation. After high school, Madison plans to attend the University of Iowa to study nursing, with the goal of becoming a pediatric oncology nurse.
How Madison Makes a Difference
Tell us about the idea behind dedicating the Marion School Choir competition to mental health.
Every year, the Marion High School Show Choir hosts a competition called Marion Masquerade. In my second year as a member of the show choir's backstage crew, we attended a competition at Anamosa High School (IA), where they did a one-minute fundraiser for the Thirst Project. As an ambassador for the I'm Glad You Stayed Project at the time, I wanted to take that concept and apply it to our competition. I asked around to see if this was a possibility. They took it to the competition committee, and once it was approved, I started gathering people to run around and collect money during a one-minute countdown. And after the competition was over, we donated $3,000 to the I'm Glad You Stayed Project. Ultimately, it felt so wonderful to be able to use that and make a difference.
“Madison became one of our first ambassadors for the non-profit. She participates in events when asked and has set up many fundraising opportunities on her own. She is extremely passionate about mental health.” - Dottie Schley, Secretary, Q.P.R. Trainer & Founding Member, I’m Glad You Stayed Project
What qualities do you believe are essential in a leader working in mental health spaces, especially among the youth?
Some essential qualities for a leader working in mental health spaces would include genuine care for other people and the ability to support someone struggling—even though you don't always know exactly what it is they are feeling. Also, I think being a leader means going above and beyond expectations and being an example to those around you.
If someone wanted to follow in your footsteps and begin advocating for mental health in their own school, what advice would you give them?
Overall, I would tell students to “Be Bold.” Don't let the fear of something new stop you from doing something new or something you are passionate about. Speak up for what is right. If there's something that isn't right, say something about it.
