KILLINGTON—A new nonfiction book focuses on extraordinary teens making a real-world impact, including a familiar face for readers in the Killington area. “Gen Z Teens Take Action: Stories of Circumstance, Passion, and Opportunity,” by author Kelli Peterson, features a chapter on Pippa Scott, a Killington Mountain School senior and founder of the nonprofit Ride for Mental Health.
Published by Outskirts Press and released nationwide last week, “Gen Z Teens Take Action” tells the stories of 14 young people from around the world who have turned ideas into real change — launching social initiatives, founding businesses, and advocating for pressing issues all while balancing school and teenage life. Among them is Scott, who has gained attention for her tireless advocacy for youth mental health in the snowboarding and action sports communities.
Scott’s inclusion in the book follows a wave of recent recognition. In 2024, she won the grand prize at the University of Vermont’s inaugural Vermont Pitch Challenge — securing a full-ride scholarship for her nonprofit venture, Ride for Mental Health. The organization promotes mental health awareness, provides resources, and advocates for systemic support for young athletes, particularly in the snow sports world.
“Even though this work is hard, it’s healing pieces of me every day,” Scott says in the book. She began Ride for Mental Health after losing multiple friends and teammates to suicide, including athletes within her own snowboarding community. What started as a few sweatshirts with supportive messages has grown into a full-fledged nonprofit that now partners with national organizations like the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (TSPTS) and the United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association (USASA).
Her goal: to build an educational program for coaches to better support athletes dealing with mental health struggles. “Coaches spend so much time with athletes and can often spot changes before anyone else,” she told the Mountain Times last year. “We believe coaches can save lives.”
In “Gen Z Teens Take Action,” author Kelli Peterson details Scott’s journey from grief to activism, highlighting her persistence, family support, and creative outreach strategies — including the launch of her podcast Tell Me More, where she interviews athletes and experts about mental health in competitive sports.
“Pippa just would not take no for an answer,” her father says in the book, describing her determination to build partnerships and push through the stigma around teen suicide. “You can have a great idea, but if you don’t put in the work, it doesn’t get done.”
The book’s release provides another platform for Scott’s message to reach wider audiences. She hopes the increased visibility will support her nonprofit’s mission and help other teens feel less alone. “People are going to be safer,” she said, “because this messaging is flowing to more eyes.”
“Gen Z Teens Take Action” is available now at major booksellers and online at outskirtspress.com/genzteenstakeaction.
To support or learn more about Pippa Scott’s nonprofit visit: rideformh.org.
