Hope arises from Columbine tragedy as Rachel's Challenge visits local schools

The tragedy brought a nation to tears and forced educators to rethink how to improve the safety of kids from Maine to California. Since that day 15 years ago, iron fences have grown from the lawns and sidewalks surrounding many of our nation’s schools and police officers frequently roam busy hallways where hundreds of students congregate every Monday through Friday when school is in session.

Those long ago events also inspired Rachel’s Challenge, a program based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim of the Columbine shootings. Through her example, Rachel’s Challenge is making a positive impact in the lives of millions of people every year.

Lemoore’s students will learn more about Rachel’s Challenge in a special assembly on Tuesday morning, August 26 in the Lemoore High School Event Center where Rachel’s story hopes to inspire them to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion.

The public will be invited to a special program to be held from 6-7 p.m. in on August 26 in the school’s Presentation Center located at 101 E. Bush Street, adjacent to the main office.

Educators, parents and students are bringing Rachel’s Challenge into their schools because of escalating problems of bullying, student isolation, teen suicide, discrimination, school violence and increased disciplinary actions. The program utilizes powerful presentations, trainings, community events, and professional development in to provide a sustainable solution.

“It is very important that students and staff alike are reminded of the devastating impact bullying, discrimination, and social as well as emotional issues can have on school climate and culture,” said Victor Rosa, Lemoore High School District’s Assistant Superintendent. Rachel’s Challenge is an excellent example of how students can have a positive impact on one another and develop a more positive school environment.”

Rachel’s inspiring story provides a simple, yet powerful example of how small acts of kindness and acceptance motivate us to consider our relationships with the people we come in contact with every day. The program is designed to renew hope and instill in others that life has meaning and purpose. Rachel’s story inspires others to start their own chain reaction of kindness and compassion, which positively affects the climate in schools and communities.

Rachel’s father, Darrell Scott, founded Rachel’s Challenge, a bullying and violence abatement program shortly after testifying before a Congressional House Judiciary Committee regarding issues of school violence. More than 2.5 million students annually experience Rachel’s Challenge and have the opportunity to accept the challenges, modeled after Rachel’s life and writings.