Rachel's Challenge

On April 20, 1999, the unimaginable happened. Two male students chose to mark the birthday of Adolf Hitler by charging into their school, Columbine High School, armed with guns. By the end of the day 12 students and one teacher had lost their lives. The shooters then killed themselves. Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Her parents have turned that tragedy into a powerful call for ending bullying and promoting positive interactions between students. Based on an essay she wrote in the weeks prior to her death and on her 6 journals, they have created an organization called “Rachel’s Challenge.” www.rachelschallenge.org

On Monday, November 14, 2011, our school marked the beginning of our Anti-Bullying Week by hosting Rachel’s Challenge assemblies. The assemblies were provided for our school by Steve Moore Chevrolet in Charlotte, NC and News Channel 36.

The speaker shared the life of Rachel Joy Scott and the challenges that she had left for us all through her writing. Throughout both assemblies the students were absolutely riveted to the speaker and the video clips that were shared. We were absolutely and fully drawn into Rachel’s story and I believe the students left the assembly having accepted Rachel’s Challenge.

During lunch, students have been signing their names, accepting Rachel's Challenge.

From Rachel’s writing, the speaker left us with 5 challenges:

1. Eliminate Prejudice by looking for the best in others

2. Dare to Dream - set goals, keep a journal

3. Choose your Influences input determines output

4. Kind Words - small acts of kindness= huge impact

5. Start a Chain Reaction with family and friends

We have accepted Rachel’s Challenge!