Little acts of kindness

From tragedy, hope can often spring. The story of one young girl has impacted the lives of millions of students across America since she lost her life 20 years ago as the first person killed in the Columbine High School shooting, and her legacy of positive change will be coming to Crook County next week.

“The school district is bringing Rachel’s Challenge to every building and each attendance center,” says Superintendent Mark Broderson. 

“I would like to make sure the communities are well aware of the opportunity to attend the seminars.”

Rachel Joy Scott’s story did not end with her death. According to Rachel’s Challenge, the nonprofit organization that promotes her legacy, it was really only the beginning.

Students who had been touched by Rachel’s kindness reached out to her family to share their stories of the impact her simple acts of humanity had had on them. One credited her with preventing him from taking his own life.

The transformational power of Rachel’s story led to the formation of Rachel’s Challenge, which is the foundation for programs that promote a more positive climate in schools. Rachel’s vision was to start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion; the program reflects this vision in its mission of “making schools safer, more connected places where bullying and violence are replaced with kindness and respect; and where learning and teaching are awakened to their fullest”.

The Crook County School District is working with Rachel’s Challenge to stimulate academic achievement and social-emotional learning by focusing on the connections between students, faculty and staff. The program aims to combat problems such as bullying, student isolation, teen suicide, discrimination, school violence and disciplinary actions through presentations, trainings, community events and professional development.

Rachel’s Challenge now involves more than 1.5 million people each year, including over 1200 schools. A Rachel’s Challenge staff member will be sharing her story with the community in Moorcroft on August 27 at 7 p.m. in the MHS auditorium; in Hulett on August 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hulett School; and in Sundance on August 29 at 7 p.m. in the SHS auditorium.

All members of the community are invited to attend.