Friday, October 7, 2011

The Impact of Rachel's Challenge

By now, you have probably heard talk of the Rachel's Challenge Event we hosted on Wednesday. Whether you experienced it first-hand, heard the events recounted by your child, or saw coverage on the news, it is difficult to deny the program's impact.  The Rachel's Challenge Event was comprised of 2 student assemblies, a student training for the "Friends of Rachel (FOR)" club, and an evening community event.  I can't speak for anyone else, but I know the experience is going to ultimately be life-changing for me.

JB from Rachel's Challenge, Dr. Patterson, and Duffie Dixon of 11 Alive News










Rachel's Challenge combines the tragedy of the Columbine High School shootings with the beauty of Rachel Scott's writings and legacy, to challenge individuals to live differently.  The challenge has 5 components: 1)To eliminate prejudice; 2)Speak words that heal not hurt; 3)Forgive yourself and others; 4)Choose positive influences; and 5)Start a chain reaction.

Students sign the Rachel's Challenge banner to officially accept the challenge.

Rachel's Challenge doesn't end with the assembly. In fact, it's just beginning, and we need your support! We are all so excited and inspired to reach out and start our own chain reactions. The students have shared their ideas and we want to support them. As we post projects, feel free to reach out and help in any way you can. If you have an idea for a project, no matter how small, let us know about it so that our students can help!  Rachel Scott's message is a testament to us all of the powerful difference that one person can make.


"I have this theory that if one can go out of their way to show compassion, it will start a chain reaction of the same."
-Rachel Joy Scott


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1 comment:

  1. Chris HosakaOctober 27, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    I'm very happy that the HMS administration and faculty are so aware of the long-term adverse affects of bullying and teasing. My son is in 6th grade at HMS and has been treated to a wide variety of name calling and teasing from older students. It happens in the hall between classes and has been an every day trial for him. It is not just one or two specific kids, but many of the older kids. If we knew who any of them were, we would be contacting HMS. When such a large number and variety of kids are picking on younger kids, what can be done?

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