As you may recall, Rachel Scott was the first person killed in the Columbine High School tragedy on April 20, 1999. Her acts of kindness and compassion, coupled with the contents of her six diaries, have become the foundation for a life-changing school program in America called Rachel's Challenge. Rachel's Legacy (Grades 9-12) and Rachel's Impact (Grades 6-8) is the next step for schools who have accepted Rachel's Challenge by encouraging students to recognize their full potential in life along with how to create their own legacy. This program will continue not only to impact the climate of our school but the long-term culture as well. Presenters go into schools like SVA and share Rachel's vision for a better world by encouraging the following five challenges:
Eliminate prejudice - look for the best in others - Leave a Legacy of Kindness
Dare to dream - Treat other the way you want to be treated - Show compassion
Choose positive influences - Practice Pre-Acceptance
Speak Words of Kindness - practice little acts of kindness - Learn from Your Mistakes
Start a chain reaction - Forgive Yourself and Others
On Wednesday, January 25, John, speaker for the Rachel's Challenge organization, addressed our middle and high school students on Rachel's Legacy. This presentation further encouraged our students to continue their focus on being kind and reaching out to others. SVA students and guests even signed a new banner "My Legacy Starts Today" in declaration of this cause to start a chain reaction. That evening, the Rachel's Legacy presentation was open to the community which also proved to be a very powerful and inspirational experience for many of those in attendance. For more information on this organization and the mission of Rachel's Challenge please visit their website at: www.rachelschallenge.org
