Tranter Banter

Yesterday I had the awesome opportunity to attend Rachel’s Challenge at my son’s high school.  Rachel’s Challenge was a student assembly brought to Herkimer County schools by The Herkimer County Youth Violence Prevention Committee.   The program is inspired by the writings and life of Rachel Scott, the 17 year old first victim of the Columbine High School Shooting on April 20, 1999.

As I watched footage from the original scene, I was taken back to that terrible day in 1999.  I remember watching the events unfold while two of my own children were attending middle school.  It was a terrible day for mothers and fathers all across America who couldn’t wait to hug and hold their children when they came home from school.  For the first time we actually began to consider that our children weren’t safe in the place where they were supposed to be safe.  I sat watching the video of parents and children being reunited and those parents who found out their child would never come home and my tears started.

Rachel Scott was a normal teenager with a bubbling personality, dreams and ups and downs.  She loved photography and singing even though her family teased her about her terrible voice.  She was a participant in life and left an amazing legacy of service to others, kindness and compassion.  She was the first to reach out to new students or those who were different or picked on by others.  Her dreams and hopes were centered on making a difference in the lives of others.

Rachel wrote “I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same.  People will never know how far a little kindness can go. “

Today 160,000 kids each day stay home from school for fear of bullying.  Rachel’s Challenge encourages students to examine their own lives to make a positive impact and start a chain reaction.   Rachel’s Challenge focuses on five key aspects

           1.  Look for the Best in Others.

           2.   Dream Big.

           3.   Choose Positive Influences.

           4.   Speak with Kindness.

           5.   Start your own Chain Reaction.

Participating high schools are given a banner which heads “I Accept Rachel’s Challenge” where students are asked to sign. 

Rachel’s Challenge has reached over 18 million people and has offered hope and the possibility of change to students.  The core ideals are not just for students, but adults can benefit as well.  I know I will.

You can read more about Rachel Scott and Rachel’s Challenge by visiting www.RachelsChallenge.org.  If your children were fortunate enough to see this presentation, talk with them and hear what they say and then start your own chain reaction.