High School Accepts Rachel’s Challenge

1st row: Katherine Fochesto, Liana O’Brien, DJ Croleos, Crystal Souroul, Meaghan Young, Carolyn Holecek, Shannon Murphy and Eric Riegel. 2nd row:Crystal Hurrell, Caitlin Monaghan, Kristen Muscarella, Leah Munnelly, Natasha Khan, Dana Scott, Eleni Psaltis, Ali Damiano, Taryn Deitrick and Amanda Russo Dana Scott, the sister of Rachel Scott, who lost her life in the tragedy at Columbine High School, presented an emotional, sensitive and life-altering program for students and parents entitled “Rachel’s Challenge” at Garden City High School on Sept. 23.

Ms. Scott discussed the terrible shootings at Columbine on April 20, 1999, and how through her sister Rachel’s death, triumph has emerged from tragedy. In memory of Rachel, who led an exemplary life of sharing her love and extraordinary kindness with others and especially those in need, the Scott family created “Rachel’s Challenge,” a program that creates a safer, more accepting school climate for students. Dana’s message explained the chain reaction that occurs when people show compassion through kind deeds, which was the focus of Rachel’s life. Rachel’s brother said, “Rachel was committed to kindness and that impacted the world...That kindness starts a chain reaction.”

Student leaders proudly display banner Dana Scott challenged the students in five different categories:

Garden City High School students and Dana Scott

1. Accept people for who they are. Don’t judge them by appearance. If you are prejudiced or look down on people, eliminate this from your life.

2. Have positive influences in your life. Consider the influences that impact your life such as trends, music, books and people you choose to be with. Examine these areas and balance your life with positive influences.

Dana Scott addressing students 3. Keep a diary or journal for yourself. So much was learned from Rachel’s diaries. Her words and thoughts are treasured by all who hear or read them.

4. Focus on “Random Acts of Kindness.” What you do has impact on the lives of others. You have the power to tear down or make better. Reach out to the handicapped, new students, kids who are bullied. Take advantage of opportunities to be kind. The 2001 Acts of Kindness Association dedicated the National Kindness Award to Rachel Scott for her enormous kindness to others.

Making the commitment for Rachel’s Challenge 5. Think about three to five people you know, care about and love. Look them in the eye and tell them how you feel about them. Don’t take the ones you love for granted.

Student reaction to this assembly was overwhelming. Their emotional response and respect for this powerful message was truly inspiring. Following the assembly, there was a workshop for student leaders who will be pro-active in reinforcing “Rachel’s Challenge” in the classroom, at school clubs and organizations, on the playing field and at social events. A parent’s presentation was held Friday evening to spread the word to students’ families. Garden City High School has accepted “Rachel’s Challenge” as a positive effort in helping to make the world a better place.

Workshop discussions for Rachel’s Challenge The school would like to thank program coordinator Natasha Kahan and her committee: Crystal Hurrell, Cathy Oriani, Lois Kuster, Suzanne Stuckey, Loreen McMahon and parent members Maureen Cornacchia and Lynn Hayes.

Students signing that they accept the challenge