On February 24, 2009 our community’s youth were challenged to continue a movement of kindness that began more than 10 years ago. This movement began silently and humbly by a girl named Rachel Joy Scott who lived out her life with her family near Littleton Colorado and attended Columbine High School until 1999.
Rachel was the first life taken April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School. Nearly 10 years later the stories are no easier for our hearts to hear and the footage of that day is no more settling for our souls to absorb. Though we did spend some of our time going back to that day of April 20, 1999 and we honour the families that have been forever changed, our time together was not spent focusing on the sadness of Rachel’s death. Rather, our time was spent learning about and celebrating her life.
Rachel lived her life with intention and by an amazing yet simple set of ethics and codes for life. She was kind and compassionate. She believed that trust, compassion and beauty would make this world a better place to be in and this life a better one to live. No matter where, no matter what, she made an effort every day to extend acts of kindness with no real idea of how much impact she was having on the people who were on the receiving end of these acts.
Always knowing she was a great kid, it wasn’t until after her death that Rachel’s family began to realize the significance Rachel’s life had in the lives of others. Upon her memorial cross and in true Rachel fashion, Darrell Scott (Rachel’s Dad) set a goal and sent a message; “Your life was so full of meaning and your death will not be in vain, I love you so much my sweet girl” and so was born: Rachel’s Challenge.
Through her journal writings and the testimony from the many individuals that Rachel directly impacted with her acts of kindness, Rachel’s family and many other committed individuals have been devoting their time and energy to sharing Rachel’s story and spreading her messages, inspiring millions to accept the challenge.
Walking into our community hall on the morning of February 24th part way through the first assembly, it was amazing to witness a sea of senior high students: silent, still, engaged, attentive, inspired and moved by Rachel’s story. This scene repeated itself with a new wave of middle year’s students at the second assembly.
That day I was reminded of the power and potential our youth possesses if only afforded the freedom to dream, the encouragement to lead, the opportunity to pick themselves up and learn from mistakes and what I believe to be of great importance the acknowledgement of their ability to teach.
I have no doubt that our youth will rise to the challenge and with the Friends of Rachel Club - of which more than 60 senior high students received training in that afternoon, we are going to see our youth engaged and involved in amazing things … so long as we are watching.
So, the challenge that remains is not to the youth … it is to our community. It is for us, the adults to also accept Rachel’s Challenge as our youth so enthusiastically did yesterday to live life intentionally.
- To Eliminate Prejudice by always looking for the best in everyone, especially our youth. Allowing and celebrating the moments of mistake as opportunities for growth. Offering the time and space for youth to pick themselves up and find solutions to the problems and mistakes that they are sure to encounter. Finding our place beside them; not behind them propping them up or in front of them leading them out of the fire but beside them so they know they are never alone on this journey.
- Dare to Dream. Afford our youth the freedom to dream by beginning to dream again ourselves (or to dream bigger in the cases of us who have never stopped).
- Choose Positive Influences. Remember that we are role models to our children and we possess that power to choose to be one of a positive nature.
- Use Kind Words. Remember the power of and practice simple acts of kindness even though we may never know the impact they have but trusting that they make a difference
- Start a Chain Reaction. Encourage our youth to lead and resist the temptation to jump into the driver’s seat and show them how it’s done. Acknowledge the ability they possess to teach and to be open to and excited about learning from them.
With an evening assembly open to the community as a whole, many of you were able to brave the roads and find the ever precious commodity we call time to come out to hear this message and accept Rachel’s challenge. For those of you who couldn’t join us but would like to hear more you can visit www.rachelschallenge.com and accept the challenge there.
I was honoured to be a part of this inspirational event and proud of our youth for representing and demonstrating the true spirit of community and stepping up is such a big way.
A big thank you to Cathy for being a leader with broad vision that expands well past the academic function of our schools and bringing this great presentation to our attention and her passionate journey to find a way to bring this message to our community.
A sincere thank you to the my Board of Directors who approved this initiative as a ‘worthy venture’ and to my dedicated staff who do the front line things everyday that maybe don’t make sense in the moment but allows us the ability to make events of this nature happen.
Another big thank you to the awesome presenter Dave, the feedback has been nothing but positive not only of the message you shared but also in the manner in which you shared it. Thank you also to the Scott family and the dedicated people involved with the Rachel’s Challenge organization; your commitment to sharing Rachel’s story and celebrating her life comes through loud and clear.
The last thank you is to Rachel and all of the powerful youth just like her out there who own their lives staying true to who they are inspiring those around them without even knowing it.
“Don’t let your character change color with your environment. Find out who you are and let it stay its true color.”
~Rachel Joy Scott