MIDDLE SCHOOL
Rachel’s Challenge “I have this theory that if one person will go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same.” ~ Rachel Joy Scott
Rachel Scott was a typical 17-year-old girl. Her story is anything but typical. Rachel was the first fatality of the Columbine High School shootings on April 20, 1999. She was killed as she was eating lunch outside of her school. Rachel kept a diary that included written entries and drawings— and a Code of Ethics essay that stated a simple act of compassion could start a chain reaction of something greater. Her father, Darrell Scott, began touring as a motivational speaker using his daughter’s work. The Scott family started Rachel’s Challenge, a series of student empowerment programs and strategies that equip students and adults to combat bullying and allay feelings of isolation and despair by creating a culture of kindness and compassion. The programs are based on the insightful writings and life of Rachel.
following message on the back of her dresser with a tracing of her hands in honor of Anne: “These hands belong to Rachel J. Scott and will someday touch millions of people.”
Dream Big: Cody encouraged students to not let someone else
determine their dreams. “Your dream is your dream,” he said. “Go after it.” He challenged students to keep a journal and write their goals in it. “There is power in what you write,” he said. Rachel, herself, left six diaries. One quote within it: “I won’t be labeled as average.”
Choose Positive Influences: Rachel committed herself
to helping others. She regularly befriended students with special needs, new students and those students who were being picked on. Rachel made it a point to make a difference in others’ lives.
Prior to spring break, Mason Middle School students in grades 7 and 8 attended a Rachel’s Challenge assembly in the FWCD Scott Theater, and all eighth-graders and select seventh-graders participated in a special student training session. The session provided instruction on how to start the FOR (Friends of Rachel) Club on campus and plan initial club activities to sustain the formation of the club.
Speak with Kindness: Words can build a person up or tear
Cody Hodges, 2005 season quarterback for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, former NFL football player and a friend of the Scott family, is a Rachel’s Challenge motivational speaker. He shared Rachel’s story and imparted her five challenges:
exists because of Rachel’s legacy left to the world in six personal journals. “Your story starts today,” Cody said. “Each and every day, we write our own stories. What does your story say about you?”
Eliminate Prejudice: Cody shared that Rachel’s brother,
Craig, suffered greatly in the aftermath of the shooting. His best friend died in the Columbine shootings because of the color of his skin. Craig was with his friend, huddled under a table in the library, when he was shot. “We must look for the best in others,” Cody stressed. “We are good at judging, but it is wrong.” He shared that one of Rachel’s role models was Anne Frank. Rachel wrote the
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FALCONER
them down. “Words have power,” Cody said. “Kindness can save a life.” Cody also shared that Rachel believed she would die at a young age: She wrote it in her journal at the age of 16. “Rachel’s last words to a teacher prior to her death were ‘I’m going to have an impact on the world,’” Cody shared.
Start Your Own Chain Reaction: Rachel’s Challenge
Rachel’s story challenges people to deliberately reach out to others with kindness. It shows the profound positive impact students can have on those around them by simply paying attention to the little things they do and say every day. Following Cody’s presentation, students signed the Rachel’s Challenge banner, pledging to take part in a purpose-driven life and to use words and actions that have the power to lift one another up and heal.
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