West Central School Corporation is Honored to Welcome
Admission is Free
Rachel's Challenge is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious organization based in Littleton, Colorado. This is a powerful program honoring Rachel Joy Scott who was the first student killed during the horrible tragedy at Columbine High School in 1999.
Rachel's Challenge is a series of student empowering programs and strategies that equip students and adults to combat bullying and any feelings of isolation and despair by creating a culture of kindness and compassion. The programs are based on the writings and life of 17 year-old Rachel Scott who was the first student killed at Columbine High School in 1999. Rachel left a legacy of reaching out to those who were different, who were picked on by others, or who were new at her school. Shortly before her death she 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."
Rachel's Challenge was started by Rachel's dad and stepmom, Darrell and Sandy Scott when they realized that the writings and drawings Rachel left not only had an impact on her friends and classmates, but also resonated with students around the world. Although Rachel was a typical teenager who even wrote about her "ups and downs," she had a passion and conviction that she would someday change the world. The Scott family knew her story and passion had to be told to inspire others to make their world a better place.
More than 18 million people have been touched by Rachel's message, and they continue the legacy of making a difference in their communities. Each year at least 2 million more people are added to that number. These are just a couple of the results of Rachel's Challenge. In one survey, 78% more students indicated they would definitely intervene in a bullying incident in their school after seeing Rachel's Challenge. In a recent 24 month period, Rachel's Challenge received more than 450 emails from students who indicated that they changed their mind about taking their own life after hearing Rachel's Challenge.
Program Description: Conveyed through stories from Rachel's life and writings, Rachel's Challenge shows the profound positive impact we can have on those around us. Rachel's Challenge demonstrates to the listener the power of deliberately reaching out in word and action to others to start what Rachel called "a chain reaction of kindness and compassion".
Outcomes: Rachel's Challenge motivates the individual to consider where they are personally in relation to the five challenges. It also prompts the listener to reflect on their relationship with and impact on the people around them. Additionally, Rachel's Challenge renews the participants hope that their life has purpose through service to others. Rachel's story gives participants permission to start their own chain reaction of kindness and compassion, which positively affects school climate.
You can learn more about this wonderful organization at
Students will take part in age appropriate assemblies during the day. Please talk with your students about this program and what it means to them and those around them. Please attend the evening event which is recommended for adults or students 12+.
Be the example in your child's life!