Rachel’s Challenge is based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott, who was the first victim of the Columbine school shootings in 1999.  A few weeks after the tragedy, Rachel’s father Darrell Scott spoke to a Congressional House Judiciary Committee regarding issues of school violence. Soon afterward, he founded Rachel’s Challenge, a bullying and violence abatement program.  According to the organization, more than 2.5 million students annually experience Rachel’s Challenge and have the opportunity to accept the challenges modeled after Rachel’s life and writings.  Organizers believe that Rachel’s story provides a simple yet powerful example of how small acts of kindness and acceptance motivate us to consider our relationships with the people we come into contact with every day. 

The Unalaska City School District will host a speaker from Rachel’s Challenge next week.  Several presentations will be held for students during the school day on Friday, September 6. Older students will also participate in youth leadership activities on Saturday, September 7, in collaboration with the Rachel’s Challenge representative.  

Everyone is invited to a community-wide event at the high school at 6 PM on Friday, September 6 to find out about Rachel’s Challenge and the community’s role in addressing bullying and school violence.  For more information, contact UCSD at 581-1222.