‘Rachel’s Challenge’ inspires Bald Eagle kids to spread kindness

WINGATE, Pa. (WTAJ) – Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim of the Columbine High School massacre, wrote in her journal that she wanted to start a chain reaction. Now, the program Rachel’s Challenge is looking to do just that.

Students at Bald Eagle High School heard a presentation from Veda Tucker, a speaker from Rachel’s Challenge. The talk focused on Rachel’s life and how she wanted to make an impact on millions, something she is still achieving after her death.

“Rachel said she wanted to start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion that would spread around the world, and so that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Tucker said.

The organization goes around to different communities worldwide, spreading the message that Rachel believed in. Tucker challenged the students to work hard to sow kindness in different ways, including eliminating prejudice and choosing “positive influences” to internalize.

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After the presentation, students had the opportunity to join the Friends of Rachel club – a group of kids working together to model the values that Rachel had.

“If you see somebody who’s down or something, just saying one simple thing could make their day ten times better,” one student said.

A big part of the club’s message is to help out fellow peers who are struggling with mental health problems. Another student said to those that are not doing well, there is “a light at the end of the tunnel.”

To find out more about the organization, visit its website .

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