This week, Rachel's Challenge, the story of Rachel Scott, is being told at the Santa Fe Jr. High and High Schools. Rachel was the first person murdered in the Columbine shootings on April 20, 1999. A few days after she died, her personal journals were found in her bedroom. In them were wise and profound words and an idea to make this world a better place. Rachel's Challenge isn't just a violence prevention program for schools and communities. It's a challenge that we should all take seriously.

We attended the slideshow and presentation this morning at Santa Fe High school. A friend of Rachel's family told the story of Rachel and relayed her message through the personal journals that were found after her death. From reading the passages and hearing her message, it was clear that Rachel's mission was to change the world, one person at a time. She wanted to cause a chain reaction of kindness so that violence would not have a chance to thrive.

After her death, Rachel was awarded the 2001 National Kindness Award for Student of the Year. On it were these words: For the legacy of kindness left behind by a 17-year-old girl, killed during the Columbine High School shooting.

If you want to know more about Rachel's story, visit www.rachelschallenge.com.

GET INVOLVED...

To all parents and community, please come to the Santa Fe Community Rachel's Challenge Assembly, Tuesday, December 5, 2006, at the Santa Fe Intermediate Auditorium from 6:30-7:30 PM.