Say
to Rachel's Challenge...
Last year, students in grades 6-8 were invited to attend a Rachel’s Challenge Assembly. Students learned about the heartbreaking shooting that occurred in 1999 at Colorado’s Columbine High School. The devastation of that day resulted in a major contribution by the first student killed, Rachel Scott. Club YES students are ready to continue on the work started by Rachel.
On March 11, 2011, middle school students in Club YES made a commitment to bring kindness into our world through small, purposeful acts. This commitment is a result of Rachel’s Code of Ethics and the realization by her family and friends how important it is to tell others what they mean to you – before it is too late!
Watching the violence of Columbine unfold was a powerful experience for students and staff. Yesenia Venegas, 8th grade student at Thomas Jefferson Club YES in Madera Unified said, "My favorite quote from the assembly was when Rachel wrote in her journal, ‘Someday these hands will touch millions of hearts.’ She still managed to touch a lot of people even though she is gone." Jesus Iniguez, Activity Assistant at Parkwood Club YES in Madera Unified, said, “I could not believe how touched our 6th grade students were by the presentation. Some students and I had tears running down our faces. The students told me they were going to appreciate their families more. They came away from the presentation with a better understanding about how you should never take your family or friends for granted. I know what we saw and heard will be a part of us for a long time.”
Despite the loss of 13 students and one teacher at Columbine, this assembly managed to focus on the contribution that even one person can make in school, in the community and in the world. Students learned the acts of kindness that characterized Rachel’s short life. They saw the impact that her life continues to have for students today through the assemblies and the formation of Friends of Rachel Clubs at school sites.
