“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 Scott wrote this quote shortly before she passed in the Columbine High School shooting in 1999.
Though her life has passed on, her legacy still remains in the hearts of many people.
Started by Rachel’s dad and step-mom, Rachel’s Challenge is a non-profit organization that travels the world with its mission to stop bullying and save lives of others. This program is meant to help students and adults have a safe environment in their office or classroom.
So, to influence the lives of BPHS, PRIDE is presenting “Rachel’s Challenge” on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. This program is based on a true story about a girl whose dream is to change the world through her acts of kindness and compassion.
Juliana Leis, a junior, has brought this production to the school in high hopes that it will affect many students.
Juliana said, “I’m hoping ‘Rachel’s Challenge’ will inspire people in the school to at least be nicer to each other.”
Juliana thinks that Bethel Park doesn’t have a major issue of bullying, but she stills feels that the topic should be brought to people’s attention. In light of the new REACH (anti-bullying) program at BPHS, ‘Rachel’s Challenge’ could not come at a more opportune time.
“Rachel’s Challenge” has a goal in its program to start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion to others so that the world will be a better place. Juliana truly thinks that this will happen because she believes that everyone that has witnessed this program has been impacted.
“I mean it started with me back at conference,” Juliana said.
Even though there are many anti-bullying programs in the world, Juliana picked this one for a special reason. She believes that this program is different; that it is so inspiring that Rachel almost knew she would die.
As students watch this production, Juliana hopes they will take something away with them that will last their entire life.
“I hope students take away the fact that you don’t know how much impact your actions have on people, and one act of kindness can change people’s lives.”
So, on Wednesday Oct. 23, the auditorium will be filled with students, inspired with the message that Rachel Scott always wanted to be spread throughout the world.
For more information about Rachel’s Challenge, visit: http://www.rachelschallenge.org.
