“My own two children were in the school that day,” he said. “My daughter had to run for her life.
“That’s a day I’ll never forget and a day I hope you’ll never see.”
But after the family found Rachel’s inspirational diaries, including one with a bullet hole that was recovered from her backpack, it was determined to see that something good would come of the tragedy. It founded “Rachel’s Challenge,” a campaign against school bullying and violence that sends 35 speakers — including family members and Columbine survivors — around the nation.
Rachel’s challenges include looking for “the best in others to eliminate prejudice in your life,” daring to dream for your life, choosing positive influences and using kind words.
Scott said that Rachel’s writings were peppered with allusions to her own early death and her belief that she would accomplish great things.
After the program, students were invited to join a club, Friends Of Rachel, a national organization that is devoted to making schools, and thus society, a better place.
Before the event, Ross principal Lani Wildow anticipated that about 100 to 120 students would make the commitment to public speaking and after-school activities that are a mandatory part of being FOR. However, nearly 300 students, about a third of the student body, turned up for the second assembly, which began with them sharing their impressions of “Rachel’s Challenge.”
“I personally witnessed a boy being bullied this year and it got pretty severe,” said Emily Broshear. “It has to stop.”
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