Community Invited To Hear Inspiring Story Of "Rachel's Challenge"

The Lakewood City Schools continues its efforts to curb bullying and violence among our youth with the community presentation of "Rachel’s Challenge" at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium on Monday, September 24 at 7 p.m.

"Rachel’s Challenge," a national bullying and violence abatement program, exists to equip and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying and negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion. "Rachel’s Challenge" is based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott, who was the first victim of the Columbine school shootings in 1999. Through Rachel Scott's example, "Rachel’s Challenge" is having a positive impact upon the lives of millions of people every day.

Rachel’s inspiring story provides a simple, yet powerful example of how small acts of kindness and acceptance motivate us to consider our relationships with the people we come in contact with every day. Rachel’s story gives people permission to start their own chain reaction of kindness and compassion, which positively affects the climate in our schools.

Since the inception of "Rachel’s Challenge," more than 17 million people have heard Rachel’s story in live settings around the world.

The core component is the impassioned school and community assemblies that tell the story of Rachel Scott and inspires a desire for change among students. The "Rachel’s Challenge" program is unique in that the assembly is followed up with student training, a permanent school club and a community presentation. 

The students of Lakewood High School will hear the presentation during school on September 24. The evening presentation is intended for parents and the general community. For more information, visit www.rachelschallenge.org.

“Bringing the 'Rachel’s Challenge' program to Lakewood High School is vital to continuing the conversation on bullying in our society,” said Lakewood High House 2 Principal Brad Leyrer, who is coordinating the presentations at the Civic. “LHS welcomes the opportunity to continue to make our school a positive place for each student to learn, every period, every day.”