Rachel's Challenge visited Mount St. Mary Academy on Wednesday, October 12, presenting a message of kindness and promoting positive change in schools. As part of the Mount's ongoing initiative to promote Kindness, Care and Compassion, Principal Dawn Riggie invited Rachel's Challenge to work with the Class of 2012 and speak before the student body.

"Our school was founded with the mission to nurture young women and promote acceptance of others," says Riggie. "The Rachel's Challenge program reinforces that message to our students and encourages them to start a chain reaction of positivity."

Students viewed audio/video footage of Columbine High School while learning about Rachel Scott and her efforts to make an impact, one small act at a time. Presenter Sarah Branion challenged all the students to take simple steps that would make their community a better place. Students who accepted the challenge signed their name on the Rachel's Challenge banner to pledge their support for positive change.

Additionally, Mount St. Mary's seniors worked in small groups with Branion to identify ways that they can make an impact in their school community and ideas for leadership among their peers. 

Rachel's Challenge is dedicated to the message of Rachel Scott, the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. The organization addresses student and adult groups using audio/video footage and Rachel's diaries to teach the importance of kindness. For more information on Rachel's Challenge, see www.rachelschallenge.org.

This opportunity was made possible by the John R. Oshei Foundation.