Columbine victim’s program works to create a chain of kindness

Rachel’s Challenge is a program based on Rachel Scott, who was the first student killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. The examples she set with kindness and compassion coupled with entries from her diaries have become the foundation for what’s been called one of the most life-changing school/community programs in the country.

“School board members, parents and even students came to me prior to last year asking if there was anything we can do because the community has a bullying problem,” said LeeAnn Meer, executive director of Friends Against Abuse in International Falls.

She explained that after researching the issue, a survey showed that International Falls has a higher frequency of bullying compared to the rest of the state. Last year, Friends Against Abuse went into the elementary school classrooms and held numerous sessions on bullying.

The agency is bringing in Rachel’s Challenge to reach out not only to the school, but to the community as well.

The program will include Rachel’s story and what was uncovered about her, as well as actual footage from the Columbine tragedy. After her death, it was discovered that she had written six diaries and many papers about how she wanted to touch the lives of millions and make a difference. The difference to her was simple — she wanted people to perform random acts of kindness.

Rachel’s family, who built the program, said that Rachel believed these acts of kindness would create chain reactions and change the way people live.

“This program has touched over one million students already and is literally changing the environments of schools,” Meer said.

Students in grades 6-12 will have the opportunity to experience the program during the school day and the general public will be able to attend the evening presentation.

Even though Rachel’s Challenge is geared toward older audiences, the youngsters in the schools won’t be left out. Mary Casanova will offer an anti-bullying presentation for students in grades K-5 Wednesday at the Falls Elementary gymnasium.

“Mary wrote a book called ‘Chrissa’ which focuses on bullying,” Meer said. “It is a fantastic book that has had a doll and movie made from it.”

Meer said the purpose of getting Casanova into the classrooms of the younger students is to educate them on bullying and hopefully avoid a problem before it starts.

“Going back to our survey, it showed that 90 percent of students in grades 3-5 have been physically bullied and 88 percent believe bullying is a problem here,” Meer said. “Those numbers are frightening. They’re too high.”

Meer hopes to have community involvement and support for this program.

“We all need to pull together and be on the same page about this bullying issue. We need everyone’s help to make the difference we need to make.”

The program is free and everyone is encouraged to attend. Meer said she was astonished at the power the presentation held and has no doubt it will have an emotional impact on everyone who is a part of it.

“Rachel’s message — her challenge — touches people’s hearts and opens their minds,” Meer said. “It moves audiences to a whole new level of kindness, consideration, thoughtfulness and understanding. Rachel’s Challenge makes everyone aware of the scars that bullying, intimidation and violence can cause. Together, we can prevent these negative experiences. Our goal is to change the culture of our schools and community. Violence is learned behavior and it can be unlearned.”

If you go:

What: Rachel’s Challenge

When: 6 p.m. Oct. 5

Where: Falls High School Gymnasium

Why: To help make a difference and diminish the bullying problem in the community