Kindness: One act leads to another

By Steve Ritchie

The way tragic events often give rise to amazingly positive acts of grace is a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit.

Take the 1999 shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado. The first victim shot was Rachel Joy Scott.

Her parents and others believe the teen killers specifically targeted her because of her beliefs. Her mother described Rachel as a devout Christian, and she was known for being a compassionate and kind person.

One of Rachel’s school essays contained the following thoughts: “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.”

Fast forward 11 years.

Inspired by the life and senseless death of Rachel Scott, Rachel’s Challenge is a national school outreach program for the prevention of teen violence.

Rachel’s Challenge, which is non-religious, non-political and non-profit, is at work promoting random acts of kindness.

Since its inception, Rachel’s Challenge has spread to more than 5,000 schools and reached more than 5 million young people, with its aim to reduce violence and bullying, while encouraging greater self worth for individuals.

Kennedy High School is joining schools across the country in embracing Rachel’s Challenge. The website, www.rachelschallenge.org, offers testimonials from school administrators and student leaders about the impact Rachel’s Challenge has had on their schools.

Principal Troy Stoops said Kennedy started Rachel’s Challenge in 2008 under the leadership of teacher Dave Moberg. Stoops said interest was great, with 80 students signing up, but the program lagged after Moberg’s departure.

“Coupled with our efforts on the Virtues Program, (Rachel’s Challenge) is just an extension of that and goes right along with it,” Stoops said.

One of the activities undertaken two years ago was lacing paper chains around the hallway. Each loop was made of a slip of paper that acknowledged an act of kindness that had been witnessed at the school.

“It’s important for students to understand the concepts of compassion and kindness. This is a way to create cultural change within a school,” Stoops said.

Stoops said the program can mitigate “bullying” and other peer problems by underscoring the need for respect and tolerance for those around you. The program is not limited to in-school activities.

Stoops envisions a school-wide effort, probably in the spring, where all JFK students would spend a day on community service projects. It could involve a class competition, to see which class can have the most impact. “It ties in with our vision to give back to the community, and the kids learn a great deal from that,” Stoops said.

To reinvigorate the school’s commitment to Rachel’s Challenge a concert will be held at Kennedy Dec. 14. Brittle Bricks, a soft-rock group from the United Kingdom, will perform. Stoops said the concert will offer a positive, uplifting message not only for students, but for the whole family.

Kennedy ASB President Angel Cardenas shares Stoops’ enthusiasm for the program.

“The Rachel’s Challenge program will promote new friendships here and is an anti-bullying program. Our goal is to jump-start things with the Brittle Bricks coming here to perform,” Cardenas said.