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Rachel’s Challenge

Rachel’s Challenge, a positive message for valley youth

On May 6, 2009, over 3000 area high school and middle school students heard a message and took a challenge from a teen who died more than 10 years ago.  That girl, Rachel Scott, died in the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. In celebration of her life, Rachel’s Challenge was developed by her family and classmates. Area youth participated in an assembly at Wesbanco Arena, co-sponsored by Youth Services System, Inc. and Northwood Health Systems. Rachel’s Challenge is the largest school assembly program in the country.

Students heard about Rachel Scott, but more importantly, they were asked to accept her Challenge. This challenge has five parts. First, students are asked to eliminate prejudice, to see the good in others. Next, each youth is challenged to dare to dream. Students will keep journals to refine and capture their dreams. The third part is to carefully choose your influences. Participants are asked to evaluate and choose their positive influences. Fourth, students are asked to use kind words and deeds. Rachel believed that even small acts of kindness carried an impact, often greater than was realized. Finally, students are asked to start a chain reaction, that is, to use Rachel’s Challenge to influence their family and friends.
An afternoon training session was held so that the energy from the assembly will be carried forward. Schools will learn about Friends of Rachel groups to sustain this effort. Students, teachers and community members will work together to meet Rachel’s Challenge.

Dave Gamache from Rachel’s Challenge led the assembly and the training for teachers and students in the afternoon. Mr. Gamache works with the Colorado-based Rachel’s Challenge and has had much experience working with young people.

Ohio Valley schools participating in the May 6 event are:

  • Hancock County: Weir High School;
  • Ohio County: Wheeling Park High School, Bridge Street Middle School, Triadelphia Middle School, Warwood Middle School, Wheeling Middle School, The Linsly School, Wheeling Central Catholic High School, Lyceum Academy for Girls;
  • Marshall County: John Marshal High School, Cameron High School, Sherrard Junior High School, Moundsville Junior High School, Bishop Donohue Catholic High School; Wetzel County: Valley High School;
  • Belmont County: Bridgeport High School, Bridgeport Middle School.

For background information: http://www.rachelschallenge.com/ website for Rachel’s Challenge