Rachel’s Challenge is a program that was created in memory of Rachel Joy Scott who was a victim of the Columbine High school shooting in 1999. Before she was killed, Rachel kept a notebook in which she talked about the ways she hoped to change the world. These entries were later found and used to create a program that would inspire generations to come. The goal of this challenge is to start a chain reaction of kindness so that it spreads to everyone so no one feels alone. It inspires everyone to look for the best in others, speak with kindness, choose positive influences, eliminate prejudice, and have big dreams.
Rachel’s challenge had a big impact on the students here at DHS and inspired them to try to make a difference to better their lives or someone else’s. Nedaat Masiat ‘26 states, “The assembly made me want to be a better person and inspired me to even start my own chain reaction of kindness.” This ripple effect of kindness had a powerful effect on students and staff. By embracing these acts of kindness, it can build a community where everyone feels valued.
Throughout students and staff, there has been a noticeable difference in kindness. Teacher Spencer Butterworth states, “I definitely think the assembly had an effect on the students, I see them every day and I see more and more students trying to make a difference by simply being kind and it’s working.”
We hope to see this assembly and its lessons have a long-term effect on the students, faculty, and Derby High School as a whole.
The Raider Press 