Names in the News: Columbine Victim Inspires 'Chain Reaction of Kindness' in Downers Grove

Students at two Downers Grove middle schools are hoping to combat bullying this year with new clubs that promote kindness and compassion.

Inspired by Rachel's Challenge, a nationwide program that champions a "culture of kindness," Herrick and O'Neill middle schools inDowners Grove Grade School District 58 have started "Friends of Rachel" clubs to tackle issues with bullying, self-esteem and exclusion.

The program was suggested by O'Neill principal Christine Clavenna, who saw its successes at her previous school in Mokena.

"Middle school is a time when we see a lot of students struggling with things like bullying and feelings of isolation," Clavenna said. "I really loved this program at my old school because it was all about positivity and hope."

Rachel's Challenge was started by the family of 17-year-old Rachel Joy Scott, the first student killed during the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. The program was inspired by writings and drawings in several of her journals, which contained her hopes and dreams for the world.

Not long before Rachel died, she wrote an essay titled "My Ethics, My Codes of Life," in which she outlines her most sacred values—honesty, compassion, and "looking for the best and beauty in everyone."

"Compassion," she wrote, "is the greatest form of love humans have to offer." 

(Read complete essay in the attached PDF.)

Rachel concluded: "I am sure that my codes of life may be very different from yours, but how do you know that trust, compassion and beauty will not make this world a better place to be in and this life a better one to live? My codes may seem like a fantasy that can never be reached, but test them for yourself, and see the kind of effect they have in the lives of people around you. You may just start a chain reaction."

Click here to read the complete story.

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