Rachel Scott
Rachel was the first person to die at the tragic Columbine High School shootings on April 20, 1999. The story of the promising young life that was cut short and the writings she left behind have been an inspiration to thousands through the impact of Rachel’s Challenge. CTA Middle School science teacher, Tyler Buitenwerf, had his students summarize what they learned from the assembly:
One month before she died, Rachel wrote a paper entitled, “My ethics, my codes of life.” In that paper she summarized who she was and how she was going to treat others. Her goal was to start a chain reaction of compassion and kindness.
5 challenges were given to our students:
• Look for the best in others! Eliminate prejudice.
• DREAM BIG, write goals, keep a journal
• Choose positive influences, “we all have somebody who is a good influence”
• Speak with kindness. “Words can hurt or heal.” Who do you need to say sorry to?
• Start your own chain reaction. Give people at least 3 chances
Who matters to you? Go to them in the next few days and tell them
how much you care for them.
“Hands” by Jewel
If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we’re all OK
And not to worry ‘cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these
I won’t be made useless
I won’t be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear
My hands are small, I know
But they’re not yours, they are my own
But they’re not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
Poverty stole your golden shoes
It didn’t steal your laughter
And heartache came to visit me
But I knew it wasn’t ever after
We’ll fight, not out of spite
For someone must stand up for what’s right
‘Cause where there’s a man who has no voice
There ours shall go singing
My hands are small I know
But they’re not yours, they are my own
But they’re not yours, they are my own
I am never broken
In the end only kindness matters
In the end only kindness matters
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
My hands are small I know
But they’re not yours, they are my own
But they’re not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
My hands are small I know
But they’re not yours, they are my own
But they’re not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
We are never broken
We are God’s eyes
God’s hands
God’s mind
We are God’s eyes
God’s hands
God’s heart
We are God’s eyes
God’s hands
God’s eyes
We are God’s hands
We are God’s hands
