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