Columbine victim leaves challenge to students

Rachel Scott was the first person killed in the Columbine High School shooting on April 20, 1999. She left behind a legacy of hope and a challenge to all — treat others with kindness and compassion and you might just change the world.
    Scott affected many people during her life through her acts of kindness. She also left behind six journals filled with motivational words that have inspired many students to create change in their schools and communities.
    Rachel's Challenge is a program working to tell every student across the country that they have the "power to make permanent, positive, cultural change in their schools and communities by accepting the challenge of Rachel Scott to start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion," according to www.rachelschallenge.com.
    Rachel's Challenge achieves its goal by motivating kids, educating them and getting them involved in various service projects. The program strives to go beyond treating the symptoms to attack the root of the problems of isolation, prejudice and bullying.
    The program begins with a kick-off assembly to inspire students with Rachel’s life and words. Then students are taught the five main themes of the program: influence, goal-setting, journaling, acceptance and kindness. Kindness and Compassion Clubs are then formed to help students unite and keep the program going all year.
     USD 443 officials want to initiate change in their schools by accepting Rachel's Challenge. They said it's time to focus on positive change on school campuses.
    “We’re excited about it,” said Tara Salmans, a counselor at Dodge City Middle School.
    The first Rachel's Challenge meetings will be offered in both Spanish and English. On Tuesday, the Spanish community session will begin at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center. The community session in English will be at Dodge City High School at  7 p.m. Sept. 11. Students will meet at the Civic Center at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
    By accepting this challenge, the words Rachel Scott wrote in her journal may come true in Dodge City.
    Scott wrote: "I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same."
 
Reach Cherise Forno at (620) 408-9931 or e-mail her at cherise.forno@dodgeglobe.com.
Globe reporter Eric Swanson contributed to this report.