Rachel Joy Scott was killed in the Columbine High School shooting on April 20, 1999. She was the first of 13 people to be killed. Rachel Scott was one of the kindest, best mannered people to live. She believed that every man, woman, or child, should be treated the same, and no different.
A few months before her death, Rachel Scott wrote an essay entitled, “My Ethics, My Codes of Life.” In it she 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.” These words have traveled throughout the country since 1999, and have made a difference on how many people view themselves, and others, too.
Rachel's family started a program called Rachel's Challenge shortly after the shooting. They, and others, go to school's throughout America, and talk about Rachel Scott's chain reaction. Rachel's Challenge is for people to create and keep positive places to work, learn, or live.
If one person, just one, cared about others enough to start a chain reaction, maybe others would follow. Perhaps you could start that chain reaction, wherever you are. Whether your at work, at school, or at home, go out on a limb and say, “Be kind!”
So I end this with a date, August 5, 1981 – April 20, 1999. Rachel Scott's years of life. She lived a short life, but you cant say she didn't live a full life. She lived a very full life. She touched many hearts, and she moved many people, even after her death. Rest in peace Rachel Joy Scott.
