IN Peters Township December 2018/January 2019 | Page 76

HAVE YOU TAKEN THE
CHALLENGE?
K
indness matters. A simple idea, but one that can
have a profound impact in the lives of our students
every day in Peters Township. This fall, students were
introduced to the story of Rachel Joy Scott, a young
girl who exemplified the power that simple acts of kindness and
compassion can have on a school and community. It is her story
that began Rachel’s Challenge and has changed lives across the
world.
Rachel’s Challenge is based on the life and writings of Rachel
Joy Scott who was the first victim of the Columbine school
shootings in 1999. Through her example, Rachel’s Challenge is
making a positive impact in the lives of millions of people every
year. Rachel’s Challenge exists to equip and inspire individuals
Students sign the banner to show their pledge to the Kindness Challenge.
Rachel’s Challenge Presenter Chris Mowery shares the five challenges with
our elementary students.
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PETERS TOWNSHIP
to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of
respect, kindness, and compassion.
“We were introduced to this program last spring and
immediately knew this would be embraced by our community
and could have a huge impact on our families,” said Dr.
Jennifer Murphy, Assistant Superintendent who attended a
Rachel’s Challenge Event last spring along with other District
administrators.
Once a plan was established and funds were committed
to bring Rachel’s Challenge to our schools, Peters Township
Character Counts jumped on board to take the program to the
community as well.
“We felt strongly that for this to be truly successful, it had to
move beyond the schools and reach the whole community –
parents, residents, business owners, etc. – and the response was
amazing,” said parent Jocelyn Lynch who helped to lead the
Character Counts team. It was this effort that ultimately brought
Rachel’s father Darrell Scott to Peters Township for a community-