Rachel’s Challenge builds compassion

By Alyssa Mancuso
MILFORD — Before her death, Rachel Joy Scott wrote, “I have this theory that is one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go.”

Sixteen years later, her words became the basic goal of Rachel’s Challenge, a non-profit, anti-bullying organization led by Rachel’s parents Darrell and Sandy.

Every year, a volunteer with the organization comes to Delaware Valley to promote the idea of a chain reaction of kindness. On Oct. 22, speaker Ally encouraged students to take Rachel’s Challenge. Freshmen and sophomores gathered in the auditorium during first, second, third, and fourth periods to hear Ally speak about the impact the organization has had on his own life. Ally took students through the day of the Columbine High School Shooting, discussing the tragedy yet inspiration of Rachel Scott and the day of her death.

With all the puffy eyes and tear-streaked cheeks after the assembly, the impact of the assembly on the students was evident.

“It opened up my eyes to how often bullying occurs in school,” said sophomore Dylan Kelly. “The assembly "made me want to become a better person.”

Later in the day, a select group of roughly 60 students were invited to Rachel’s’ Challenge Training for the FOR (Friends of Rachel) Club, a club aiming to educate students about how to handle situations of confrontation in school as well as how to implement the challenges made by Rachel into schools across the country. The meeting involved several personal stories from speaker Ally as well as personal stories from the students.

Former DiVersity adviser Ms. Laurie Osczepiniski, who attended the training, was struck by the turnout at the meeting.

“I was really touched because I saw how so many different kinds from all different cliques coming together for the same goal,” she said. “They all wanted to make a change.”

Each year, the Rachel’s Challenge assembly inspires students to make a change.

“Delaware Valley can do exactly what Rachel has challenged us to do,” said freshman Brenna Cavallaro. “We can start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion.”

Editor's note: Alyssa Mancuso is a senior at Delaware Valley High School.