Rachel Scott was a young woman who tried her hardest to find the good in people, was friends with everyone and had not an enemy in the world, and was murdered in cold blood on April 20, 1999.

It’s been almost a decade since the death of Rachel Joy Scott and the massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, but her message has continued to inspire none the less. Rachel’s beliefs of eliminating prejudice, setting goals, showing kindness towards all people, and starting a chain reaction that will have a positive influence on the world, have led to the formation of Rachel’s Challenge, a non-profit organization that visits high schools in order to bring a positive change to the world through young people.

Rachel’s Challenge was founded by Darrel Scott, Rachel’s father, and other family members. These people had to quit their jobs and change their daily lives in order to make this happen. So, has the challenge been fulfilled at Coachella Valley High School?

Yes, an assembly was held on Thursday, February 7, and as a result, a Friends of Rachel Club was established on campus. “There are about sixty students that are involved with the Friends of Rachel’s Club,” said GEAR-UP counselor Ms. Alejandra Diaz. “The club is taking charge in making sure that Rachel’s challenge continues on beyond the assembly.”

“It inspires people to look beyond the superficial and truly see that people around us should care about each other,” said Ms. Ivonne Mungia. Ms. Mungia is the GEAR-UP events coordinator and helped bring Rachel’s Challenge to the high school.

“I was really touched by the assembly and also the survey GEAR UP gave to students. Many said they did not trust other students. That inspired me to be the Friends of Rachel Club adviser. We have a good group of students who want to help stop bad things from happening on campus,” says Ms. Laura Morphey, science teacher and club adviser.

GEAR-UP will continue to make sure that the program is sustained at this high school. “The club is very much involved in ensuring that everyone continues to hear about Rachel’s Challenge,” said Ms. Mungia. “And I know from a GEAR-UP prospective, our GEAR-UP leaders are not only in the club, but lead by example to the rest of their classmates.”

“I chose to be in Rachel’s Challenge because it is a way to be kind to all the people at CV and also because it gives us a way to say thank you to all the people who help us. I enjoy being in the Friend of Rachel Club and hope it helps us make this a kinder world,” says Danyra Padilla, a sophomore.

Both Ms. Diaz and Ms. Mungia believe that this is a great program to have at Coachella Valley High School. The Rachel’s Challenge was put in place to bring a positive change to the world. Those students and faculty who have taken on the challenge extend an invitation to everyone else on campus to join as well. The Friends of Rachel’s Club meets every Wednesday during both lunches in room 402 of the Library.

Friends of Rachel Club Guidelines:

1. Eliminate prejudice by looking for the best in others.

2. Dare to Dream – set goals – keep a journal.

3. Choose your influences – input determines output.

4. Kind words – small acts of kindness = HUGE impact.

5. Start a chain reaction with family and friends.