Westmoreland prepares to welcome Rachel's Challenge

Rachel Scott had said that she would die young.

In 1999, 18-year-old Scott became the first fatality of the Columbine High School attack. With her death came the exposure of her writing, efforts to connect with those around her and a chain of events she started through her kindness.

Rachel’s Challenge is a national nonprofit that works to prevent school violence, bullying and youth suicide through live and digital mental health programs in schools. Formed in 2001, the program returns to Westmoreland County for the first time in over four years with a free public presentation to be held Wednesday in Greensburg Salem Middle School Auditorium.

Guests will hear stories from Scott’s life and writings. The Challenge emphasizes the positive impact people can have on others when they “deliberately reach out in word and action.” to start what Scott called in her last writing “a chain reaction of kindness and compassion.”

“Rachel’s story, and the legacy of students making a positive change in the world, are so powerful and much needed,” said Joseph Rice, student services supervisor and school safety and security coordinator for the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit. “The message of treating others with dignity and kindness is as relevant today as it was 24 years ago.”

Rice saw the presentation for the first time when he was a building principal. He said that the presentation had a profound effect on him and how he viewed his job.

“I was emotional,” Rice said. “I’m not a cry type of guy, but I definitely had tears in my eyes. I was a building principal at the time, and I knew these were concepts that my kids had to learn. I wanted to make sure that I was watching out for them, looking for the right things in my building and that I was helping them as much as I could.”

According to Rice, one part of the presentation is gauged towards children and the other is toward adults. Parents and guardians are taught what signs to look for when a child is being bullied. Students are taught how their actions and words affect people. Rice referenced a story about Scott sticking up for a classmate who was being bullied. That student later admitted to planning to commit suicide before Scott had stuck up for him. He claimed that Scott’s actions changed the trajectory of his life.

“Rachel challenges us to make a difference in people’s lives without knowing it and without seeking accolades,” Rice said.

The presentation is free and open to the public. Rachel’s Challenge representatives recommend that attendees be at least 12 years old. Child care will be provided at the event if needed.