Lynn English students touched by Columbine victim’s story

LYNN – “I’m going to have an impact on people’s lives and someday touch millions of people’s hearts,” wrote Rachel Scott, on an outline of her hand that she kept taped to the back of her dresser.That was before she was the first of 13 students killed during the 1999 Columbine High School shootings in Colorado.Eleven years later, Rachel’s legacy has lived on.As part of the program “Rachel’s Challenge,” the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation for one of the most life-changing school programs in America.”Rachel’s Challenge” was started by Scott’s father, Darrell Scott, and is described as a bullying and violence abatement program.Yesterday the program was brought to Lynn English High School where students were challenged to adopt Scott’s approach to life. Peer Mediation Coordinator Ginny Keenan hopes students will accept the challenge.”Rachel’s inspiring story has been shared across the country,” said Keenan. “We are fortunate enough to share it in order to create a positive culture change in our own schools.”Scott shared her wisdom and kindness for others through various writings and diaries before her life was tragically cut short at the age of 17. These writings, however, make it clear that Scott was wise beyond her years.”I have this theory,” Scott wrote. “If people can go out of their way to show compassion for just one person, you may just start a chain reaction.”Speaker Adam Northam delivered two powerful presentations containing audio and video footage of “Rachel’s Challenge” in the auditorium where approximately 600 high school students in each session sat silently mesmerized.”I’m going to tell you a story that can change your life, and can change your school,” said Northam.Northam has been a part of “Rachel’s Challenge” for three years and a friend of the Scott family for longer. After a job as a news reporter, Northam decided on a career shift.”I would write about things that were so negative,” said Northam. “I wanted to be a part of something making positive changes in people’s lives.”Freshmen and sophomores piled into the auditorium for the first presentation that took place at 8:30 a.m; juniors and seniors attended the second presentation at 10:30. The presentation was available for parents and residents last night.”The context (of Scott’s death) is sad,” said Northam. “The message however, is positive and uplifting. The focus is not on how she died, but how she lived.”Vice Principal Jennifer Mancaniello o’Hagan reminded students to remain quiet throughout the emotional presentation they were about the experience. For the next hour, students sat so captivated that if you weren’t sitting in the actual auditorium, it was questionable if anyone was even in there.After attending a “Rachel’s Challenge” presentation prior to bringing it to the high school, o’Hagan instantly knew that it would have an impact on her students. “I left the presentation and said, ‘I will never forget this.'”Lynn English joins over a thousand other schools around the U.S. that have accepted “Rachel’s Challenge” to eliminate prejudice and instill compassion and consideration in the lives of others.”She’s started a chain reaction and was kind to others,” said Northam. “Because of this she has changed the world.””Rachel’s Challenge” asks students to make five small changes in their lives that can lead to drastic differences:u stop pre-judging others;u dare to dream;u choose positive influences;u use encouraging words and small acts of kindness to produce huge results;u and finally, start a chain reaction.Teary-eyed Freshman Jeisson Acosta was immediately ready to accept the challenge. “This made an impact on me,” said Acosta. “I will do everything Rachel says. I’m a dreamer.”Sophomore Erik Bridgeman took a moment to reflect on his past behavior. “I feel bad about the way I’ve treated some people,” said Bridgeman. “I’m going to change.”Donations from Stop & Shop, The Lynn Rotary Club, The Lynn English Hispanic American Club, Pray