Tippecanoe Valley Schools are proud to announce the upcoming Rachel’s Challenge program for all Valley students and community members. Generously funded through donations from the community, Rachel’s Challenge will be presented in all TVSC schools from Tuesday, Sept. 2, to Thursday, Sept. 4.

Program times are as follows: Akron Elementary, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2; Mentone Elementary, 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2; TVMS, Wednesday, Sept., 3; 8:30 a.m. for sixth grade and 10 a.m. for seventh and eighth grade; TVHS, 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4.

A group of students and staff at both the middle school and the high school will also participate in the “Friends of Rachel” training to learn ways of keeping the spirit of kindness and compassion active throughout the year.

Rachel’s Challenge exists to equip and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying and negativity with acts of respect, kindness and compassion. Rachel’s Challenge is based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott, who was a student at Columbine High School. Her life ended tragically early as she 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 billions of people every year.

Rachel’s inspiring story provides a simple, yet powerful example of how small acts of kindness and acceptance motivate us to consider our relationships with the people with whom we interact every day. Rachel’s Challenge renews our hope that our life has meaning and purpose. Rachel’s story gives us permission to start our own chain reaction of kindness and compassion, which positively affects the climate in our schools and communities.

The series of programs will conclude with the Rachel’s Challenge Community Program for all parents and community members age 13 and above at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, in the high school gym. Childcare will be provided for age 12 and below as well as exciting door prizes and refreshments. While her life was tragically cut short during the Columbine High School shooting, Rachel Joy Scott’s shining example of kindness and compassion was not defeated that day. Come hear the inspiring true story of one girl’s dream to change the world being fulfilled over a decade after her death. The presentation is a powerful reminder of the little things we can do every day to make our world a better place.

Anyone interested in learning more about Rachel’s Challenge may visit http://www.rachelschallenge.org/.