Rachel's Challenge Comes to Lakeview

The silence Monday in the auditorium at stood in stark contrast to confusion, violence and tragedy students experienced 13 years ago at Columbine High School.

Students, staff and administrators from and Lakeview High School filled the auditorium to hear from Larry Scott, the uncle of Rachel Scott, the first victim at Columbine.

Those in attendance, some who weren't even born when the massacre occurred, saw video and heard stories about the horrors of the day from those who lived through the shooting rampage.

But it was the writings and actions of 17-year-old Rachel Scott, who wrote in her diaries and in a class paper about ways one person can make a difference that has made an impact in schools across the country and around the world.

"This is a day I will never forget as long as I live," said Larry Scott. "It is a day I hope you never see."

But out of tragedy came something positive.

Her father used Rachel's writings as an inspiration to speak to others about a "kinder, gentler" nation from which Rachel’s Challenge was created.

Family members, and others, have spread out across the country and around the world to share that message. In 2011, Scott brought .

But it was Lakeview's opportunity Monday, and Scott shared with his audience stories and writings of his niece including this passage:

“I have this theory that if 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.”

From these writings, Rachel’s Challenges were created including:

• Look for the best in others to eliminate prejudice.
• Dare to dream by writing down goals down and keep a journal.
• Choose your positive influences in your life.
• Speak with kindness to one another. Words can hurt or heal.
• Start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion with family and friends.

In addition to the presentation, Lakeview will also be establishing a Friends of Rachel club. According to the organization's website, the main goal of the club is "to help create a permanent cultural change in your school."

Lakeview assistant principal Heather Huber said the school already has a giving spirit with the student organization and Lakeview Legacy Week.

"Hopefully this is something we can add to the week and have throughout the year," Huber said.