District 211 schools embrace 'Rachel's Challenge'

The impact of Rachel's Challenge, a movement born of the Columbine High School massacre, is growing in District 211. In 2008 Palatine High School took the challenge; in 2009, Schaumburg, Conant and Hoffman Estates joined in.

Rachel Scott was the first person killed during the Columbine shootings on April 20, 1999. Rather than resent the event that took Scott's life, her family and a growing group of supporters have chosen to use her story to make the world a more compassionate place.

As her memory continues to inspire students nationwide to see the best in others, the District 211 high schools have laid the groundwork for the unity effort. With the focus on building positivity among students, faculty, staff, administration, and the greater community, several collaborative committees, both student and staff driven, have been formed to help create a "chain reaction of kindness."

Assemblies were held Oct. 1 at Hoffman Estates; Oct. 2 at Conant and Oct. 5 at Schaumburg. At Palatine High School, the movement has taken the name Palatine's Promise, and their assembly was Sept. 24.

-Submitted by District 211