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Lessons learned from Columbine massacre - 'Rachel's Challenge' returns to Edinboro University

09/21/2009

Lessons learned from Columbine massacre - 'Rachel's Challenge' returns to Edinboro University

EDINBORO, Pa. - Rachel Scott was the first person killed during the massacre at Colorado's Columbine High School on April 20, 1999.  However, those who loved Rachel vowed that her death would not be in vain.

Rachel Scott's acts of kindness and compassion, coupled with the contents of her six diaries, have become the foundation for one of the most life-changing school programs in America.

It's called "Rachel's Challenge," and Edinboro University will host this powerful program on Tuesday.  There will be two presentations, the first taking place at 12:30 p.m. in McComb Fieldhouse and the second scheduled for 6 p.m. in Louis C. Cole Auditorium - Memorial Hall.

Last spring, Rachel's brother, Craig, a survivor of the Littleton, Colorado high school's massacre, appeared at Edinboro University to discuss "Rachel's Challenge."

In the program's return to Edinboro on Tuesday, Mike Hills, who has traveled to over 30 countries to bring Rachel's story to students around the world, will deliver the presentations, which are free and open to the public.

Combining video and audio footage of Rachel's life and the Columbine tragedy that motivates viewers to truly consider the way they treat others, the presentations each last about an hour. They are followed by 45-minute training sessions designed to teach audience members how to sustain the momentum created by the assembly by developing the desire for positive change. The training session also instructs on how to ensure that the positive impact will continue.

Entertainers, politicians, sports celebrities, educators, and even two
Presidents of the United States have been impacted by "Rachel's Challenge." Students, however, are the target audience, and they have demonstrated they will respond with positive words, attitudes, and actions.

Both presentations are hosted by the Edinboro University Student Government Association.  For more information, e-mail Jamie Lutz, SGA President, at jl070375@scots.edinboro.edu or phone 732-2910; or e-mail mrobel@edinboro.edu or call 732-1473.