Chris Mowery, a program presenter for Rachel's Challenge, shared Rachel Joy Scott's message of kindness and compassion with students at Independence Middle and High School on January 9. Scott was the first victim of the Columbine school shooting and her family established a non-profit organization for school violence prevention after her death.
The assemblies were held for fifth and sixth-graders from 8-9 a.m, seventh to twelfth-graders from 10-11:30 a.m, and 110 students participated in a Friends of Rachel training session from noon-1:30 p.m. This training centered around the concept of establishing and maintaining a culture of kindness in a school setting.
“Seeing the energy from our students and the desire to be the change they want to see in our schools, our community, and our world is so inspiring and encouraging as an educator,” said Superintendent Ben Hegedish. “We are thankful for our Indy Alive collaboration to make these types of great opportunities a reality for our students.”
In the evening, the community was invited to hear the presentation as well. Mayor Greg Kurtz, Finance Director Vern Blaze, and Clerk of Courts Angie Zidanic all attended from City Hall.
Independence High School is hosting an assembly on January 17, where they will identify their plans to include the entire student body in a kindness initiative. According to Principal Jamie Hogue, students will once again participate in the 2nd annual Out of Darkness Walk in May and will have several other opportunities before then to build and maintain a positive school climate.