St. Mary’s High School Celebrates 20 Years of Rachel’s Challenge

URGENT UPDATE: St. Mary’s High School in Lynn proudly marks its 20th anniversary of participation in Rachel’s Challenge, a nationwide initiative fostering kindness and compassion among students. This significant milestone was celebrated during a virtual ceremony on November 4, hosted by Darrell Scott, father of Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim of the Columbine High School tragedy.

Since its inception in 2005, the St. Mary’s chapter has become the largest and oldest in the United States, experiencing a surge in participation. Every Tuesday at 7 a.m., approximately 150 students join the program, with over 200 students involved in Rachel’s Challenge overall. The recent meeting was the 782nd since the school began its affiliation, showcasing the enduring commitment to spreading positivity.

During the ceremony, Scott presented St. Mary’s with a national service award and honored school nurse Lisa Morin-Plante with a lifetime achievement award. “St. Mary’s has done an incredible job. And a special thank you to Lisa. You are a true hero for Rachel’s Challenge,” Scott stated via Zoom, emphasizing the school’s impact on its community.

Through Rachel’s Challenge, St. Mary’s addresses critical issues such as school violence, bullying, and self-harm by promoting wellness programs that cultivate connection and resilience. “This award belongs to every student, teacher, and member of the community who has chosen kindness,” Morin-Plante remarked. “Our participation is a shining example of what St. Mary’s stands for: Catholic, Excellence, Integrity, Respect.”

Over the past two decades, St. Mary’s students have completed numerous community service projects, including food and clothing drives, raising funds for cancer research, and serving over 15,000 meals to the needy. Their initiatives also include blood drives and holiday parties for individuals with disabilities, demonstrating a profound commitment to making a difference.

In addition to these efforts, students engage in designing positivity posters, offering tutoring, and performing random acts of kindness. “We concentrate on being pro-kindness,” Morin-Plante added. “We want to bring kindness and compassion to our school family and the community.”

Rachel Joy Scott’s legacy continues to resonate, as she was among the 13 victims of the Columbine shooting on April 20, 1999. Her family discovered that she left behind a powerful message of love and compassion, which inspires the mission of Rachel’s Challenge today.

As St. Mary’s High School celebrates this remarkable achievement, the community looks forward to continuing the vital work of Rachel’s Challenge, fostering a culture of kindness and support that will impact generations to come. Stay tuned for updates on their ongoing initiatives and community outreach efforts.