A.E. Wright rises to 'Rachel's Challenge'
Goal is for 'chain reaction of kindness'

DARE TO BE KIND- A.E. Wright Middle School students sign a banner during a recent school assembly to launch "Rachel's Challenge." The program, named after a student killed at Columbine High School, encourages students to treat others with compassion.

A.E. Wright Middle School in Calabasas launched Rachel's Challenge earlier this month with an assembly for the seventh and eighthgraders, followed by an evening for parents.

Rachel Scott was the first person killed during the Columbine High School shootings in 1999. A program has been created, using her diaries and writings, aimed at challenging middle and high school students to "start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion," according to a school spokesperson.

The challenges presented in the keynote message were to eliminate prejudice, dare to dream, choose influences, use kind words and start a chain reaction with family and friends.

"At first I was stunned by what a provocative presentation the organization creates from news reports and video from family and friends, but if this influences students and adults to follow the challenges, I believe it will be worthwhile," said Mathy Wasserman, a parent who attended the evening program.