Program at Culver School challenges students to start chain reaction of kindness

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Culver students participated in the program, Rachel's Challenge, based on Rachel Scott, who was killed in the Columbine High School shootings, and her positive message to start a chain reaction of kindness. | Contributed photo

Updated: March 10, 2012 8:16AM

More than 300 people listened to a presentation on “Rachel’s Challenge” with heavy but hopeful hearts at Culver School on Jan. 24.

The program was based on Rachel Scott, who was tragically killed during the Columbine High School shootings, and her positive message to start a chain reaction of kindness.

And such a chain reaction of kindness is taking off in Niles. The same evening, Mayor Robert Callero proclaimed Niles as a Rachel’s Challenge Town.

“I’ve never attended a more powerful presentation,” village Trustee Joseph LoVerde said if the program at Culver. “It had a profound impact on me.”

During the presentation emotional parents and students together watched video clips of Rachel and her strong belief in kindness during the emotional presentation. Scott was always friendly to new students who didn’t have friends yet or special-needs students who also felt left out.

The speaker challenged the students at Culver to go outside their own comfort zone and sit with new students sometimes during lunch or invite the youngsters to sit with them.

He also talked about the power of positive influences and told the audience to start choosing the right people to be around.

“I think it was great,” Damaris Gibson said at the event. She said her children came home from school and were so excited about the Rachel’s Challenge presentation they saw at school.

“It had a really good impact on them,” Gibson said. “This school is really good about having a no-bullying policy.”

Principal Peggy Maniscalco said Rachel’s Challenge is having a positive impact on students at Culver. Maniscalco said two students who were engaged in “bullying” behavior came into her office and shared that they have come to make peace with each other as a result of Rachel’s Challenge.

“I think success is measured by what continues to live on,” Maniscalco said.

A Rachel’s Challenge club was started at Culver School and the members will continue to spread Rachel’s positive message.

Children at every grade level are making paper chains that emphasize acts of kindness seen or experienced while at school.

They are also tying ribbons with positive messages on students’ lockers.

Maniscalco said Gemini Junior High School in Niles has also expressed an interest in holding a Rachel’s Challenge event.