Schools

Presentation Inspired by Columbine Victim Moves Fenton Students

Group of students planning what they can do to show more compassion.

Rachel Scott, the first shooting victim in the Columbine High School tragedy, once wrote that she had a theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same.

Hundreds of students heard that message during a presentation, inspired by Scott and some of the writing found after her death, Wednesday and are taking it to heart.

A group of about 60 and students are meeting this week to come up with ways that students can show a little more kindness.

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“We like this presentation,” said Fenton High School principal Mark Suchowski.  “You have guest speaker that is not flash in the pan, comes in makes you feel good for an hour and then its over. This is really OK, now what happens next.”

The presentation, called Rachel's Challenge, highlighted Scott's good deeds, whether she was defending a physically challenged student or letting someone know she cared.

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The presentation asked students to accept five challenges.

  1. Look for the best in others
  2. Dream big
  3. Choose positive influences
  4. Speak with kindness
  5. Start your own chain reaction

Fenton students are now planning how they can make a difference.

“It was nice to see sixth-graders and seniors brainstorming together to determine what to do next,” Suchowski said.

One possibility could be a new kids club, that would make students feel more welcome in the school, something that Scott did at Columbine High School and was highlighted in the presentation.

"It’s a life skill. Students are going to be successful because they know how to get along with others and they know how to be supportive and respectful,” Suchowski said. “Activities like this expose them to it and then they are taking it and running with it.”


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