Rachel's Callenge: Valley View Event Challenges Community to Spread Kindness

The following story was submitted by Valley View School District 365U:

It could be nothing more than a smile.

It might be a good deed … or simply pausing a moment to listen to someone else.

Ever since “Rachel’s Challenge” first came to Bolingbrook two years ago, a “chain reaction of kindness” has slowly been gaining momentum throughout the area. That momentum will continue to build with the return of “Rachel’s Legacy” to Jane Addams and Humphrey middle schools on Oct. 2.

“Rachel’s Challenge gave our kids and the community the background information about Rachel’s story and how we can all pay it forward,” said Humphrey teacher Mike Stoehrmann. “Rachel’s Legacy is all about ways we, as a community, can keep it going.”

Rachel’s Challenge, launched in memory of Rachel Joy Scott, the first student to die in the horrible shootings at Columbine High School 14 years ago, visited Humphrey two years ago and came to Jane Addams last spring. Both schools held daytime assemblies for students and an evening gathering for community members.

This year, Humphrey and Addams are combining forces for the Oct. 2event that starts with student assemblies at both schools and a “Friends of Rachel Club” training session for 100 selected students, and culminates in a powerful 7 p.m. presentation to the community.

“This is all about spreading kindness in our community. It’s such an important message that everyone needs to hear it,” said Jane Addams counselor Dina Esposito. “I know it’s hard to get out to something like this when you’re working. I have four kids of my own. I get it. But we all need to spread the message.”

Rachel’s Legacy provides five new challenges including: leave a legacy of kindness, show compassion, practice pre-acceptance, learn from your mistakes and forgive yourself and others.

“We’re thrilled to have them back,” said Humphrey teacher Stephanie Sewasciuk. “The kids loved it two years ago and our 8th graders this year still talk about it.”

“Our kids are showing a huge interest in it,” added Addams counselor Angela McCollum. “They’re excited.”

“Hopefully this is something the 8th graders at both schools can take with them to high school,” Stoehrmann said. “That’s 500-some kids who will have had two years of Rachel’s Challenge and they’ll be able to give back to their school and their community.”

Reservations are not necessary for the 7 p.m. Oct. 2 community presentation. It is free and open to anyone who wishes to attend. Child care will be available.

More information is available by calling either school.