District 124 Sponsors Rachael's Challenge Community Event

EVERGREEN PARK, IL -- While her life was tragically cut short during the Columbine High School shooting on April 20, 1999, Rachel Joy Scott’s shining example of kindness and compassion was not defeated by the evil of that day. The Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124 staff and students in grades K-8 have been
encouraged – and ultimately challenged – to choose kindness over prejudice, bigotry, and apathy.

Students have been hearing all week the inspiring true story of one girl's dream of being 17 years after her life was tragically cut short in one of the nation's deadliest mass school shootings in uincorporated Jefferson County, CO. The presentations, facilitated by Rachel's uncle, Larry Scoot, who visits schools throughout the country, provide a powerful reminder of the little things we can do every day to make our world a better place.

ALL District 124 parents and community members are invited to culminating event in a week of Rachel's Challenge presentations and workshops at Evergreen Park's public grammar schools for a special presentation starting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14. Larry Scott's life-affirming message about his niece, Rachel Joy, will take place at Central Middle School, 9400 S. Sawyer Ave., Evergreen Park.

D124 Communications Director Claudia Parker said the hour spent could change your life, as well as the lives of the around you, for the better.

"This message is powerful," Parker said. "It gripped the hearts of our students today. They were moved, inspired and encouraged. This message will facilitate a conversation between parents and their children. This message is a table topic for discussion at every dinner table. Please come out to hear what they've heard."

Due to the nature of the content, the district is asking parents not to bring children in grades 5 or under as the this presentation is for a mature audience. The event is free and open to the public.

Photo taken by Claudia Parker for D124.