In 2022, school shootings still remain a pressing issue till this day. With that, students and administrators seek ways to improve the school environment by making it a safe place for students to attend. Students come up with ideas for spreading the word positively.

The Columbine Massacre shootings on April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado shocked the nation as it was one of the deadliest shootings in America. The tragic shooting left 13 dead, including 17-year-old Rachel Scott. Rachel Scott was the first fatality in the Columbine Massacre.

After the Columbine Massacre, Rachel’s Challenge was created as an nonprofit organization based on the journal’s of Rachel. In Rachel’s journal her mother found writing’s of her struggles as a victim of bullying and her faith. Rachel once wrote, “I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go.”

Rachel’s challenge is to inspire individuals and replace acts of violence, bullying and negativity with acts of respect, kindness and compassion.

Freshman Annabelly Valdez honors victims with Rachel’s Challenge for the PAHS Sketch Club. She says, “I suggested bringing Rachel’s challenge to our school. The main reason I wanted this challenge in our school is because, why not come to school everyday with a smile on your face because someone said something nice to you. These posters don’t only deliver a wonderful message, they also give a chance to the sketch club members showing how truly good they are at art, and how creative. Requirements for this challenge is to be nice randomly to someone who’s in need of it, compliment someone, thank the lunch lady’s for their service, and bus drivers in our school. Here and there ask the teachers who are overwhelmed with grading things, or they need help with reminders or anything else, lastly do something different, the point of Rachel’s challenge is to stand out positively.”

The theme for Rachel’s Challenge posters is promoting respect, kindness, compassion and overall, positivity through creativity. Sketch Club offers work periods to members during extended homeroom periods to complete posters. Some students utilize during study hall periods to complete posters.

Sophomore Andy Tucker says, “ I use study hall periods to complete my poster. Rachel’s challenge shows that you can be kind to everyone. I am currently making a poster with a mushroom circle with the words “Kindness is magic” and it’s important to spread a positive message because you don’t know what is happening in people’s lives.”

Freshman Emma Bouffard says, “I think it’s important to spread a positive message because you never know who might need to hear it and even further, who will take it to heart. What students can do to make school a better and positive place is to uplift one another, too many of us feel out of place or alone and that needs to change.”