State Representative Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) proudly announced today that the Rachel’s Challenge kindness initiative will be coming to Plainfield-area schools later this month. Batinick has joined with the Plainfield School District 202, St. Mary Immaculate Parish School, the Foundation for Excellence and Plainfield Township to bring the presentation and community events to local students.
Rachel’s Challenge is an initiative to equip and inspire students to replace acts of violence, bullying and negativity with acts of respect, kindness and compassion. It is based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott, who was the first victim of the Columbine school shooting in 1999.
“We hosted a special meeting with educators and community leaders featuring Darrell Scott, Rachel’s father,” Batinick said. “He personally shared his daughter’s story and how Rachel’s Challenge can impact our schools, students and community. It was very inspiring and we all wanted to help bring this program to our community.”
There will be two free community events which are open to the public for anyone to come and hear Rachel’s powerful story and be a part of the kindness chain reaction. These hour-long events will be held at Plainfield East High School at 6:30 p.m. on September 25 and at Plainfield Central High School at 6:30 p.m. on September 27. The recommended audience for the events is sixth grade and up.
The community events go along with programs which will be held in each of the middle schools in Plainfield School District 202 and St. Mary Immaculate Parish School between September 18 and 27. Each features two presentations that share Rachel’s story to help students create a positive climate and culture in their schools and communities.