Chain reaction of kindness

Sheridan students given five steps to make the world better

On Friday, Sept. 4, Sheridan High School (SHS) students heard the story behind Rachel’s Challenge. This special convocation encouraged students to look for the best in others, dream big, choose positive influences, speak with kindness, and start a chain reaction.

Rachel’s Challenge was created in memory of Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim of the 1999 Columbine High School tragedy. While the convocation shared what happened that day more than 27 years ago, the focus was not on how Rachel died, but on how she lived a full and impactful life in her short 16 years through her kindness.

Throughout the presentation, the speaker, JB Braden, showed SHS students how Rachel’s belief in the power of compassion and her desire to make a difference began a “chain reaction” of kindness. Prior to her death, Rachel journaled about this idea of starting a chain reaction, as she believed that one person’s actions could inspire others to act with compassion, grace, and kindness as well.

Photo provided by Sheridan Community Schools

Throughout the convocation, JB shared multiple stories of people whom Rachel encountered during her life and how she left a lasting impact on them. These stories highlighted the five challenges that JB brought forth to the SHS students, but ultimately went back to the core message: you never know what another person is going through. JB challenged his audience to “look for the best in others,” but the five ultimate challenges are:

1. Look for the best in others.
2. Dream big and believe in yourself.
3. Choose positive influences and be a positive influence.
4. Speak with kindness.
5. Start your own chain reaction of kindness.

Photo provided by Sheridan Community Schools

JB closed the convocation with the message that each person has the ability to make a difference. He reminded students that they cannot control what others say or do, but they can control how they respond and how they choose to show up for others.

Through Rachel’s Challenge and JB, SHS students were encouraged to begin that chain reaction of kindness.