10/27/2026
Rachel's Challenge Information
Greetings, Tomahawk Students!
This Friday, we are pleased to bring Rachel's Challenge to our students, a nationwide program created after the Columbine High School tragedy in honor of Rachel Scott and other lives lost that day. Her legacy of kindness and compassion continues to inspire positive change in schools and communities across the country.
After her passing, Rachel’s family discovered journals, writings, and countless stories from people whose lives she had touched through simple, genuine acts of kindness. They realized her story had the power to transform the way we treat one another and how we view ourselves. At its core, Rachel’s Challenge offers an antidote to school violence, bullying, self-harm, and su***de by building positive connections that nurture self-worth and strengthen mental health.
Rachel’s Challenge is more than a program—it is a catalyst for hope and change. It helps break down the walls that lead to isolation, harassment, and despair, while fostering connection, reflection, and compassion. When students feel seen and supported, both individuals and communities are transformed. This impact is taking place every day in schools of all sizes and backgrounds that choose to embrace Rachel’s Challenge.
About the Presentation
Rachel’s Challenge presentations are designed with input from educators and mental health professionals to ensure they are age-appropriate and trauma-informed. The heart of the program is focused on hope, connection, kindness, and practical ways to create a more positive school culture.
For secondary students (recommended ages 12 and up), the presentation briefly references the events surrounding Rachel’s story through short segments of news coverage from that day—primarily showing the outside of the school, with a brief glimpse inside for context. These moments are non-graphic and make up only a very small part of a program that is otherwise centered on uplifting, inspiring, and life-changing messages.
Friends of Rachel Training
You may receive an email asking you to participate in the FOR training Friday afternoon. Certain students were selected who show leadership qualities and can help be a catalyst for change. This is an additional "training" that will focus on spreading kindness at BGM.
During lunch on Friday, all students will have the opportunity to sign a banner if you are willing to accept Rachel's Challenge.
Thank you for spreading kindness at BGM!
