Drumheller junior high and high school students were awakened to the realities of bullying on Wednesday, May 4.
Rachel Scott, a student who was struck down at the age of 17, inspired Rachel’s Challenge. She was the first person killed in the Columbine High School shooting. Her kindness and the contents of her six diaries became the foundation for the program.
A group of students took part in a the Connections Program at Kamp Kiwanis in March.
According to George Taven, Connections program director, “the goal of the Connections Program is to provide high school students with an immersion opportunity that creates a better understanding of the multicultural nature of our schools and society.”
For the students’ final project, they made bringing Rachel’s Challenge to students a reality.
“Six students from DVSS took part in the program as well as a number of students from St. Anthony’s School. Our Connections students at DVSS worked extremely hard to make Rachel’s Challenge a reality and we think the program really made a positive impact on our student body,” said teacher Jeff Brooks.
In a whirlwind effort, the students went to the community, and in three weeks were able to raise the $4,000 needed for the program from local businesses and individuals.
In the morning on Wednesday, May 4, junior high students from the two Drumheller schools participated, while in the afternoon, high school students took in the presentation. There was also an evening presentation for the community.
