Salmen and Ochsner first on board for Rachel's Challenge program

When Principal Terri Wortman learned of a local group's efforts to bring
Rachel's Challenge to all St. Tammany Parish Schools, she was quick to
request a presentation at Salmen High School. The administrator already was
familiar with the program, which utilizes student empowering techniques and
strategies designed to combat bullying and allay feelings of isolation and
despair by creating cultures of kindness and compassion, and she felt
strongly that her students would benefit from the offering.

Equally enthusiastic was Ochsner Medical Center - North Shore's Chief
Executive Officer, Polly Davenport, who pledged the hospital's support
toward the initiative.

The Rachel's Challenge programs are based on the writings and life of 17
year-old Rachel Scott who was the first student killed at Columbine High
School in 1999. Rachel left a legacy of reaching out to those who were
different, who were picked on by others, or who were new at her school.

While the program already has been presented in a handful of St. Tammany
Parish schools, the Rachel's Challenge in St. Tammany team is working to
bring its powerful message to every school in the Parish. The group includes
Jane Alford, Kim Bergeron, Cheri Carter, Debbie Crouch, Ron Davis, Vicky
Magas, Sharron Newton and Wynn Williams, working in partnership with St.
Tammany Parish School Board, Rotary Club of Slidell and Rotary Club of
Slidell Northshore.

In order to participate, each school must agree to provide half of the
program costs, with the balance funded by corporate sponsors and private
donors. The commitments from Salmen and Oschner are making it possible to
host the program in early fall. As additional funding becomes available, the
offerings will expand to include additional schools.