Rachel's Challenge program to help combat school bullying in St. Tammany
Each day 160,000 students do not go to school because they are bullied,
teased and harassed. With increasing concerns about the rising rates of
bullying and suicides in St. Tammany, a group of community business leaders
are working together to help combat the situation with a very successful
program known as "Rachel's Challenge." An introductory presentation will be
offered on Tuesday, May 21 at Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Drive in
Slidell. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the hour long presentation by
Rachel's Challenge staff will begin at 6:15 p.m. Admission is free.
Rachel's Challenge is a series of student empowering programs and strategies
that equip students and adults to combat bullying and allay feelings of
isolation and despair by creating a culture of kindness and compassion. The
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. Shortly before her death she wrote,
"I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show
compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will
never know how far a little kindness can go."
While the program already has been presented in a handful of St. Tammany
Schools, the newly formed Rachel's Challenge in St. Tammany team is working
to bring its 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, in partnership with Rotary Club of Slidell
and Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore. The team will be working with
community businesses and service organizations and hosting fundraisers to
bring that goal to fruition.
Rachel's Challenge is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious
organization based in Littleton, Colorado. Additional information and
program videos are available at the organization's website,
www.rachelschallenge.org, and updates regarding local presentations are
available at www.facebook.com/RachelsChallengeStTammany.
The May 21 presentation is recommended for elected officials, law
enforcement officials, media, school principals and teachers, PTA chairs and
members, community business leaders and community service organizations.
Reservations are requested. Please contact Kim Bergeron, (985) 640-0169 or
Debbie Crouch, (504) 451-2333.
