South invites former Columbine student to speak about tolerance
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The tragedy at Columbine High School in 1999 was one of the worst attacks in a high school, taking the lives of 13 people and wounding 21.

From despair came hope as a group formed Rachel's Challenge to promote positive changes in school communities. The organization is named after Rachel Scott, who was 17 when she was the first student killed at Columbine.

Rachel's Challenge guest speaker Nicole Nowlen, a former Columbine student who was in the school's library and injured in the shootings, will speak at South High School on Thursday about the organization's mission and tolerance in schools.

"Rachel's Challenge fits within the character education goals for the district," said South Principal Elvin Simmons. "This is an opportunity to promote tolerance, accepting of other beliefs, other people, and promoting acts of kindness."

Rachel's Challenge aims to enact positive change in school communities and create safer, more productive places to learn and achieve.

Simmons said problems with bullying are happening in schools across the nation, but groups such as Rachel's Challenge are trying to promote kindness and respect.

A group of 50 leaders from organizations in Amherst will meet with Rachel's Challenge organizers to discuss its mission.

Nowlen, who will speak to South's student body on Thursday morning, will try to motivate students to embrace the values of kindness and compassion so that no children are left behind because of fear or violence in their schools.

Parents and community members are invited to a presentation from 7 to 8 p.m. in the auditorium, 5950 Main St., to reinforce the culture of kindness and compassion in the home environment, as well as at school.

For information on Rachel's Challenge, visit the Web site www. rachelschallenge. com.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com