Rachel's Challenge Returns to Manchester High, Comes to Illing Middle School

Students and staff at are again gearing up to take , the bullying prevention program that focuses on creating a positive and caring school environment. Not only that, but plans are in place to expand the program to as well. 

The program came to the high school last winter, after at the high school, and at the school last year. 

Now, plans are in place to bring the event back to the high school on Monday, Oct. 17, according to Jackie Madore, President of the Town Wide PTA Council, as well as to the middle school that morning. Madore said a program emphasizing the Rachel Challenge's message of kindness, respect and compassion will be held at Illing Monday morning for seventh and eighth grade students.

Later that evening, according to Madore, an event open to the public will be held in the Bailey Auditorium of Manchester High School from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Rachel Scott, who was 17 at the time, became the first victim of the deadliest school shooting in United States history at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO, on April 20, 1999. 

Since the tragedy, Scott's life and writings have become the inspiration for a powerful bullying prevention program for schools, businesses, and communities that aims to create a culture of kindness, respect and compassion toward one another. More information about Rachel's Challenge can be found online at www.rachelschallenge.org.