WHS' Friends of Rachel is nationally recognized

Roza Essaw and Josh Burkhart

Wylie High School’s Friends of Rachel Club has been named the national Rachel’s Challenge 2008 School of the Year.

Darrell Scott, Rachel’s father, presented the award to students and administrators at an assembly held on May 7.   

“The students at Wylie High School have fully embraced the philosophy behind Rachel’s Challenge and have made an impact in such a short period of time,” said Mr. Scott.  “WHS was our obvious choice for this award.”

Rachel Scott was the first student killed in the Columbine High School tragedy in 1999.  Her family formed the Rachel’s Challenge program not only to remember her but to promote tolerance and kindness in school environments across the nation.

Wylie High School junior Roza Essaw has been a member of the Friends of Rachel since its inception at the campus more than a year ago.  “I am proud to be influenced by my friends because my friends are in Friends of Rachel,” said Ms. Essaw.  “We have seen how the power of one encouraging word or one act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life.”

In appreciation for sharing Rachel’s story with the students, Virdie Montgomery, WHS Assistant Principal and sponsor of Friends of Rachel, gave Mr. Scott one of the club’s shirts that bears the red and gold colors inspired by one of Rachel’s paintings. 

“We are humbled by your choice, Mr. Scott, and by Rachel’s legacy,” concluded Mr. Montgomery.  “We pledge to follow her lead and influence a positive environment here at Wylie High School.”

For more information about the program go to www.rachelschallenge.com.