URGENT UPDATE: St. Mary’s High School in Lynn has just received national recognition for its remarkable 20-year commitment to Rachel’s Challenge, a pivotal initiative focused on fostering kindness and positive change in schools. During a virtual ceremony on November 4, 2023, Darrell Scott, father of Rachel Joy Scott, presented awards to the school and school nurse Lisa Morin-Plante, acknowledging their tireless efforts in promoting compassion and community service.
St. Mary’s chapter, established in 2005, is officially recognized as the oldest and largest in the nation, with over 200 students actively engaged. Meetings occur every Tuesday at 7 a.m., regularly drawing around 150 students. The recent session marked the 782nd meeting since the school’s inception with Rachel’s Challenge.
“Thank you to St. Mary’s for 20 years of faithful service to the underprivileged and those in need,” Darrell Scott stated during the ceremony. “St. Mary’s has done an incredible job, and a special thank you to Lisa. You are a true hero for Rachel’s Challenge.”
Rachel’s Challenge, founded to combat the root causes of bullying and school violence, has significantly influenced school culture. The program encourages student wellness and resilience, helping students achieve their full potential both academically and socially.
“This award belongs to every student, teacher, and member of the community who has chosen kindness,” Morin-Plante emphasized. “This milestone represents two decades of compassion, leadership, and service – an incredible example of students making a lasting impact.”
Over the past 20 years, St. Mary’s students have spearheaded numerous community service projects, including food and clothing drives, raising funds for cancer research, and serving over 15,000 meals at My Brother’s Table. They have also organized blood drives, Christmas parties for individuals with disabilities, and provided gifts for over 3,500 children in need.
The students focus on positive messaging and tutoring, actively engaging in random acts of kindness. “We concentrate on being pro-kindness,” Morin-Plante explained. “We aim to bring kindness and compassion to our school family and the community.”
Rachel Joy Scott, who tragically lost her life during the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, left behind a legacy of writings and drawings that inspire the mission of Rachel’s Challenge. Her family discovered her profound insights into bullying and compassion, solidifying her impact on generations of students seeking to create a more kind-hearted world.
As the St. Mary’s community celebrates this significant achievement, they continue to uphold the values of compassion, integrity, and respect that define their school. The ongoing participation in Rachel’s Challenge exemplifies St. Mary’s commitment to creating a positive environment where every student can thrive.
The recognition is not just a moment of celebration; it serves as a call to action for other schools to engage in similar initiatives. The message is clear: kindness can change lives, and it begins with the students themselves.
Stay tuned for more updates on how St. Mary’s continues to make a difference in the community through Rachel’s Challenge and beyond.
