Program encourages acts of kindness

By Tara Nelson

Blaine middle school has scheduled a free presentation by Rachel’s Challenge, a non-profit organization created by Darrell Scott, the father of the first of 15 children killed in the Columbine high school shootings in 1999.

The presentation will highlight the diary entries of his daughter, Rachel Scott, in which she encouraged individuals to make efforts to create a “chain of kindness.”

Scott, 17, a junior at Columbine high school, was eating lunch on the grass with her friends when the shootings occurred.

“It focuses on the Columbine shootings, but it’s really a presentation to motivate everyone to make positive changes in the way they treat others,” said Blaine middle school secretary Diane Nymeyer.

Blaine middle school assistant principal Aaron Smith said he was excited about the program’s reputation. “We’ve heard from other schools that this is by far the most powerful, anti-bullying and positive school climate program they’ve ever seen,” he said.

The event is open to members of the public and is scheduled for 7 p.m. September 11 at the Blaine performing arts center. For more information, call 332-8226.