St. Mary’s High School Celebrates 20 Years of Rachel’s Challenge

UPDATE: St. Mary’s High School in Lynn has received national recognition for its unwavering commitment to Rachel’s Challenge, marking a significant milestone of 20 years dedicated to fostering kindness and compassion in schools. On November 4, 2023, a virtual ceremony honored the school and its nurse, Lisa Morin-Plante, for their impactful role in this vital program.

This recognition comes as the St. Mary’s chapter of Rachel’s Challenge, established in 2005, stands as the oldest and largest in the nation, with over 200 students participating and an impressive attendance of 150 students at weekly meetings held every Tuesday at 7 a.m.. The recent meeting was the 782nd since the program began, showcasing the school’s long-term dedication to positive change.

During the ceremony, Darrell Scott, father of Rachel Joy Scott—the first victim of the Columbine High School shootings—presented St. Mary’s with a national service award. Morin-Plante was also honored with a lifetime achievement award for her leadership and commitment. “Thank you to St. Mary’s for 20 years of faithful service to the underprivileged,” Scott expressed via Zoom, adding, “You are a true hero for Rachel’s Challenge.”

Rachel’s Challenge aims to tackle the root causes of school violence, bullying, and prejudice through wellness programs that promote connection and resilience among students. The goal is to transform school culture, enabling students to achieve their full potential both academically and socially.

“This award belongs to every student, teacher, and community member who has chosen kindness,” Morin-Plante stated. “Our participation in Rachel’s Challenge exemplifies the pillars of our school: Catholic, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect.”

Over the last two decades, students in the St. Mary’s chapter have engaged in numerous community service projects, including food and clothing drives, raising funds for cancer research, and serving more than 15,000 meals at My Brother’s Table. They have also organized blood drives and Christmas events for individuals with disabilities and for over 3,500 children in need.

Morin-Plante emphasized the importance of positivity within the school community, stating, “We concentrate on being pro-kindness. We want to bring kindness and compassion to our school family and the community.”

The legacy of Rachel Scott, who was one of 12 students killed during the Columbine tragedy on April 20, 1999, continues to inspire students at St. Mary’s. Her writings, discovered posthumously, revealed her deep faith and desire to make a positive impact in the world.

As St. Mary’s High School celebrates this significant achievement, the community reflects on the lasting impact of Rachel’s Challenge, encouraging students to uphold the values of compassion and service. This milestone is not just a recognition of the past but a call to action for future generations to continue spreading kindness.

Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring story and the ongoing efforts of St. Mary’s High School to create a culture of compassion and understanding in education.