Columbine Victim's Family to Speak in Cinnaminson Thursday

Rachel Scott was the first person shot and killed by Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold in the infamous Columbine shootings in April 1999.

A 17-year-old known for her acting, writing, compassion, faith and kindness, Rachel left behind diaries that chronicled how she would change the world if she could through random small acts of kindness.

It was because of her attributes—and her journals—that prompted her family to start Rachel’s Challenge, a nonprofit educational outreach program aimed to prevent teen violence and invoke positive change.

On Thursday, Rachel’s Challenge travels to Cinnaminson for three special presentations—one for high school students, one for middle school students and a third for parents and community members in the evening.

“Everything I’ve read and seen about the program,” Principal Darlene Llewellyn said, “I hope they can give even half of that.”

Llewellyn heard about Rachel’s Challenge a few years ago when the group was in Washington Township. She was unable to make the event, but received an email from a parent who was also there and was moved by the experience.

“I was already looking into it, but I thought I had to look into it more,” she said. “I’ve heard nothing but good things.”

Rachel Scott’s parents, Darrell and Beth Nimmo, started Rachel’s Challenge. Speakers at the event include Darrell, Rachel’s brothers Craig and Mike Scott, and her sister Bethanee.

All high school students will participate in a one-hour multimedia assembly that opens with a documentary-style clip of the Columbine shootings. Then, the focus shifts to true stories of people who were impacted by Rachel’s kindness.

Rachel’s 5 Challenges are discussed: eliminating prejudice, dare to dream, choose your influences, kind words and start a chain reaction.

The presentation is similar to the high school’s but geared toward the younger students. Rachel’s siblings Mike and Bethanee give this presentation.

Following the program, 100 students will sign up and be chosen to participate in a special training to learn ways on how to make an impact at their schools.

Parents, teachers, community leaders and the general public are invited to an evening presentation of Rachel’s Challenge. The event begins at 7 p.m. and will be held in the high school auditorium.

Llewellyn said a program like this would definitely be impactful to the students, who are participating in even more anti-bullying, intimidation and harassment exercises this year due to recent national events. The state has mandated .

“We’re looking for the impact to be sustained,” she said. “The first few months are always good, but hopefully it continues.”

To learn more about Rachel's Challenge, click here.