Freshmen Learn about First Columbine Victim

Ossining’s Class of 2015 is deciding whether or not to accept Rachel’s challenge.

“I think it’s important for freshmen so they can kick off high school in the right way by setting a precedent for the next four years that this is going to be a positive place,” said Patrick Nixon, a presenter from the Rachel’s Challenge program.

Rachel Scott was the first student killed in the Columbine high school shooting in Apr. 1999. The contents of the several diaries she kept and the essays she wrote in school are being shared with schools all over the world, including as far as China and Australia.

Ossining’s new freshmen class learned about her life and her legacy in an hour-long program in the high school auditorium.

Lorraine Longing, an assistant principal at OHS, scheduled this event to open this year’s freshmen orientation for the first time.

“I think Rachel’s Challenge has some terrific messages: to be kind to others, to dream big, to start a chain reaction, not to judge people,” she said. “I think it was mixed in with a lot of emotional coverage of Columbine.”

Students watched footage from that tragic day—of people ducking under desks and chairs to avoid being shot, of children reuniting with their frantic parents and of teachers making emergency calls. Many of the freshmen weren’t aware of Columbine; they were only one or two years old when it happened.

“I thought it was very emotional,” said freshman Charlie Peterson. “[Rachel] did a lot to care for people, and I think if everyone follows that, the world would be a better place and prevent violence.”

Nixon left the freshmen with five challenges:

1. Look for the best in others.
2. Dream big and keep a journal.
3. Choose positive influences.
4. Speak with kindness.
5. Tell people in your life how much you love them.

Another new freshman found the program motivational.

“I’m definitely going to try to be nicer to everyone,” said Caitlyn Quain.

Peer leaders who guide freshmen through their transition to high school attended the program. Nixon trained them later in the day to start a club to promote Rachel’s message.

“I thought it was very inspirational, and it really makes you think about all of those times where you could have stepped in and stopped bullying,” said Pamela Brigleb, a junior.

“I think it’s a great introduction to high school.”

For the rest of the week, freshmen will have the opportunity to sign a banner at OHS committing to the challenge.