TVHS Juniors Working To Raise $4K To Bring Rachel's Challenge To Community
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David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
AKRON – Saying they want to help their community heal, Tippecanoe Valley High School juniors Michael Thacker and Deont’ee Smith are trying to bring anti-bullying program Rachel’s Challenge to the school district. “Me, personally, I am a very passionate person. Michael’s a very passionate person. We love our community and school,” Smith said. “We play football so there’s a brotherhood there. Last year we (Tippecanoe Valley School Corp.) had a hard year and it transgressed into this year, too. We felt an opportunity to help people. Some people passed away last year we were close to. We wanted to find a way to help people who are still hurting.” The pair are trying to raise at least $4,000 to bring the program to TVHS. According to the website www.rachelschallenge.org, “Rachel’s Challenge is a series of student-empowering programs and strategies that equip students and adults to combat bullying and allay feelings of isolation and despair by creating a culture of kindness and compassion. The programs are based on the writings and life of 17-year-old Rachel Scott who was the first student killed at Columbine High School in 1999.” Thacker said before she died, Scott had a vision to touch millions of lives and help people. When she died, that vision was cut short, but her family took over to make that vision become a reality. “They come to schools and give a big presentation. We haven’t seen it yet but a few people here saw it at a state convention. It’s a powerful message to kids, and also deals with suicide,” Thacker explained. Smith said the idea is to “set off a chain reaction of kindness.” It can start off with something as simple as saying hello to someone or doing a larger deed such as buying groceries for a family in need. The $4,000 is needed to bring the Rachel’s Challenge package to the high school and the community, Thacker said. A Rachel’s Challenge club based off Scott’s five principles also would be started to sustain her legacy. If more than $4,000 is raised, Thacker said they can get a larger package which would provide presentations to the community and every school in the corporation. “They have different age-appropriate packages for elementary and middle schools as opposed to the one presented to adults,” said Katie Duran, TVHS Jobs for America’s Graduates specialist. She said they want to have the presentation in April or May, so they need to raise the money for it by the end of March. To raise the money, Thacker said they are in the process of sending invitations to businesses so they can give them a presentation on what Rachel’s Challenge is and how they can get behind it. The high school has an account for Rachel’s Challenge that they can donate to and donations are tax exempt, Thacker said. “We’ll take any and all donations,” he said. Duran said the presentation to businesses will be given at 6:30 p.m. March 13. Currently, Smith said they are halfway to their goal. Thacker said Nelson’s Beverage has donated, and Valley Superintendent Brett Boggs has put in some of his own money. The K21 Health Foundation donated about $1,000 in honor of Mentone resident Rosy Jansma who sits on its board of directors. The Lowry Family donated $500. Anyone who wants to donate to Rachel’s Challenge can send a check to TVHS, 8345 S. Ind. 19, Akron, IN 46910. In the memo line, write “for Rachel’s Challenge.” Duran said the juniors are working on the project during JAG class time as part of their leadership and community service building. It’s also helping the students with their interview and presentation skills. JAG is provided by WorkOne. It’s a national program run at the state level, so Duran is a state employee. It helps students pursue college or job opportunities. For more information or questions about Rachel’s Challenge, Duran said they can contact her or the other two project advisors, teachers and student council co-sponsors Crystal Heckaman and Cami Shriver. Duran’s e-mail is durank@tvsc.k12.in The high school’s telephone number is 574-353-7031.
