Testimonials


"You are one of the most professional and organized groups I have ever worked with. This has been a wonderful experience for all involved."
– North Plainfield HS (10/30/09)
 
"As schools are very busy meeting the academic needs of our students, Rachel's Challenge comes along side and provides the support necessary to meet the character needs of our students. In the flurry of a school year, Rachel's Challenge provides the calm thoughtful program necessary to reach our students' hearts. Thank you!"
– M. Johnson, Administrator, Copper River School District
 
"The year two program was as good or better then the first year program. Our Rachel's Challenge group has grown to include over 100 very energized members. I have been a high school principal for over 20 years now and have never seen a program that is this good for all kids."
– C. Briscoe, Principal, Century High School
 
"rachels challenge has helped me so much since you came to waterford kettering... i thought that my life was going down hill i thought nothing was going right.. i have been picked on because im not one of the skinniest girls in my school.. i felt like know one cared about me i felt like im someone that cant get friend that sees me for me... i feel like this has helped me soo much now i dont have to think about how am i going to kill myself..now i think about all the positive stuff and know im doing good in school and that i have been helping people out im glad u came to are school and talked to us about these challenges without them i wouldnt be here!"
– J.T., Student, Waterford Kettering
 
"Most memorable: A student came up to me after the presentation and told me that he was new at that school. He came from CA, and was brought there because he had been in and out of jail in CA. He was involved in a gang back home. He said that he was very bitter at coming to this new school - but he said that he thinks that he was brought there just so that he could see RC. He said that some of his friends back in CA had died due to gang violence, and as a result he was very bitter that he had left CA. But he said after hearing RC he realized that it was in fact a blessing that he wasn't there because he could have died with them. He went on to explain to me that he is going to walk away from the gang life and choose positive influences for his life - because he realizes that it could end up killing him."
– L.T., South Albany High School
 
"At our school board meeting Tues. night, the president of the board told the audience that [the speaker's] presentation was the best he had ever attended and that he had attended many. This is being echoed every day by those that attended. The program and [the speaker] are to have the highest commendation."
– C. Schoew, Access ISD
 
"I am a 13 year old boy at South Jeff. Before our assembly I was one who would pick on others. After I had a new perspective on treating others. I now see the mental and physical damage name calling causes on others. I regret all the years I did such a bitter thing. I now treat others with much respect and stick up/comfort those who need it. Thank you for coming to my school. (Rachel lives on in all of us)"
– J.B., Student, South Jefferson Junior High
 
"I just wanted to let you know how deeply touched I was during your presentation. During the speaking I looked around and not only me but many others, including many "tough guys", were bawling like little babies. Due to my disease, glaucoma, I was considering ending my life the next week. But you changed that. You and Rachel helped me realize how many people truly care about me."
– B.B., Student, St. Joseph
 
"Yesterday my daughter Emily came home from school and spoke about Rachel, and her challenge. She was inspired and so was I. My daughter is a freshman in High School, she was hospitalized 2 years ago because of bullies on her cheer squad...she became so depressed and suicidal that she was hospitalized. So I think this program should be MANDATORY in schools!"
– J. Fitzpatrick, Parent, South Boston
 
"I just wanted to say thank you for the powerful positive message that you send to our children through your website... I watched the clip with Sam tonight and it touched my heart as it did his and when you can capture the heart and attention of 6th graders that is an accomplishment in itself."
– B. Speer, Mother, Fort Smith
 
"It's not just a show. It is real."
– B. Pierfy, Student Coordinator, Phillipsburg School District
 
"I believe the best outcome from our workshop has been the dialog that parents are having with their high school children and entire families... 100% rated the program as excellent or perfect."
– M. Diamond-Caravella, Chairperson, Harborfields Council of PTAs
 
"I feel that every school in the country should see Rachel's Challenge. It opened the mind and hearts of an age group very hard to reach."
– B. Flanigan, Guidance Counselor, T.L. Traughbe Junior High
 
"This program can and does make a positive difference in our students' lives."
– C. Curry, Dean of Students, Geneva Community High School
 
"Over 1,900 students sitting on hard benches gave their full attention as [the speaker] made his presentation... the program has had a positive, profound impact on the students at Shawnee Mission North High School."
– C. McLean, Principal, Shawnee Mission North High School
 
"You made the biggest impact on our school that any one assembly ever has."
– Student, Creston High School
 
"Rachel's Challenge was definitely one of the most heart wrenching and moving presentations I have ever seen."
– Deputy G. Little, Vice President, Texas D.A.R.E. Officers Association
 
"After hearing this powerful message along with the two breakouts that were done, many of our attendees who have been to all five conferences agree that Rachel's Challenge was the most stimulating and thought provoking message that we have ever had. I cannot recommend this presentation highly enough."
– R. Kane, Director, 5th Annual Texas School Safety Summit
 
"I was so deeply moved and touched by Rachel's Challenge... the next day I shared her story with my staff and announced my desire to bring Rachel's Challenge to Loudon County. My life will never be the same after hearing this powerful message."
– M. Alexander, School Based Probation Officer, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice
 
"After hearing the story, I know first hand that the message of Rachel's Challenge will capture the heart and mind of every educator in the room; as it did with all 1,200 of our attendees. The message of Rachel's Challenge is one every school, educator, student and parent needs to hear."
– L. Hamilton, President, Kentucky Council for Children with Behavior Disorders
 
"The kids that were with me were really taken aback by it. It really had an influence on them."
– Mary Durham, FCCLA Advisor, Marshall High School
 
"That was the best assembly ever. This should go throughout the entire world. I'm officially inspired. Usually you're bored and falling asleep"
– N. Ruiz, Student, McFarland Junior High School
 
"The great thing about Mr. Scott's message is it is not a one-shot deal."
– J. Leake, Counselor, Labette County High School
 
"It's changed my complete outlook on what I say and what I do."
– T. Kirane, Student, Pinkerton Academy
 
"I did not attend the presentation; I thought it was just another attempt at controlling the student population with yet one more "program" designed to make them cookie-cutter adults. Wow, was I wrong! FOR truly changed many of the students in the school. Members of FOR began to reach out to new students who had no one to eat lunch with or to talk to in classes or the hallway. Their actions impacted other students, who began to show kindness, rather than indifference. Compassion became a staple of students' behavior. They actually cared about one another, and about their teachers. The entire climate of the school began to change. Once gloomy mornings of barely awake voices now began to toll with the sound of laughter as students greeted one another. Random acts of kindness occurred without notice and without expectation of repayment. Surly scowls began an upward twitch--someone finally noticing the student who had sat unnoticed in a corner reading alone; rare, and by choice, were the students who dined alone at lunch. Wylie High School had evolved... forging headlong into acceptance, acceptance of everyone."
– D. McIlvain, Faculty, Wiley High School
 
"As a professional educator, I have never been so passionate about the positive opportunities Rachel's Challenge will bring to our community."
– J. Bryant, Principal, Greenbrier East High School
 
"I want to thank this group for the inspiration it has given my mom. I have an older sister that hasn't spoken to us in over a year and my mom is kind of stubborn about the whole thing. But I asked her to go to the meeting after I had seen it at school. My mom really enjoyed the program and I just found out that that night after seeing the show she spent 3 hours writing my older sister a long letter saying she wanted to end all this fighting with her. My mom feels very good about making peace with her daughter and it has really helped our family. I just want to say thank you again for helping and I really appreciate this program you have."
– B. Woodson, Student
 
"This is meaningful character education."
– L. Fox, Assistant Principal, Berkeley Springs High School
 
"I'm from Argentina and I've lived in this country since 2000. I'd like to spread Rachel's Challenge in Argentina. I think for sure Rachel Challenge is absolutely necessary all over. I'd like be part of the chain."
– M. Carlo-Lumandue, Pleasantville
 
"I want to thank Rachel's Challenge for bringing our community together. The entire day was emotional and inspirational. [the speaker] was a wonderful presenter! The school community, which includes our staff, parents and administrator... to local politicians, have been talking about the impact that this program had at our school."
– J. Ford, 6th Grade Parent, North Haven Middle School
 
"I want to express to you how outstanding Rachel's Challenge was for our school. This is my twentieth year in education and I have never been witness to a more powerful and long-lasting program for youth."
– R. Ryan, Principal, Colleyville Heritage High School
 
"The very next day after your presentation, we had an episode happen at our school...a student was arrested for planning a shooting at our school. I truly believe that if not for your presentation, there may have been a horrific disaster occur at our school...because of your presentation, students decided to come forward and tell on the young man that was planning the attack. I just want to thank you for sharing your story and I honestly think it helped save many lives at our school here at Greenbrier East."
– S. Surber, Teacher, Greenbrier East High School
 
"Your message helped me to overcome my sister's death and prevent my own."
– 9th Grader, Jefferson City
 
"Attendance is up, disciplinary referrals are down, and the students feel a sense of community. Students speak out against bullying and intimidation and inform the administration of other inappropriate behavior. We unconditionally recommend Rachel's Challenge as a must see for high school and middle school students."
– T. Thompson, Principal, Southport High School