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Nov 6, 2009 6:53 pm US/Central
Blaine Teens Learn Of Columbine Victim's Kindness
BLAINE, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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A speaker tells Blaine students about "Rachel's Challenge," a movement to start a "chain reaction" of kindness in schools.
CBS
Every high school prides itself on something, whether it be arts, athletics or academics. But at Blaine High School something else is being taught. It's called the "human factor."
"Being nice to one person can be a chain reaction to multiple people," said junior Eric Kline.
Eric is Blaine's starting quarterback. On Wednesday he and other student leaders learned the story of Rachel Joy Scott, the first student killed at Columbine. After her death, students at her school came forward to talk about the kindness and respect she always gave to others.
Now there is a national campaign in her memory and on Wednesday, it came to Blaine.
"They were absolutely silent. Listened to every minute, could have dropped a pin. It was wonderful," said assistant principal Linda Groebner.
"I think it was pretty moving seeing how she could predict everything and how one chain reaction can affect everything around the world," said Eric.
The hope is that Eric and other student leaders will take what they've learned from Rachel's story and spread it around the school. The things they learn in school about looking out for one another are things that translate well on to the football field. Just like in school, on the field they have each other's backs.
"When you have confidence on the football field you just know that you have confidence and you have your other 10 buds out there, they're just fighting with you and it's just a great time," said senior defensive end, Dijon Starr.
While the Bengals can't promise to be nice to Centennial in their section final game, they do promise to be good sports and good people. Whether that's on the gridiron, in school or in life.
"Be nice to the kid that maybe doesn't have the most friends or maybe he's alone or something like that. Let them know that someone is there for them and someone cares," said Eric.
As part of the Rachel Joy Scott Campaign, "Kindness and Compassion" clubs are being formed at high schools across the country. School leaders said Blaine is also considering forming a club.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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