UPDATE: St. Mary’s High School in Lynn has just been awarded national recognition for its remarkable 20-year commitment to Rachel’s Challenge, a program that promotes kindness and compassion among students. The celebration took place during a virtual ceremony on November 4, where Darrell Scott, father of Rachel Joy Scott, presented awards to both the school and school nurse Lisa Morin-Plante.
St. Mary’s boasts the oldest and largest chapter of Rachel’s Challenge in the nation, having launched its initiative in 2005. Morin-Plante reported that the school hosts meetings every Tuesday at 7 a.m., often attracting 150 students, with over 200 total participants actively engaged in the program. The recent meeting marked the 782nd gathering since the program’s inception.
“Thank you to St. Mary’s for 20 years of faithful service to the underprivileged and those in need,” Darrell Scott stated during the ceremony. He praised Morin-Plante as a “true hero for Rachel’s Challenge,” highlighting the profound impact the school has made over the years.
Rachel’s Challenge was established to combat school violence, bullying, and self-harm through student wellness initiatives that foster connection, hope, and resilience. The program aims to enhance school culture, enabling students to realize their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
“This award belongs to every student, teacher, and community member who has chosen kindness,” Morin-Plante emphasized. “This milestone represents two decades of compassion, leadership, and service—an incredible example of students making a lasting impact.”
Over the past two decades, St. Mary’s students have conducted numerous community service projects, including food and clothing drives, raising funds for cancer research, serving over 15,000 meals at My Brother’s Table, organizing blood drives, and providing Christmas gifts for more than 3,500 children in need.
In addition to these efforts, students create positivity posters, offer tutoring, and perform random acts of kindness, reinforcing their commitment to a culture of kindness. “We concentrate on being pro-kindness,” Morin-Plante stated. “We want to bring kindness and compassion to our school family and the community.”
Rachel Joy Scott was the first victim of the tragic Columbine High School shootings on April 20, 1999. After her death, her family discovered a legacy of writings and drawings revealing her desire to inspire positive change in the world.
As St. Mary’s High School reflects on this significant milestone, the ongoing impact of Rachel’s Challenge continues to resonate within the community, proving that kindness and compassion can indeed change lives.
This recognition not only highlights the achievements of St. Mary’s but also serves as a reminder of the vital importance of fostering a positive school environment. As the school looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of spreading kindness, making a lasting difference in the lives of students and families alike.
Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring journey and how St. Mary’s continues to lead by example in promoting compassion and service.
