BREAKING: St. Mary’s High School in Lynn has just been recognized for its exceptional commitment to Rachel’s Challenge, a program promoting kindness and compassion in schools, marking an incredible 20 years of service. The school and its dedicated nurse, Lisa Morin-Plante, received national accolades during a virtual ceremony on November 4, 2023.
According to Morin-Plante, the St. Mary’s chapter is the oldest and largest of its kind in the United States, having launched in 2005. Weekly meetings attract around 150 students each Tuesday at 7 a.m., with total participation exceeding 200 students. The recent meeting marked the 782nd gathering of this impactful initiative.
During the ceremony, Darrell Scott, father of tragic Columbine victim Rachel Joy Scott, presented St. Mary’s with a national service award, while Morin-Plante was honored with a lifetime achievement award. Other influential figures from Rachel’s Challenge, including Rachel’s brother Michael Scott and CEO Kristin Krings, participated in the celebration.
“Thank you to St. Mary’s for 20 years of faithful service to those in need,” said Darrell Scott. “You have done an incredible job, and a special thank you to Lisa. You are a true hero for Rachel’s Challenge.”
Rachel’s Challenge addresses critical issues like bullying, prejudice, and school violence by fostering a culture of wellness and resilience among students. This work helps improve academic, social, and emotional outcomes for the entire school community.
“This award belongs to every student, teacher, and community member who has chosen kindness,” Morin-Plante stated. “This milestone represents two decades of compassion, leadership, and service—a profound example of students making a lasting impact.”
Over the last 20 years, St. Mary’s has completed numerous community service projects, including food and clothing drives, raising funds for cancer research, serving over 15,000 meals at My Brother’s Table, and providing Christmas gifts for more than 3,500 children in need. The students also focus on creating positivity posters, offering tutoring, and performing random acts of kindness.
“We concentrate on being pro-kindness,” Morin-Plante emphasized. “Our aim is to bring kindness and compassion to our school family and the broader community.”
Rachel Joy Scott was one of the 12 students killed during the Columbine High School shootings on April 20, 1999. After her death, her family discovered she had left behind a legacy of writings and drawings that conveyed her hopes for a world filled with kindness and connection. Her insights continue to inspire initiatives like Rachel’s Challenge across the nation.
This recognition not only highlights St. Mary’s commitment to fostering a positive school culture but also serves as a call to action for other institutions to adopt similar programs. As the school celebrates this milestone, it continues to pave the way for meaningful change in the community.
Stay tuned for further updates on how St. Mary’s and Rachel’s Challenge will continue to impact lives and promote kindness in the years to come.
