Friends of Rachel – What is it?

The thought of being in a place where there’s kindness, no judgements and positivity sounds pretty appealing, right? The new club at THS, Friends of Rachel (also known as FOR) is striving for just that.

On August 20, Talawanda welcomed a presentation known as “Rachel’s Challenge,” a non-profit, non-religious, non-political organization recognizing Rachel Joy Scott.

Scott was the first student to have her life taken during the Columbine High School Shooting in 1999. Friends Of Rachel is a group of students involved who “accepted the challenge” to create a safe learning environment, improve academic achievement, educate people culturally and promote positive change.

THS Principal Tom York decided to bring Rachel’s Challenge after a Talawanda student had brought it up to him. “Our hope for the club is that a large number of kids are affected by the program,” he said. York also said the club has really neat activities, one of which appeared around the school on Thursday, September 12.

“The Positive Post-Its really got a reaction from the students,” said counselor Molly McGaffin, who is a supervisor to the new club. “The club exists to help promote positive energy in the school.”

Since the formation of the club, the number of members has doubled. “Anyone can join at anytime,” McGaffin said. McGaffin also said the club has really been effective, the students involved are very active within their group.

THS Vice Principal Molly Merz attends the meetings every Wednesday. “It’s a good opportunity for students. We as administrators want something for every student. We want to make sure everybody feels good here, that they feel valued,” said Merz. “Since it’s not after school, I like to have a hope students really take the opportunity to join this club and have an impact on others.”

Sophomore Whitley Mills has been a member of the club since it started. “The club makes me notice how much more appreciative I am towards people. I quit judging and I’m more social,” said Mills. “It’s really made an impact on me and inspires me to make an impact on people, too.”

If any student is wanting to make a change in someone’s life, wants to inspire others and are FOR positive change, Friends of Rachel would be the club to join. It is open for anybody, and there’s absolutely no catch. Meetings are held every Wednesday during lunch in room 617. Accept the Challenge!