Violence presentation draws hundreds

BENTON COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - Hundreds of Benton County community members and students were faced with a challenge Monday night.

But this challenge was different. It was a presentation to challenge people to be kind and compassionate. It's called "Rachel's Challenge," and shares the story of Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim of the Colombine High School Shootings nearly 13 years ago.

Since then, her story has been shared all over the world in an effort to prevent bullying in high schools and prevent an event like the shootings at Colombine from ever happening again.

"It's really about understanding the lives that can be saved through truly simple acts of kindness," speaker Jonathon Oliver said.

Jonathon Oliver is one of nearly 40 speakers, including Rachel's family, who shares her story around the globe. Oliver said it's all about taking a tragedy and turning it into triumph.

"One kind gesture, one pat on the back, one high five, one moment of someone believing in you can be that difference in knowing that their life is valuable and that they mean someone to someone else," Oliver said.

"We all go through issues. We all go through the same things they do and we just want to start a chain reaction. If one person hugs another person, we want to keep it going," Benton Central High School resource officer, Jason Dexter, said.

Parents who sat through Monday night's presentation said they were touched. They said they hope to see Rachel's legacy live on through the hallways of Benton Central.

"It was very inspirational. As a parent, it was tough," Karen Ahlbrand said.

Students who attended "Rachel's Challenge" said they're ready to take that next step to making those changes.

"You don't have to bully people. We're all the same. We're all people and we all have feelings and when those feelings are hurt, it's really hard to come back from it," Benton Central High School student, Rhiannon Fields, said.

"Rachel's Challenge" was sponsored by the Benton County Foundation.

The idea of bringing the presentation to Benton County came after two teachers saw it at a conference.