Rotarian Mike Weber's guest speaker was Mary Jane Neal who reminded us of how forgetful we can be. Do you remember what happened on April 20, 1999?
 
The Columbine School incident, where 12 students and a teacher were murdered, with Rachel Scott being the first student to be killed. 
 
Mrs. Neal, Bonham ISD Superintendent Sonny Cruse and 14 other teachers attended a Rachel's Rally in Rockwall, TX and were so inspired that they have started their own Rachel's Challenge for the students at the Bonham schools from Headstart to 12th grade. At the Rockwall Rally, they learned of what's called a "chain reaction" which is made up of links earned by one act of kindness.
 
The first Rachel's Rally in Bonham schools was held May of this year and they had a full gym.  The chain reaction for the Bonham students had 12,550 links representing one (1) act of kindness.  This has allowed the students to recognize they have the right to stop others from bulling and instead encourage all students.  This is not a small task; it has to be recognized and recorded.
 
The parents of Rachel (Darroll and Sandy Scott) spoke at the Bonham Rally to encourage others to participate in this dream of Rachel's.
 
Rachel's Challenge for others are:
1.  Eliminate Prejudice - by looking for the Best in Others
2.  Dare to Dream - Set goals and keep a journal
3.  Choose your influences - input determines output
4.  Kind words - small acts of kindness= HUGE inpact
5.  Start a Chain Reaction with family and friends.
 
If you would like more information on the Rachel's Challenge, look at the web site www.rachelschallenge.com.

Mike Weber and Mary Jane Neal

 
The Bonham Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 12:00 noon at the Family Life Center.