10/23/2026
21 Years of Rachel’s Challenge… And Our Story Continues ❤️
Today was a special day at St. Mary’s as we welcomed Rachel’s Challenge back into our school community!
Twenty-one years. Think about that for a moment. Twenty-one years of sharing Rachel’s story, inspiring students, and encouraging young people to recognize the difference they can make in the lives of others.
We held two assemblies, and once again, our students took the Rachel’s Challenge pledge. The gym was filled with students who listened respectfully and thoughtfully as they heard Rachel’s story. Watching them engage with her message was a reminder that, even after 21 years, the lessons of compassion, connection, and inclusion remain as important as ever.
A special thank you to our presenter, Nasha, for sharing Rachel’s story with our students and helping bring its message to life. We are grateful for the opportunity to pause, reflect, and renew our commitment to making our school a place where everyone feels valued and welcome.
Thank you, too, to the students and leaders who helped make today possible. Your time, energy, and dedication are an important part of keeping this mission alive at St. Mary’s.
Our leadership training was another highlight! We had fun, connected with one another, and shared ideas about the future. One of the things I love most about Rachel’s Challenge is that even after 21 years, we are still learning, growing, and discovering new possibilities.
As I reflect on today, I find myself thinking about three things: what was, what is, and what is yet to come.
We honor what was. We celebrate the beginning of this journey and the many students, teachers, and leaders who have carried Rachel’s message forward through the years.
We appreciate what is. We recognize the students who continue to embrace the challenge, the leaders who inspire their peers, and the countless moments that make our school community special.
And we look forward to what is yet to come. Our leadership training sparked new ideas and opened the door to fresh opportunities. There is excitement in imagining what the next chapter will look like and how we can continue to build on the foundation established 21 years ago.
As a person of faith, I believe God places opportunities in front of us every day to make a difference. Sometimes those opportunities are big, but often they are found in the ordinary moments of our lives. How we welcome someone, how we respond when someone is struggling, and how we choose to treat one another all help shape the community we create together.
My hope is that our students carry the message of Rachel’s Challenge beyond today's assemblies. The pledge they took is a reminder that each of us has a responsibility to help create a world where people feel seen, supported, and valued.
Twenty-one years is a milestone worth celebrating, but it is also an opportunity to look ahead with renewed purpose.
I am grateful for what was, proud of what is, and excited for what is yet to come.
Thank you to Nasha, our student leaders, and everyone who helped make this meaningful day possible. Most of all, thank you to our students for listening, reflecting, and once again embracing Rachel’s Challenge.
The best part of this story is that we are not finished writing it yet.
Twenty-one years of Rachel’s Challenge at St. Mary’s… and our story continues. ❤️
