Cardinal Gibbons' High Students Take Pledge For Peace
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - Students at Ft. Lauderdale's Cardinal Gibbons High School have taken a pledge against bullying as part of Rachel's Challenge, a national non-profit company's campaign to end bullying in schools.
So who was Rachel?
Rachel Scott was the first student shot to death during the Columbine High massacre in Columbine, Colorado. After her death, her parents found inspiring messages in her writings – themes used today when teens take Rachel's Challenge to spread kindness to beat bullying.
"What we want to do is champion the good instead of being a darkness fighter. We are a candle-lighter, so we are trying to light a candle of kindness, compassion and friendship to let children know that is truly the way to go," said Neil McIntyre with Rachel's Challenge.
In the crowd, several of the students admitted they had been bullied in school.
"In middle school I was picked on, names called, because I was different from everyone else, because I was not part of the status quo," said Nicolette Bove, a Cardinal Gibbons 11th grader.
Gibbons said she was able to find a support system and which made her stronger.
"Everyone goes through a tough time in their life and that is what molds them. It gives them their path and direction in life and I am glad I went through it," said Bove.
This program hopes to keep other kids from having to go through it because some may not be as lucky.
In 1999, Columbine High seniors Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 students and teacher before taking their own lives. After the mass shooting, a number of debates were held on gun violence, bullying and the culture of social outcasts.
Rachel's Challenge hopes to create a safe learning environment for all students by re-establishing civility and delivering proactive antidotes to school violence and bullying.
