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The East Providence
eporter R
FEBRUARY 2012 VOLUME 8, NO. 2
FREE TM
Serving the Community and Businesses of East Providence
If you didn't receive this paper by February 8th, please call the Reporter at 508-252-6575
New Year...
New You. see pg 24
Rachel’s Legacy Comes To East Providence!
By Gina Wesley-Silva I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same.” - Rachel Scott. Every now and then, during the course of our lives, we get the chance to be part of something really wonderful! It is the kind of experience that pulls at our hearts, and helps us eliminate the mental barriers that create intolerance and indifference towards each other. Those fortunate enough to participate in such an experience, are instantly liberated from their own ignorance, and are instilled with a sense of responsibility, community, and brotherhood. And, that is precisely what happened when “Rachel’s Challenge” came to East Providence’s middle schools in January 2012. 17 year old Rachel Scott was the first victim of the Columbine High School shootings in April 1999. After her death her family found six of her journals, as well as a tracing of her hands, upon which she had written that one day her hands “…would touch millions of people’s hearts.” Her vision became the foundation for one of the most life changing school programs in America. The mission of Rachel’s Challenge is perfectly clear: “From Tragedy to Triumph” “We exist to inspire, equip, and empower every person to create a permanent positive culture change in their school, business, and community by starting a chain reaction of kindness and compassion.” continued on page 9...
Love is in the Air
page 50
Students from Riverside Middle School holding the Rachel's Challenge banner they signed.