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Propel Hazelwood marked the beginning of a new academic year by making a powerful statement about the school’s commitment to fostering a safe and compassionate school culture.

Through an immersive partnership with Rachel’s Challenge, scholars throughout the school embarked on a year-long journey to create a “chain reaction” of kindness and compassion.

“We’re thrilled to bring Rachel’s Challenge to Propel Hazelwood,” said Principal Dr. Angela Taylor. “This program provides a powerful framework for our scholars to understand the profound impact of their actions and to actively cultivate a culture of kindness. It’s a perfect complement to our Propel-wide Habits. We believe it will have a lasting positive impact on our school community.”

The early responses from scholars suggest Principal Taylor’s optimism is well-founded.

“I learned that I should always speak into the future and maybe good things will happen. No matter how hard it gets, never give up,” shared Aaliyah, an insightful eighth-grade scholar, reflecting on the program’s empowering message. 

Propel Schools, a network of public charter schools in 10 locations in Allegheny County, emphasizes five core Habits: Academics, Attitude, Behavior & Pride, Kindness and Teamwork, and values maintaining an inclusive, caring and respectful learning environment where every scholar feels a sense of belonging.

Similarly, Rachel’s Challenge centers around five key themes: looking for the best in others, dreaming big, choosing positive influences, speaking with kindness and starting a chain reaction of kindness, encouraging scholars, staff and community members to make positive choices, fostering inclusivity and building a supportive school environment.

“It’s important for Rachel’s message to go out all across the world. The message of kindness and compassion — kindness changes a heart, compassion changes a life,” said Veda Tucker, who traveled from North Carolina to launch this initiative with Propel Hazelwood.

The initiative was established in memory of Rachel Joy Scott, a victim of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. Her family discovered her profound writings on kindness and compassion, and transformed her legacy into a powerful national movement that continues to empower and uplift children throughout the United States.

One passage from Rachel’s diary captures the essence of her vision: “Compassion is the greatest form of love humans have to offer. 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. People will never know how far a little kindness can go.”