Rachel Scott was the first victim of the Columbine High School shootings over 12 years ago --- and on Tuesday, thousands of students learned her story.
Rachel's Challenge is a program that travels the country preaching what Rachel lived for: kindness, respect and hope.
Two years ago this program came to Burlington preaching these ideals - but today, the message was slightly different.
It focused on actions that are taken today will shape your legacy that you leave behind you.
Many students were touched by the presentation and plan on taking these ideals to heart. Today, Rachel Scott's legacy lives on.
"I will certainly try and reach out to the kids who don't have a lot of friends. I'll try and be the leader and take that first step," said Danielle Haeffner of Danville High School.
In August, a national study found that 50% of students in 6th, 8th, and 11th grades had been bullied at some point.
Students at the assembly supported that statistic. When asked if they had been bullied, nearly every student in attendance raised their hand.
This is a problem students are ready to be rid of.
Riley Kilbride, Freshman at Burlington Notre Dame says:
"Think before you speak. Your words and actions have an impact on other people and we just need to treat people the way they want to be treated."
But, like all problems, they take time to solve - -- but it may just be the simple things that can make all the difference.
I think I'm going to let my friends know that I really appreciate them being my friend. Let them know that I am grateful for their friendship."
