Start a Chain Reaction

For 4 years, I lived and worked in Malone, New York. That is a small rural town near the border of Cornwall, Canada. It was a wonderful experience-one that changed my life. Being up there and working in the public school system at Flanders Elementary as a reading specialist for grades 3, 4 and 5 convinced me that working in the education field should be my life-long ministry. I made many good friend sand have great memories. Today, thanks to the wonderful world of Facebook, I found out about a spectacular event the Malone Central School District did. I am so impressed and love their sense of community. I miss the place, the people and the spirit tremendously.

Malone Central School district has adopted Rachel’s Challenge to stand up against bullying. They also co-named their program Karen’s Hope after a school counselor died tragically. Karen was instrumental in bringing Rachel’s Challenge to Malone and dedicated her life to children. Today 10/18/11- all members of the school community made a human chain against bullying. This human chain went down a long stretch of the Main Street in town. Many people including parents, teachers, principals, village police, state police, the fire department, town officials, correction officers and community members came out to lend a hand. Also people drove through Main Street beeping their horns. According to my many friends, it was AMAZING!!!

"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

RIP Karen, you are greatly missed! Please continue watching over Malone’s children!!!!!

Sr. Jeannie