More than 100 Lockport High School students and 20 staff members spent a recent school day building relationships, sharing experiences and learning how their everyday actions can make a difference during a Rachel’s Challenge Chain Reaction Workshop.
Rachel’s Challenge is a student wellness program that addresses the root causes of bullying, prejudice, school violence and self-harm by helping schools build cultures of connection, hope and resilience.
The need for this work is clear. According to the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the percentage of U.S. high school students who reported being bullied on school property increased from 15% in 2021 to 19.1% in 2023 and 19.7% in 2025.
At Lockport High School, the Rachel’s Challenge workshop provided an opportunity for students in grades 9-12 to connect with peers they might not otherwise interact with, better understand different perspectives and practice empathy. Led by national facilitators, the day-long experience included group activities, games, small-group discussions and personal storytelling.
“Creating a school community where every student feels safe, supported and that they belong takes all of us,” said Lockport City School District Superintendent Dr. Mathis Calvin III. “We want our students to understand that their words and actions matter, and that even a small act of kindness can make a real difference in someone else’s life.”
Throughout the workshop, students were encouraged to step outside their usual social circles, make new friends and consider how their choices affect others. The lessons are intended to extend beyond the workshop, with students encouraged to bring what they learned back to their classrooms, serve as positive student leaders and help their peers navigate friendships, relationships and conflict.
High school students aren’t the only ones learning the lessons of Rachel’s Challenge. The Lockport City School District offers age-appropriate workshops, lessons and assemblies across all grade levels, teaching students that preventing bullying and building a supportive school environment begins long before problems arise. By encouraging students to build relationships, practice empathy and recognize the impact of their actions, the district is working to create a culture where every student feels safe, supported and that they belong.