On Thursday, Northside High School was invited to be a part of something incredible.

The students welcomed a visiting speaker from the nonprofit Rachel’s Challenge, which is dedicated to creating safe and accepting school environments.

Rachel’s Challenge was founded in honor of the first shooting victim at Columbine High School in 1999 — Rachel Scott. In her short 17 years on the earth, Rachel lived an inspiring life of positivity and kindness. She accepted those who were considered outcasts by others and made a point of spreading kindness wherever she went.

The presentation at Northside High was visibly touching to the students, bringing tears and chills throughout the auditorium. The campaign message applies to school-age kids and really anyone of any age.

But the thing about Rachel’s story is that it is not enough for one to listen. Rachel’s Challenge requires taking action, being another link in the “chain reaction” of which she spoke.

The challenge includes five steps: Look for the best in others; dream big; choose positive influences; speak with kindness; and start your own chain reaction.

Without action behind these words, Rachel’s story falls flat. This message and the manifestation of it have the power to change the world. Rachel Scott neither lived her short life nor died in vain.

As the speaker said on Thursday, life is hard enough without all the bullying, unkind words and negativity.

When going about one’s day, take a minute to think about Rachel Scott. Hold the door for a stranger, take the time to be friendly to the wait staff or stifle the urge to honk at a slow driver. At the end of the day, Beaufort County has the potential to be another small link in worldwide chain reaction that is Rachel’s Challenge.

They are simple tasks but ones that are often forgotten. Be kind to one another. Spread positivity. And then pay it forward.