At a series of assemblies Thursday, students and residents got a glimpse into the life of a victim of the Columbine shootings that took place seven years ago.

Organizers of the assembly at Oak Harbor High School hope that glimpse will inspire kindness in the school and a greater sense of community.

Students learned about the writings and beliefs of Rachel Scott, who was one of the 13 people killed in the infamous shootings of April 1999. When her parents found her journal it revealed her belief that a random act of kindness can spark a chain reaction that can spread through other people. Her writings showed a more chilling side to her personality where she predicted she wouldn’t live through the year.

Rachel’s family turned her writings into an inspirational workshop and now spread her message through schools nationwide.

“We talk about looking for the best in others and eliminating prejudice,” said Nicole Nowlen, who spoke at the Oak Harbor assemblies. Nowlen too was a victim of the Columbine shootings. She was in the library that day and she was wounded by a shotgun blast.

She held two, hour-long assemblies Thursday morning in front of the students. A third took place that evening where local residents were invited.

Organizers were pleased with the difference the presentation, titled “Rachel’s Challenge,” will make in the students.

“I could already tell it changed a lot of people’s lives,” said senior James Reynolds, a member of the Leadership Team that organized the event.

Students silently sat through the assembly and watched news footage of the shootings along with home videos of Scott’s life. They also viewed excerpts from Scott’s writings.

Nowlen also highlighted five “challenges” she hopes students would take away from the assembly. Those challenges are looking for the best in others; daring to dream; knowing a little act of kindness translates into huge differences in people’s lives; and using an act of kindness to start a chain reaction with family and friends.

Some students attending the assembly also remembered the recent loss of family and friends.

“I thought it was good. It was really inspiring to me,” said sophomore Jane Eaton, adding that she remembered a classmate who died earlier in the year.

Those sentiments were echoed by fellow sophomore Kitiara Rosenfelt, who remembered her recently departed grandfather during the assembly.

“That actually hit a soft spot for me,” Rosenfelt said of the assembly.

Once the morning assemblies were complete, Nowlen spent the early afternoon conducting a training session for approximately 40 students who are forming a group called Friends of Rachel. The service club will emphasize Scott’s ideals.