Holley eighth grader recognized for helping launch club that spreads kindness

Holley eighth grader Alyssa DeVault accepts a Soaring to New Heights Award from Interim High School Principal Paul Hendel and Board Vice President Brenda Swanger.

Holley eighth grader recognized for helping launch club that spreads kindness

Holley eighth grader Alyssa DeVault has devoted many hours of her own time, including giving up study halls, to help School Counselor Alison Albright launch the Friends of Rachel Club at Holley Middle School/High School. The club's purpose is to create a chain reaction of kindness throughout the school after all students took part in an assembly entitled Rachel's Challenge. The program includes the first-hand account of Columbine survivor Nicole Nolan. Both Nicole and her classmate, Darrell Scott, were among those injured. Darrell's sister, Rachel, was the first person killed during the 1999 high school shooting.

At Holley, the club will welcome new students, honor certain groups and perform other acts of kindness. DeVault has been helping to create nomination forms, posters and get the club off the ground. At the October 15 Board of Education meeting, Interim High School Principal Paul Hendel presented her with a Soaring to New Heights Award for her efforts.