AT&T contributes $15,000 to Cape Henlopen Education Foundation
The Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation has announced a $15,000 contribution from AT&T to support the Rachel’s Challenge program, an initiative designed to decrease discipline problems and increase student attendance.
To highlight the work of the foundation and the important efforts it makes on behalf of students in the Cape Henlopen School District, Delaware Speaker of the House Peter C. Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth, joined with Denis Dunn, president of AT&T-Delaware, to announce the contribution.
Rachel’s Challenge is a national program inspired by the life and tragic death of 17-year-old Rachel Scott, the first victim of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. She left behind a diary in which she expressed the belief that if “one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same.”
The program is designed to equip students and adults with skills to combat bullying and reduce feelings of isolation and despair by creating a culture of kindness and compassion in the school and community.
“I applaud Denis Dunn and AT&T for supporting a program like Rachel’s Challenge. As students and as parents, we are all aware that bullying hurts people, and can have a very negative, long-term impact. This program helps create a positive, inclusive environment where no one is victimized for being different, and everyone is treated with respect,” said Schwartzkopf.
“We are honored to receive the generous support of a great corporate citizen like AT&T, and we thank our legislative leaders, Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf and Rep. Steve Smyk, for their endorsement of this important program,” said Robert Fulton, superintendent of the Cape Henlopen School District. “Engaging government and the local business community is absolutely critical in achieving our educational goals.”
Dunn said, “Rachel’s Challenge is a great example of how communities can work together to create safe and nurturing schools for students.”
Dunn said the 2014 contribution is aligned with AT&T Aspire, one of the largest corporate commitments focused on helping more students graduate from high school ready for college and careers. Learn more about AT&T Aspire by visiting www.att.com/aspire.
The Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation exists to develop resources and increase community awareness for the Cape Henlopen School District. Learn more about being a CHEF donor and volunteer by visiting www.capeeducationfund.org.
