McHenry County ROE Excellence in Education 2026

Youth mental health challenges are increasingly linked to school safety concerns, including violence, self-harm, and behavioral escalation. In this session, Rachel’s Challenge CEO, Kristi Krings, outlines the current state of youth mental health through an upstream prevention lens and shares the story of Rachel Scott, whose legacy has helped avert at least nine school shootings as corroborated by law enforcement. Participants will explore how focusing on connectedness and positive school culture creates safer school environments.