"Don't let your character get camouflaged with your environment. Find who you are and let it stay in its true colors."

"It's hard to find God through these halls. Doubt is a part of every man's journey, but don't lose faith."

These were two of Rachel's personal messages written in a class year book just prior to her untimely departure from this earth. She was a young woman with wisdom beyond her years. But---who was Rachel Joy Scott?

Rachel Joy Scott was a girl who was full of life. She had the unique ability to understand one's need to find meaning in everyday life. She questioned the superficial things, seeking a more profound reason for existence. Craig, her brother was quoted as saying, "It never was important to Rachel what people looked like. She always looked at the inside. She wasn't fake and didn't put on a show." This ironically played out in the high school play, Smoke in the Room, where Rachel starred as a girl who on the outside looked different----but on the inside was a beautiful person.

Rachel expressed herself in many ways. The hats she wore were no exception. Her collection of hats reflected the many dimensions of her personality ranging from Santa Clause's jollyness to Dr. Seus' eccentricness. In particular her "Gilligan" hat became a trademark. But it wasn't the appearance or hats which made Rachel. All were drawn to Rachel because of her belief; belief in everything she did. Whether it was music, drama, photography, forensics or her friendships, Rachel exuded unbridled passion and unwavering conviction. Even a stranger was a friend not yet met.

Her belief was also personified in her personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As a dedicated Christian, Rachel was a leader in her youth group. She served as a deacon often organizing events for local youth to witness and share her love for God. Many members of Rachel's church have vivid memories of Rachel's mime performances to Watch the Lamb and Who Nailed Him There. Her life and her passion were a testimony to all those around her. Rachel had a personal goal of traveling outside the United States to share her faith and love for Jesus Christ. Though she may not have been able to physically accomplish this, through these words Rachel is reaching her goal.

The family and friends' heart felt desire is to establish a living legacy. We have hopefully taken a stride towards this goal by establishing this web page. It is an opportunity for the world to meet and know Rachel Joy Scott; to see for themselves the magnitude of loss with this precious life. "Our pain must not be in vain. We are all called to pick up the torch." The family has established The Rachel Joy Scott Memorial Fund to carry on Rachel's beliefs, dreams and goals.

The parents and family of Rachel Joy Scott wish to convey their heartfelt gratitude to the many people throughout the nation and world who support and express their love and condolences at the untimely passing of their beloved daughter, sister and most of all friend.

Rachel Joy Scott came on to this earth on August 5, 1981 and on Tuesday, April 20, 1999 she left this earth to join our heavenly father.

Rachel Joy Scott Memorial Fund
Englewood Municipal Federal Credit Union
3400 S. Elati St
Englewood, Colorado 80110
(303) 762-2308