Challenge Day brings change to Putnam City High School

The change began with some tears and hugs.

And the change continued all this week as freshmen attended Challenge Day, a program aimed at ending bullying, isolation and depression among students.

“They just become more respectful. They start looking out for each other more,” said Combs, a 12th-grade English teacher responsible for coordinating Challenge Day each year for the past five years. “By the last day (Thursday), 97 percent of the freshmen class will have gone through the program.”

After this year, about 95 percent of the entire student body will have been to a Challenge Day.

Putnam City High School senior McQuallias Wright, known affectionately by classmates as “Q,” said Challenge Day his freshmen year was a turning point in his life.

“It's conjuring up things that you've been suppressing in your life,” Wright said. “It's like a balloon being popped.”

In Wright's freshman year, he shared how hard it's been not having his father in his life.

Wednesday, Wright shared with underclassmen how much of a difference school counselor Jerry Rickerts has made in his life.

“I love you and you are like a father to me,” Wright said to Rickerts in front of the entire room, hugging the school counselor.