Mars Area School District will host a “Rachel’s Challenge” Community Night Presentation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27, at Mars Area High School Auditorium.

“Rachel’s Challenge” is based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim of the Columbine High School tragedy. The program works to equip and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness and compassion and, in turn, to promote a safer, more connected school community.

“If one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go… You just may start a chain reaction.” Rachel Scott wrote in a school essay shortly before her death.

The program will offer Rachel’s story; the story of her brother, Craig; as well as authentic news footage and an actual 911 call from the Columbine High School tragedy. Therefore, the program is not recommended for children ages 12 and younger.

The District will offer childcare for kids ages 5-12, provided by members of Mars Area High School’s Interact Club, Key Club, National Honor Society and Student Council and District personnel, from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

In addition to the Community Night Presentation, Mars Area School District is introducing the “Rachel’s Challenges” program to all students (K-12) through assemblies and other activities.

Since its inception, more than 23 million people have heard Rachel’s story and the program is credited with preventing at least eight school shootings and more than 500 suicides. Rachel’s Challenge reaches more than two million students annually.

For more information, call (724) 625-1518.