LAKEPORT, Calif. – Terrace Middle School will host an event on Tuesday, Feb. 17, that focuses on preventing bullying and violence.

The school will have two student assemblies for “Rachel's Challenge,” with a training to follow for 100 students.

There also will be a parent and community event from 6 to 7 p.m. in the school's choir room, located adjacent to the MAC building at 250 Lange St.

Rachel’s Challenge exists to equip and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying and negativity with acts of respect, kindness and compassion, according to www.rachelschallenge.org .

Rachel’s Challenge is based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott who was the first victim of the Columbine school shootings in 1999.

A few weeks after the tragedy, Darrell Scott, Rachel’s father, spoke to a Congressional House Judiciary Committee regarding issues of school violence.

Shortly afterwards, he founded “Rachel’s Challenge,” a bullying and violence abatement program.

The universal message of kindness and compassion told by Rachel’s story has been heard by students in several other countries.

Through her example, Rachel’s Challenge is making a positive impact in the lives of millions of people every year.

Since inception, more than 17 million people have heard Rachel’s story in live settings around the world, at least eight school shootings have been prevented and more than 500 suicides have been averted.

Superintendents, principals, teachers, parents and students bring Rachel’s Challenge into their schools because of escalating problems such as bullying, student isolation, teen suicide, discrimination, school violence and increased disciplinary actions.

Through powerful presentations, trainings, community events, and professional development, Rachel’s Challenge provides the sustainable solution.

Rachel’s inspiring story provides a simple, yet powerful example of how small acts of kindness and acceptance motivate us to consider our relationships with the people we come in contact with every day.

For more information about the Terrace Middle School presentations, call the school at 707-262-3007.