Rachel Joy Scott was the first victim in the Columbine school shootings in 1999. Her memory lives on through a program known as Rachel's Challenge, which is coming to Marshalltown schools Aug. 30.
Assemblies about the challenge will be for students fifth through 12th grades during the day at the Marshalltown High School Roundhouse. A community assembly will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. at the MHS/Community Auditorium.
Staff with the Rachel's Challenge organization will tell the Scott's story and talk about the effects of bullying.
"It shows her story of courage and hope," said Matt Tullis, equity director for the Marshalltown Community School District. "It's very moving."
The assemblies will be just part of the anti-bullying effort that will be ramped up this school year.
"We want this to be a springboard for the beginning of the school year and definitely carry it on," Tullis said.
Fact Box
If you go...
WHAT: Rachel's Challenge Community Assembly
WHEN: 7 p.m. Aug. 30
WHAT: Community assembly about bullying prevention
WHERE: MHS/Community Auditorium
WHO: The public is invited
WHAT: Not In Our Town Anti-Bullying Rally and Lunch
WHEN: Noon on Aug. 30
WHAT: Free pork burger lunch and short program about the Not In Our Town Marshalltown Project
WHERE: Marshall County Courthouse lawn. Rain location is the Coliseum.
WHO: The public is invited. Lunch will be provided to the first 500 people to arrive. Wear your orange Not In Our Town T-shirt.
Rachel's Challenge is part of the Not In Our Town Marshalltown Project, which is a local bullying prevention effort. A NIOT anti-bullying rally is planned for noon on Aug. 30 at the Marshall County Courthouse lawn. It will include a free lunch to 500 people and has a goal to show support against bullying. The committee is asking attendees to wear their orange Not In Our Town T-shirts to the event.