Merced middle school students taking on Rachel's Challenge to fight against bullying

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- In the North Valley, Merced students are taking on a new proactive challenge against bullying. Hundreds of Hoover Middle School students are taking on Rachel's Challenge.

Rachel Scott was a victim of the Columbine School shootings in 1999.

Its goal is to inspire students to replace acts of violence and bullying with kindness and compassion. Through powerful presentations and videos, students are able to see examples of kindness and apply them to their own situations.

Assistant Principal Chuck Pirtle said, "It has been a concern with our community and nationally, about bullying that's occurring in middle schools. We worked hard to bring this program to inform our students on choosing kindness."

There was also a Rachel's Challenge assembly later in the day that was open to parents and members of the community.