The greater Plainfield community is invited to "be a hero" by making a commitment to students through attending a Rachel's Challenge presentation on Thursday.

A one-hour program on the project will be held at 7 p.m. at the Plainfield High School-Central Campus auditorium, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive, Plainfield.

The Rachel's Challenge program aims to spread Rachel Joy Scott's message that positive actions and beliefs can start a chain reaction of kindness.  Scott was the first person killed in the Columbine High School shooting on April 20, 1999.

The Rachel's Challenge program fits with Plainfield Central's theme for the school year, "Be a Hero; Make a Difference."  It encourages students to treat themselves and one another positively despite their differences.

"We want the community to realize their part in this challenge," Plainfield Central Principal Robert Smith said.  "Students need an adult to go to, and so we all play a part in protecting all students in our community," he said.

Students will learn how creating a kind and compassionate environment by sticking up for others and treating people with respect on a daily basis can have a lasting effect at similar presentations earlier in the day. 

Junior and senior students will attend a Rachel's Challenge assembly at 7:30 a.m. and freshmen and sophomore students will attend an assembly at 12:45 p.m. 

Plainfield Central will also begin a "Friends of Rachel's Club."  Administrators and staff members have helped to recruit students for the club to maintain the impact of Scott's message, to start a chain reaction of kindness.  These students will attend a training session at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

"To be a hero is to step up and make a commitment," Smith said.  "In our 20th year since the tornado, it's more important than ever to get involved and support one another."