One person’s tragedy can be an inspiration to many, as the Brentwood community will discover next week when Rachel’s Challenge comes to town.

Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School in 1999. Her acts of kindness and compassion coupled with the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation for one of the most life-changing school programs in America.

Powerful video and audio footage of Rachel’s life and the Columbine tragedy holds students spellbound during a one-hour school presentation and motivates students to change the way they treat others.

The program will visit Edna Hill, Adams and Bristow middle schools next week. Following each student presentation, a presentation will be held in the evening for parents and residents. The sessions will end with a challenge to parents and community leaders, showing them how they can reinforce the decisions their youth are making.

The aim of Rachel’s Challenge is to inspire, equip and empower students and adults alike to create a permanent positive culture change in their school, business and community by starting a chain reaction of kindness and compassion.

The Edna Hill community presentation will be held Monday, Aug. 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. at 140 Birch St.; the Bristow presentation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 11 from 7 to 8 p.m. at 855 Minnesota Ave.; and the Adams presentation will be held Thursday, Aug. 12 from 7 to 8 p.m. at 401 American Ave.

For more information, visit www.rachelschallenge.org.