CRYSTAL LAKE – As the kickoff for next week’s Rachel’s Challenge, an anti-bullying program, Hannah Beardsley Middle School turned to an upbeat speaker and humor Friday.

Motivational speaker Jason Raitz told stories of his experiences with bullying and pitted three volunteers against each other in a contest that showed just how irreversible some things are.
Raitz, who is from Michigan, has been delivering his anti-bully message at schools all over the country for 15 years. He started the nonprofit organization called Live Now Leadership.

On Oct. 11, the middle school will bring in Rachel’s Challenge, an emotional presentation by the family of Rachel Joy Scott, the first person killed in the 1999 Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colo. The day will include presentations for the students and at 7 p.m. an event for parents and the community at the school, 515 E. Crystal Lake Ave.