Bullying and violence at schools was back in the spotlight on Thursday.

Faculty at Blue Ridge Community College invited students from all over the Valley to hear about "Rachel's Challenge".

The story of Rachel Scott is a heart-wrenching one.

She was known as one of the nicest students at Columbine High School until she died in the school shooting there.

Scott wanted to spread a message of kindness in her lifetime and on Thursday, Valley students were able to hear it.

"Rachel's Challenge" is a program that travels around the country.

Students got to watch video from Rachel's life and read her writings, in them she asks others to stop prejudice, to dream big, and most of all, be kind to everyone.

Mary Kier Smith helped organize the event at Blue Ridge, and she said it came at a significant time.

"Cyber bullying is going on and the acts of violence at schools has increased considerably," she explained. "We really have to start with the young people and change their hearts and their mind sets. I think this is the time. I don't think there's ever a wrong time to promote kindness or compassion."

By the end of Thursday's event, the students came up with a plan to help spread Rachel's message and try to stop bullying and violence at their schools in the Valley.

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