WAYNE COUNTY, PA — Local government and school officials are encouraging the community to participate in the seventh annual  “Go Orange Day” on Friday, October 25 by wearing an orange article of clothing that day.

The county observes Go Orange Day as component of embracing the Colorado-based initiative known as “Rachel’s Challenge.” First brought to the area by a committee of leaders from local schools, county government, civic groups and the Wayne Memorial Hospital, the aim of Rachel’s Challenge is to make schools and communities safer by replacing violence and bullying with a culture of love and kindness. It was started by the family of Rachel Joy Scott, one of the victims of the Columbine High School shootings.

“In keeping with the tradition of Go Orange Day, we’re asking everyone in the community to either wear something orange, decorate their business with orange ribbons or both to symbolize acceptance of this core belief,” said Margaret Ennis, administrator of the Wayne County Office of Behavioral and Developmental Programs and Early Intervention.

Some local businesses including the Honesdale National Bank and the jewelry store Bloom on Main Street in Honesdale are involved in Rachel’s Challenge and Go Orange Day. Local school districts are as well. Forest City Regional School District has adopted its own program modeled after Rachel’s Challenge, using the acronym GREAT to encourage students to be Generous, Respectful, Enthusiastic, Accountable and Tenacious. Wallenpaupack Area School District students will decorate downtown Hawley with large orange bows this Friday, and will later that night dress in orange for the school’s last football game of the season.