During the first week of instruction after winter break, 98 of our 9th Grade students, staff and adult volunteers were active participants in the 2nd Annual Pierce High School “Challenge Day”. Challenge Day started in 1987, using high energy games and ice-breaking activities to get adolescents to communicate and collaborate. The Challenge Day Program uses activities to break down the walls of depression and isolation while replacing them with compassion and understanding of self & others. The day gives adolescents the support to connect to others through powerful, life-changing programs in the high school, community and their families.