Disabilities, Religion, and Race are just a few topics of Diversity Week at Hellgate High School. Monday's opening assembly was the first of many put on by an after school program called the Flagship Respect Club.

The purpose of the annual Diversity week is to promote acceptance, reduce prejudice, and empower students to treat others with respect. The Native American Club welcomed this year's keynote speaker with traditional drumming and singing.

Denise Juneau spoke to the students about life after high school and how to handle different kinds of people.

"You must have the courage to seek truth, speak truth, and stand up to the underdog, stand up against intolerance," explains State Superintendent of Public Instructions, Denise Juneau.

"I hope they walk away feeling like I did, just completely eye opened to everything that's out there, we have some really powerful people coming in and just excepting everyone for who they are is what we hope to accomplish," adds Flagship Respect Club Member, Jasmine McKenzie.

-Allyson Weller reporting from KPAX in Missoula.