Race to Nowhere Screening Wednesday

School Committee members who saw the documentary Race To Nowhere in Marblehead two months ago said it was powerful and eye opening.

School Committee members said they hoped Swampscott could screen the film.

School officials and others wanted to bring the film to town so parents could see the emotional toll that the pressure to succeed places on students.

A Swampscott screening will take place Wednesday, April 13, at 6 p.m. at Swampscott High School.

Tickets are $10 in advance at www.rtnswampscott.eventbrite.com or $15 at the door.

Swampscott school nurse Marianne Speranza-Hartmann also saw the film in Marblehead. It resonated with her.

The next day she called Swampscott High School Principal and asked if she could host a showing of the documentary, she said.

The principal had seen the film as well, and said yes to the nurse's request.

After Wednesday's screening, Superintendent will introduce a panel of school guidance counselors who will field questions from the audience.

The film documents the depression and enormous pressure that students feel in their race for academic success, according to Reel Link Films. which presents the film.

" ...  Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic in our schools: cheating has become commonplace, students have become disengaged, stress-related illness, depression and burnout are rampant, and young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired," the Race To Nowhere website states.