FALCONER – A nationwide anti-bullying program is scheduled to visit Falconer Central Schools this week.

Sweethearts & Heroes, will hold three presentations at Falconer’s High School, middle school, and elementary school on Thursday.

The program is co-developed by Tom Murphy, a former professional MMA fighter and Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran from St. Albans, Vt., and Jason Spector, an educator and coach in Glens Falls.

The series pushes an action-based approach to combat bullying, taking a literal A-B-C approach to the issue. Using Murphy’s engaging, energetic and interactive presentation focusing on victims, bullies and the bystanders who can be empowered to make a difference.

In addition, Rick Yarosh, a retired sergeant with the U.S. Army — injured in Iraq with burns over most of his body — gives a message about overcoming adversity and turning a negative situation into a positive one.

Murphy and Spector call Sweethearts and Heroes “the ‘stop, drop and roll’ of bullying”; their message is about H.O.P.E. (Hold On Possibilities Exist) and “empathy fitness.”