That was the last time he would see her alive. [40][42][43] Castaldo was shot eight times and permanently paralyzed from his injuries. I think to really honor people and to say were really gonna resolve to do something about it, it has to be more than thoughts and prayers.. He'd read Norman Grubb's writings about the eye of faith that allows us to see through our worst circumstances to God's purpose. "New Laws Would Have Done Nothing to Protect Kids at Columbine." On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. Corky Siemaszko is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital. We know exactly the feeling that these families are gonna feel for the rest of their lives, that hole thats gonna be in their hearts, Bruce Beck, Lauren Townsends stepfather, said. [23] In her mid-teens, Scott had a serious relationship with a boy, but she chose to end it over concerns that it might develop into a physical encounter. Craig Scott, a survivor, shares his story. "To me, that would mean a lot more for this anniversary to move forward in a positive vibe than anything else.". United.". Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. [54], Those conveying their eulogies included one youth who had been considered an outcast at Columbine High School, who stated: "All my life I prayed that someone would love me and make me feel wanted. So hes found his own way to honor them and comfort himself. Its hard to imagine its already been 20 years, a visibly emotional Graves told NBC News. I don't even have to say anything, and they turn me away. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Market data provided by Factset. Thirteen people were killed and 21 were wounded at the hands of two students. [88], As a direct result of Rachel's Challenge, numerous child and teenage suicides have been prevented[92] and in seven known cases,[93] planned school shootings have been prevented. Because Darrell had learned to think this way, he could, despite his incredible pain, see through Rachels death to a sovereign, purposeful God. Scott and his family found comfort in these words, and ever since, have used Rachel's message to inspire students around the world with their nonprofit organization, Rachel's Challenge. In addition to losing his sister, two of Scott's friends, Isaiah Shoels and Matthew Kechter, were murdered right next to him, while he played dead to avoid the wrath of the shooters. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. It's titled Walking in Daniels Shoes because, well, he does. "This is an amazingly strong, loving community, and Columbine, that word Columbine, should mean that. Craig watched as 10 of his classmates were gunned down including two of his best friends who were huddled beside him under a table. After Two School Shootings, Whats Changed In How Colorado Schools Handle Safety. As school districts nationwide ramp up security, Darrell Scott offered a message of hope. "If you take the horrible winding road back through every school massacre, school shooting, it leads back to Columbine and eventually leads back to my daughter, who was the first of close to 200 students now that have been killed over the last 23 years," Scott said. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. "I wanted to give Isaiah's dad a hug.". Rachel was a beautiful 17-year-old girl, and an aspiring writer and actress. He then addressed the solemn crowd with a speech that included references to Scott's pious character, kind nature and love of her fellow human, before stating: "You have graduated early from this life to a far better one, where there is no sorrow, violence or death. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. Foskett, Ken. [100][101] At this ceremony, Darrell Scott stated: "Rachel loved to watch baseball. And it started to eat me up.". He trusted from the first that God had a purpose in her death. "My family, we had people showing up to our home, bringing meals," he explained. This meeting was held at the White House with president Bush and included White House staff and educators from across the nation. "I think she would be proud of my family," Scott said. Directors Darrell Scott Starring Darrell Scott Genres Documentary, Special Interest Subtitles English [CC] Audio languages English. It is true, however. [59], The deaths of Scott and fellow student Cassie Bernallalso a Christianduring the Columbine massacre led both to be subsequently depicted and remembered by groups of evangelical Christians as Christian martyrs. "[12], On April 20, 2009, the tenth anniversary of the Columbine shootings, Darrell Scott told NBC interviewer Natalie Morales on the Today show, "We've seen a lot of lives changed from her story and our program, Rachel's Challenge, has touched literally 13million lives over the last ten years". Scott's daughter, Rachel, was among 13 killed in the 1999 rampage in suburban Denver. [35], At the time of her death at age 17, Scott lived at 7282 South Vance Street in Littleton and was debating as to whether she should become an actress or a Christian missionary. One of those people was Darrell Scott, whose daughter Rachel Joy Scott was the first person killed at Columbine. Report profane or abusive content Report Video Issue [44] Scott's body was left outside where she died and was not retrieved by the coroner until the following morning. [47] After the killings, Scott's car was turned into an impromptu memorial in the adjacent Clement Park after being moved from the school's parking lot by grieving students. On one occasion, this included writing a prayer for one of the future perpetrators of the Columbine High School massacre. [64] Porter then requested that others pick up the "torch" in Scott's wake. [29][30][31], In order to repay her parents for the Acura Legend they had given her, Scott worked at a Subway sandwich shop on West Coal Mine Avenue in Littleton shortly before she died. "GOP Blocks Democratic Bid to Hasten Gun-Curb Vote." One of those people was Darrell Scott, whose daughter Rachel Joy Scott was the first person killed at Columbine. As transcripts of the proceedings demonstrate, Darrell Scott did make the statement attributed to him in the account reproduced above, but virtually everything framing his statement in that account is false. And from that, that's the opposite of that anger and hatred. Scott wrote in her journals that her spiritual awareness developed greatly through attending this youth group, and she became known as a leading advocate within it. Darrell Scott has co-authored three books about his daughter's life and her impact, urging students to practice compassion and kindness. Prior to entering the building, Ramos shot his grandmother. I am not a member of the NRA. "And so while every other mother in Littleton was praying that her child was safe, I had to pray that mine would die before he hurt anyone else," Sue Klebold said in the book "Far From the Tree.". We do not need more religion. She literally has inspired millions of people to continue the chain reaction she started". Denver Post. At the beginning of the ceremony, Barry Palser, a pastor from an Assemblies of God organization, gave a speech in which he said she was "one who has given [her] life for the Lord Jesus Christ, a modern-day martyr. "[107] Rachel's mother, on the 10th anniversary of her daughter's passing, stated: "Only through eternal eyes will she ever know how powerful her life and death became."[108]. "I called my mom, and I said, 'Mom, I'm OK, but I think there's something wrong with Rachel,'" Scott remembered. "And our whole mission is to soften the hearts of young people because most of these school shootings are done by students themselves.". ", Rachel Scotts younger brother Craig, a 16-year-old Columbine High School sophomore at the time of the shootings, was physically unharmed but witnessed several classmates being killed in the school library as he huddled under a table with two friends, Isaiah Shoels and Matthew Kechterboth of whom were among the fatalities. And youve got people that were emotionally scarred for the rest of their lives. COLUMBINE STUDENT'S FATHER 12 YEARS LATER!! They also need to create an atmosphere in the school where students share with someone if they ever hear or see a threat. All rights reserved. Market data provided by Factset. Randy Alcorn (@randyalcorn) is the author of over sixtybooks and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. Rachel's parents divorced in 1988; they maintained a cordial relationship[10] and held joint custody of the children. Of those, 143 children, teachers and others were killed and another 294 were injured, according to the newspapers tally. Experts say copycat shooters often become obsessed with the date of a tragedy that they hope to emulate. Graves said everybody who was at Columbine that day was a victim, not just the people who were hit by the gunfire. [88] The initial presentation is followed by a 45-minute, interactive training session involving both adult and student leaders. Twenty-three years after the Columbine High School shooting, Americans are. When Scott reflects on why he decided to go on the show, his answer is simple: "I wanted to give encouragement to Isaiah's dad," who appeared alongside him. Newsweek reported that he and the organization have "reached out to thousands of schools to deliver a 'chain reaction' of hope through school assemblies, workshops and outreach programs." [9] As part of my research for my book If God Is Good, I interviewed and exchanged correspondence with many people who shared their stories and perspectives. In anniversaries that followed, Graves would visit the spot where he was shot and light a cigar in memory of his friend, Danny Rohrbough, 15, who was killed there. Ill physically never heal, but emotionally I think that Im on the right path.. "It was the first time I started to talk about my sister on camera," Scott said. [59] The Hollywood Reporter accounts that Richard Castaldo, who was shot while sitting with Scott and survived, "told a newspaper that not only did the killers ask Rachel about her faith but that he, too, was asked if he believed in God, and he answered truthfully that he did not, and his life was spared. [16] He hopes to produce inspirational films and is on the board of directors of the American Screenwriters Association. There is a spiritual awakening taking place that will not be squelched! Twenty years later, Dawn Anna still saves a seat for her daughter, Lauren Townsend, when she goes to the movies, knowing full well that she wont show. [11], Craig continues to make frequent speaking appearances on behalf of Rachel's Challenge, urging teens to strive for a classroom "atmosphere of kindness and compassion" to stem school violence. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Darrell Scott traveled around the United States to . . New programs were developed to prevent bullying and help social outcasts after it emerged that Harris and Klebold, both gifted students, had been picked on for years. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I think that taking every single threat of any kind seriously is of utmost importance, and again to me it's cultivating an atmosphere, a climate and a culture where everyone's accepted. When Darrell looked back at his daughters murder, he said that years before, God had prepared him. Craig Scott continues to speak and work with schools throughout the country sharing lessons he learned from Columbine. Some of these sites explicitly or implicitly refer to Scott's belief in Christianity and suggest that she was killed because of it. or redistributed. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, But my sister is not the only one who believes in kindness, and she's not been the only one in her brave stance against the injustice willing to stand up for the one who gets put down in school, to sit by the student that sits all alone at lunch, and to talk to or reach out to the one who is consistently ignored or made fun of. You want to know what is really going on these days, especially in Colorado. ", "I used to fantasize what it would be like to get revenge on the shooters," he recalled. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. When the Scott family began going through Rachel's possessions, they found an essay she had written about her ethics. [70] Journalist Wendy Murray Zoba argued that the shooters targeted evangelical Christians during the massacre. Legal Statement. Graves said he's both anxious and excited by the anniversary. Darrell Scott, Father Of A Columbine Victim, Calls For Culture Of Connectedness, Indie 102.3s March Local 303 Meetup feat: Deva Yoder, News That Matters, Delivered To Your Inbox, Capitol 'Lie-In' Staged Ahead Of Defeat Of 3 Bills To Loosen Colorado Gun Laws. "They can look at me and tell me 'I saw that you went through this, and look, you made something good out of it. [77] Rachel's Challenge is a national nonprofit and nonpolitical organization[78] whose stated aims are to advocate a safe and positive climate and culture in schools in a campaign to quell school violence, bullying, discrimination, and both homicidal and suicidal thoughts in students. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. [41] Scott's mother claimed that she had offered to be friends to Klebold, that Klebold was romantically interested in her, and that Klebold and Harris mocked her for her religious beliefs. Its very simple, he said. The following morning, authorities confirmed that Rachel was one of the first students killed. Hed read Norman Grubbs writings about the eye of faith that allows us to see through our worst circumstances to Gods purpose. I have no more personal friends at school. I feel like we have come so far in so many ways, yet were still stuck in the same spot, she said. [55] Nick Baumgart, who accompanied Rachel to the high school prom as her date three days before her murder, also spoke, saying: "A truer friend, you couldn't find. Written by her parents, including her journal entries, it is part of a nationwide school outreach program and ministry. We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. Coni Sanders, daughter of Dave Sanders, the slain teacher, said what happened at the Colorado high school changed everything and yet nothing. [89] The participating school is provided with a curriculum and a training manual to ensure the continuity of the objectives of Rachel's Challenge, and the speaker typically holds a meeting later with parents and community leaders. As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes He did not hesitate to pray in school. By Jean Fain, Contributor Darrell and Sandy Scott, parents of Rachel Scott who was a victim of the Columbine shootings Photograph: James Chance/Rapport Darrell Scott's 17-year-old daughter Rachel was the first victim of . [97] Darrell Scott was selected as the 2009 winner of the "All-Stars Among Us" initiative in recognition of his selfless dedication toward preserving his daughter's memory in a positive manner through Rachel's Challenge in the U.S.[98][99], Along with 29 other recipients, Scott was formally honored as part of the 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game ceremonies, held in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 14 that year. Craig Scott (right) was able to escape Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, when two students went on a shooting rampage. Chicago Sun-Times. The following is a portion of the transcript: Since the dawn of creation there has been both good and evil in the hearts of men and women. Like many of us, I vividly remember the shock as the events unfolded. Columbine played out on TV, Beck said. A viral account describes Darrell Scott's statement before a House subcommittee on crime after the Columbine school shootings. Im thankful because it has made me who I am now, he said. Through the more than 50 designated speakers and the international expansion of Rachel's Challenge,[79] the annual international student outreach of the organization is estimated to be in excess of two million. It was a number of weeks after the tragedy that we were cleaning out some of his personal effects and I came across a pair of tennis shoes, he said. All Rights Reserved. The perspectives weve cultivated between now and then will determine our direction. It just makes you feel sometimes hopeless.. "Columbine Victim's Dad Says NRA a Scapegoat." As the death toll mounted throughout the day, parents and the Uvalde community searched for their children and faced the fear of losing a child. Every morning I wake up, I recite the names of the 13, because theyll always have a special place in my heart, he said. [60][69] Scott did not know the two boys personally and was in a different academic grade than them. This story is part of TODAY's series "Survivors: What Happens After the Headlines Fade." He also was one of several activists invited to the White House to meet with President Donald Trump after the Feb. 14, 2018, massacre that claimed 17 lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. He was one of eight people who presented statements to a small House subcommittee meeting in an office building, and his statement wasn't received differently than any of the others, nor did it prompt outrage from an unreceptive audience. [16] By April 1998, when she was at Columbine High School, five of her closest friends had distanced themselves from her because of her increasing commitment to her faith. Rachel Joy Scott (August 5, 1981 - April 20, 1999) was an American student who was the first fatality of the Columbine High School massacre, in which 11 other students and a teacher were also murdered by Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who then died by suicide. Father of Columbine victim Darrell Scott reflects on the Texas school shooting and offers a message of hope. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. I never imagined that we would be where were at right now, where there are so many mass shootings that we cant even keep up its just unfathomable that Columbine wasnt enough.. [94], The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation posthumously awarded Scott the 2001 National Kindness Award for Student of the Year. "Rachel Scott's Dad Delivers Message of Faith Across U.S." This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today: Your laws ignore our deepest needs Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. The Reverend Porter began the service by addressing the congregation with the question, "What has happened to us as a people that this should happen to us?" Reviewing their daughter's life and hearing firsthand just how profound an impact Scott's simple acts of kindness had imprinted on the lives of those who had known her, as well as recalling her repeatedly stated desire for her life to have an impact for the better on others,[75] Darrell Scott and Beth Nimmo were inspired to write the book Rachel's Tears, a non-fiction book about their daughter, her faith, her inspirational journal entries, and the impact of her loss on their lives. On Thursday, May 27, 1999, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School Shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's sub-committee. When there is another school tragedy, which just rips at our hearts every time we see that, the word Columbine will be brought up, Anna said. Darrell Scott and Rachels Challenge offer a glimmer of hope following another dark day in modern American history. NBA investigating social media post by Ja Morant following game in Denver, State Democrats introduce assault weapons ban, How a debate over support for the ERA turned into anti-trans rhetoric at the Colorado state Capitol, Colorados Mount Evans could soon be Mount Blue Sky. The 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, is one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history. [22], Scott struggled with self-esteem issues as a teenager, and has been described by her family as being "blind to her own beauty".