[69] Christian churches used the martyr narrative of Scott's and Bernall's deaths to promote themselves and recruit members. Craig Scott visits the Columbine Memorial, paying respects to his sister and the others killed in the 1999 shooting attack. Every morning I wake up, I recite the names of the 13, because theyll always have a special place in my heart, he said. She literally has inspired millions of people to continue the chain reaction she started". He trusted from the first that God had a purpose in her death. And I want people to know that its OK to need to heal. And precious children die Another thing I liked and respected so much was that she made it clear what her beliefs were". And from that, that's the opposite of that anger and hatred. "And our whole mission is to soften the hearts of young people because most of these school shootings are done by students themselves.". "[56] Scott's parents chose not to speak at the service, but issued a statement in which they described their daughter as "a girl whose love of life was constantly reflected in her love and zeal for music, drama, photography, and for her friends". Father of Columbine shooting victim meets with Trump, says he feels "[100] Both of Scott's parents have also spoken with entertainers, world leaders, and notable individuals including Miep Gies one of the people who hid Anne Frank and her family from the Nazis, and preserved her diary after her capture. "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.". 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. [48], Craig expressed extreme regret for his last interaction with his sister: slamming a car door at her when being dropped off at school that morning. Report profane or abusive content Report Video Issue I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. The young people of this country will not allow that to happen! (William Luther/The San Antonio Express-News via AP), Columbine victims father message: Soften the hearts, school districts nationwide ramp up security. Craig Scott, Rachels brother, was in the high school library when the shooters barged inside. By noon, both shooters were dead after turning their guns on themselves. Randy Alcorn (@randyalcorn) is the author of over sixtybooks and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Among those who made or presented statements to the subcommittee that day were Eric H. Holder, Jr., a Deputy Attorney General with the Department of Justice; James E. Johnson, an Under Secretary for Enforcement with the Department of the Treasury; Darrell Scott, the father of two victims of the Columbine High School shootings (one of whom, his daughter Rachel Joy Scott, was killed); David Grossmann, a retired Ohio juvenile court judge; Dr. John R. Lott, Jr., a law and economics professor at the University of Chicago's School of Law; Wayne LaPierre, an Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association; James E. Chambers, an Executive Director of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute; David M. Kennedy, a Senior Researcher with the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University; Gerald Flynn, a National Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Police; and Bryl Phillips-Taylor from Virginians Against Handgun Violence. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. 28 May 1999. Castaldo, who was also hit and played dead while the killers moved on, was left paralyzed. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Her father, Darrell Scott, promulgated her devout faith in two books of his own Chain Reaction: A Call to a Compassionate Revolution and 2008's Rachel Smiles: The Spiritual Legacy of Columbine Martyr Rachel Scott the latter of which used excerpts from her journals. Tom Mauser also found his voice after his 15-year-old son, Daniel a straight-A student and a member of the school debate team was killed. [15] As of 2008, Craig Scott has spoken to more than one million people in making appearances for Rachel's Challenge, while pursuing a career in filmmaking. Columbine High School massacre The massacre, National Education Association of New York, Rachel's Tears: The Spiritual Journey of Columbine Martyr Rachel Scott, 2010 CENSUS CENSUS BLOCK MAP: Columbine CDP, CO, "Rachel's Story: Darrell Scott brings his daughter's memory to the Shoals", "Craig Scott, Columbine Massacre Survivor, Revisits the High School and Remembers his Murdered Sister Rachel Scott", "In the Face of Death: Craig Scott Revisits the Columbine Shooting", "Rachel Scott touched 'millions of people's lives", "Colorado News and Denver News: The Denver Post", "17 years later, murder of two teens in Subway restaurant still unsolved", "Rachel Joy Scott Memorial Racheljoyscott.com Gloves of Conviction", "Columbine Victim's Dad Traveling to Share his Daughter's Journal", "Victims in High School had Big Dreams, Plans for Future", "Craig Scott Reflects On The Columbine Shooting Nearly 20 Years Later Survivor Stories TODAY", "Terror in Littleton: the Details; Attack at School Planned a Year, Authorities Say", "Heart-wrenching Farewells Begin In Grieving Town", "Terror In Littleton: The Details; Attack at School Planned a Year, Authorities Say", "After Columbine, martyrdom became a powerful fantasy for Christian teenagers", "How 17-Year-Old Rachel Scott's Death At Columbine Made Her A National Martyr", "Christian Film Stirs Controversy Over Columbine Massacre", "Apology to Rachel's kin 'from the heart', "Remembering Columbine victim Rachel Scott", "Rachel's Challenge to offer small school programs", "Rachel's Challenge: Preventing Teen Violence", "Columbine Survivor Shares Message of Kindness with Tokay High", "Columbine victim's sister urges students to act", "Rachel Scott touched 'millions of people's lives', "Rachel's Challenge: One Story Changing the Lives of Millions Slide To Safety", "Rachel's challenge brings character compassion", "Rachel's Challenge: One Story Changing the Lives of Millions", "Rachel's Challenge Community Event: A Challenge of Kindness MilfordNow", "Major League Baseball honors off-field all-stars", "Rachel's Challenge Program at Grafton High School November 20th", "MLB and 'People' Announce Finalists for "All Stars Among Us", "All Stars Among Us MLB All Stars Baseball All Stars", "Obama kicks off historic night in St. Louis", "Students Take up Rachel's Challenge to Combat Hatred", "Columbine Victim Rachel Scott's Kindness Lives On", "The diary of Rachel Scott: Uncle keeps Columbine shooting victim's spirit alive", "Scott: On the Road to tell Rachel's Faith Story", "I'm Not Ashamed Review Faith-based Drama Exploits Columbine Tragedy", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rachel_Scott&oldid=1141712126, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from October 2020, Articles with dead external links from February 2018, Articles with permanently dead external links, Articles with dead external links from March 2018, Pages using infobox person with multiple parents, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Bethanee (sister), Dana (sister), Craig (brother), Mike (brother). [13], At the White House Conference on School Safety held in Washington, DC, on October 10, 2006, Craig Scott addressed the President of the United States, the United States Attorney General, and the Secretary of Education, saying, in part, "Kindness and compassion can be the biggest antidotes to anger and hatred, and I believe the biggest antidotes to violence. It is true, however. [60][61][62] This began during her funeral on April 24, 1999, which was televised. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Its hard to imagine its already been 20 years, a visibly emotional Graves told NBC News. Students and staff flee as two heavily armed teenagers go on a shooting rampage at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado on April 20, 1999. [53] The funeral service was broadcast by CNN and MSNBC. A Columbine High School student is rescued by emergency personnel during the shooting spree at the school in the southwest Denver suburb of Littleton, Colorado on April 20, 1999. . They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. A state trooper walks past the Robb Elementary School sign in Uvalde, Texas, Tuesday, May 24, 2022, following a deadly shooting at the school. "I think my story's a real eye-opener for some students going through a hard time," Scott said. The young people of our nation hold the key. [28] Rachel's sister would later perform the same mime act at her funeral. Congressional Testimony of Darrell Scott, father of one of the Youth for Christ bestr nu av tusentals personal och frivilliga som tjnar i ver 100 nationer och i 100 stder i USA. "You could ask me a question, and I could just sit there, looking at you, because (I felt like) I'm not even there. 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. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. United.". What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. Much of the blame lies here in this room. When Darrell looked back at his daughter's murder, he said that years before, God had prepared him. Darrell Scott Columbine Testimony and Poem - The HyperTexts 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. Craig Scott, who was a sophomore at the time, first spoke publicly about what happened in a wrenching "Today" show interview during which he and Shoels father held hands to comfort each other. Do your own reading and study, devour good books, talk about the things of God.. Craig Scott continues to speak and work with schools throughout the country sharing lessons he learned from Columbine. Authorities say Ramos acted alone and was shot and killed by a Border Patrol officer. Privacy Policy. Joe Fryer is a nationally recognized reporter who works for NBC News as a correspondent based in Los Angeles. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, We've seen bullying stopped, incidents where a student came up with hit lists or plans to shoot up his school, and told either the speaker or told the teacher about their plans, but had a change of heart. Market data provided by Factset. All rights reserved. Rachel's Challenge is an organization in the United States that works to reduce violence. ". The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994. Rachel Scott - Wikipedia [45], Shortly after Rachel was murdered, Harris and Klebold went on a killing spree around the school, claiming 12 more lives and leaving 24 injured. [12] He is also periodically interviewed on various television programs, such as 20/20, Dateline NBC, and the Today show, to discuss the loss of his sister and his difficult recovery from the traumatic ordeal he experienced as an eyewitness to the murderous rampage. Ten years on and Columbine still feels the pain Experts say copycat shooters often become obsessed with the date of a tragedy that they hope to emulate. She was the third of five children born to Darrell Scott and Beth (Nimmo) Scott. "Gore Says GOP Stalling Gun Control for NRA." For more stories and videos from the series, click here. 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. Darrell Scott offered a statement to the committee which was wide reproduced online in the following form: 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. Columbine Father Darrell Scott Echoes Sentiments Over Sandy Hook Shootings It's titled Walking in Daniels Shoes because, well, he does. Spiritual influences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. We do not need more religion. One of those people was Darrell Scott, whose daughter Rachel Joy Scott was the first person killed at Columbine. Rachel attended Dutch Creek Elementary School and Ken Caryl Middle School before she enrolled in Columbine High School in the ninth grade. Darrell Scott, the father of Columbines first victim Rachel Scott, joined "Outnumbered" Wednesday to reflect on the horrific shooting and discuss his mission to prevent future school violence. If I died right now, I can tell you my daughter's prayer has been answered. [38], Scott was eating lunch with her friend Richard Castaldo when she was shot four times with a Hi-Point 995[39] by Eric Harris[39] on the lawn outside the west entrance of the school. [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. While it's difficult for him to open up about such a devastating time in his life, he believes that spreading his sister's message keeps her spirit alive. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. His son Craig also attended Columbine and was in the library that day. When the Scott family began going through Rachel's possessions, they found an essay she had written about her ethics. The Arizona Republic. [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. I never imagined we would be where were at right now, where there are so many mass shootings we cant keep up," the daughter of a slain teacher said. Without hesitation he said, Become a student of Gods Word., He added, Dont be content to be hand-fed by others. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. The car was ultimately covered by the objects left upon it by mourners. Craig Scott urged viewers on The Oprah Winfrey Show two days later to refrain from too much focus on the shooter, saying "I have found students that actually idolize the two shooters at Columbine We've focused on my sister, who's so compassionate and kind. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. One initiative to achieve this objective is to establish a "Friends of Rachel" club, to sustain the campaign's goals on an ongoing basis. Your words are empty air [106] He notes: "I feel that God has really called me to do this. The Atlanta Journal and Constitution. What has happened to us as a nation? Listen now. "She was talking about things like not judging or labeling other people, looking for the good in others and being a leader, showing mercy and forgiveness," Scott said, adding that at the end of the piece she wrote: "I have this theory that if one person will go out of their way to show compassion, it will start a chain reaction of the same.". Rentals include 30 days to start watching this video and 7 . Darrell Scott: Testimony on the Columbine Murders 1991 - 2023 Eternal Perspective MinistriesAll Rights Reserved. If youve been impacted by our resources, we invite you to make a year-end gift before December 31. [91] In addition, many students actively seek to honor Scott's theory of just one person displaying compassion having the potential to spark a chain reaction of the same by spreading her message of kindness, empathy and compassion with their fellow students. It takes a good days drive to cover Colorado, but well help you do it in a few minutes. "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. Transcript from Darrell Scott - Father of Columbine shooting victim Craig Scott visits the Columbine Memorial, paying respects to his sister and the others killed in the 1999 shooting attack. It didn't matter to her what you looked like or who your friends were. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. "[71] Other sources report that Castaldo had survived by "playing dead". Political posturing and restrictive legislation are not the answers. [70] Journalist Wendy Murray Zoba argued that the shooters targeted evangelical Christians during the massacre. [62], The circumstances surrounding Scott's death and its relation to her religious beliefs are disputed in the martyr narrative. And Im gonna keep their names and their lives alive as long as I can.. Darrell Scott's Testimony on the Columbine Shooting "[69] Investigations in the years following the shootingespecially Dave Cullen's findings in his book Columbinehave concluded that Klebold and Harris were not targeting people for their religion, ethnicity, or gender. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Texas school shooting: Columbine victim's father offers - Fox News COLUMBINE STUDENT'S FATHER 12 YEARS LATER!! 13 January 2000 (p. B7). The Washington Post, using law enforcement reports, news articles and various databases, has calculated that as of April 8, more than 226,000 students have experienced gun violence at school since Columbine. Now, however, Craig Scott said he has found his calling talking about what happened as part of a Denver-based program called Value-Up. Scott gave life to this non-profit organization after his 17-year-old daughter Rachel went down as the first student killed in one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history: Columbine. For a long time, my whole identity got wrapped up into that, he said. Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. This is a historical fact. [14] Acting did not initially come easily to her, and she had to devote extra effort to succeed in this activity. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! [20][21], By the age of 17, Scott was an attendee of three churches: Celebration Christian Fellowship; Orchard Road Christian Center; and Trinity Christian Center, where she choreographed dances at Sunday service. Darrell Scott has co-authored three books about his daughter's life and her impact, urging students to practice compassion and kindness. Several survivors and family members of the victims gathered at the school's library to speak to the media. Product details Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No MPAA rating : NR (Not Rated) These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. "We must create a culture in which our classmates become our friends.". It just makes you feel sometimes hopeless.. The perfect tummy control bodysuit, a popcorn gadget, more bestsellers starting at $8. 28 May 1999 (p. A6). [13] She developed a passion for photography and poetry at an early age. Survivor stories: Craig Scott reflects on Columbine High School - TODAY By Jean Fain, Contributor Shot six times and left partially paralyzed, Graves became an inspiration to many when he climbed out of his wheelchair, leaned on a crutch and walked across the stage to collect his high school diploma in 2002. [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. [102][n 2], Darrell Scott has stated that reliving his daughter's death giving his Rachel's Challenge speeches is painful, but that he and his family consider the opportunity to be a worthwhile experience as they can turn a tragedy into triumph. Its the generous support of our ministry partners that enables us to continue our eternity-shaping work. "Parents of Slain Students Differ on Blame for Shootings." [50][51] Her funeral was one of the first services following the massacre and was attended by more than 1,000 people that included friends and staff at Columbine High School. His sister, Rachel (left), was killed. In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. "My family, in the months to come, started to feel a sense of purpose and mission with telling Rachel's story," Scott said. The entire family are devout Christians. Columbine Victim Rachel Scott's Kindness Lives On - HuffPost Scott's belief in Christianity and the circumstances of her death have led to her being remembered by groups of evangelical Christians as a Christian martyr. There was the unknown of where the shooters were during the entire time that it was being filmed, so I think people connected with Columbine more.. 27 May 1999 (p. A5). We do not need more million dollar church buildings built while people with basic needs are being ignored. [80] The program itself typically involves a one-hour audio and video presentation, hosted by the Rachel's Challenge speaker, to assembled students, with the aim of motivating those present to analyze how they treat others. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today: Your laws ignore our deepest needs Columbine Poems - The HyperTexts 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. The next day, he was interviewed at length by Katie Couric on the Today show. God sent me an angel," before staring at Scott's casket and weeping. As of 2009, Rachel's Challenge has developed a team of 30 speakers addressing young people in schools and colleges worldwide about Rachel's example. 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. Eventually, spreading her message of kindness, compassion and acceptance would become his life's mission. Of those, 143 children, teachers and others were killed and another 294 were injured, according to the newspapers tally. Theyd be young adults, 38 and 39, he said. In my experience, most Christians lack grounding in Gods attributes, including His sovereignty, omnipotence, omniscience, justice, and patience. He was also seeing professional counselors. Darrell Scott is the father of Rachel Joy Scott, the first of the thirteen victims of the Columbine High School massacre. All Rights Reserved. [6] This code of ethics had included the words: "Compassion is the greatest form of love humans have to offer",[7] and Darrell Scott has stated his belief in this message forms the basis for what he both speaks at public appearances, and has written as an author. "[59][n 1] Pastor Bruce Porter delivered a sermon later in the service, in which he called Rachel a "warrior" who carried "a torch that was stained by the blood of the martyrs from the very first day of the Church's existence". Guess our national leaders didn't expect this. Dawn Anna speaks about the anniversary of the mass shooting at Columbine High School in suburban Denver on March 23, 2019. "I think this year, it's gonna be different because we're spreading the word of both hope and positivity, and love and commitment to give back," he said. Initially shot in the chest,[40] left arm,[40] and left leg,[40] from a distance of 10 to 15 feet,[41] she sustained a fourth and fatal wound to her left temple. These books were published in 2001 and 2002, respectively. I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! "I wanted to give Isaiah's dad a hug.". "Parents Testify on Gun Curbs." Be courageous enough to do what the media did not let the nation hear this man's speech. Last Saturday, April 20, was the 20th anniversary of the shooting at Columbine High School. "I had no idea that would be something I would be doing a hundred, a thousand more times over the next 20 years.". "[9] Scott told Newsweek, "principals and teachers always need to be on the lookout for that kid who's isolated, or that's quiet, who always stays to himself, because that's typically the type of kid who ends up exploding. This meeting was held at the White House with president Bush and included White House staff and educators from across the nation. Theres a difference between forgiveness and pardon. 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. Chicago Sun-Times. Written by her parents, including her journal entries, it is part of a nationwide school outreach program and ministry. I feel that it gives me strength, he said. Daniel Scott (Cal): 10'8" Fighting Illini dominate If not for the dazzling cornerback duo of Maryland's Deonte Banks and Jakorian Bennett, we'd be talking about Illinois as having the best pair of . School violence, bullying prevention program 'Rachel's Challenge We know there have been numerous school shootings prevented because a student saw another student writing that he wanted to kill someone or something like that. [8], Rachel Joy Scott was born on August 5, 1981, in Denver, Colorado. [71] Castaldo said in his speech at Scott's funeral, "People tell me I said she said she believed in God, and I can't remember it,"[74] and Larkin wrote in 2007 that Castaldo "could not remember Klebold or Harris saying anything."[47]. Rumor: Columbine Parent's Speech 12 Years Later - Wafflesatnoon.com Inc What he said to our national leaders during this . [15], When Scott was 11 in March 1993, she visited the church that her aunt and uncle attended in Shreveport, Louisiana, and chose to commit herself to Christianity. 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. Mauser said Australia and New Zealand went after guns when those countries experienced mass shootings, and he has no patience for politicians who are quick to offer up platitudes when it happens in the United States but wont push for gun control. [24], According to friends, Scott often chose to wear clothes of a style reflecting her colorful personality, and occasionally wore eccentric hats, fedoras, or even pajamas to amuse her companions. As school districts nationwide ramp up security, Darrell Scott offered a message of hope. 28 May 1999 (p. A4). 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. Darrell Scott has co-authored three books about his daughter's life and her impact, urging students to practice compassion and kindness.