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Darrell Scott Columbine Testimony and Poem - The HyperTexts Darrell Scott has co-authored three books about his daughter's life and her impact, urging students to practice compassion and kindness. [10], As a child, Scott was an energetic, sociable girl, who displayed concern for the well-being of others, particularly if they were downcast or otherwise in need. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. No previous school shooting had done that. Darrell Scott, whose daughter, Rachel, was killed at Columbine High School in 1999, told the President what he and his wife have learned since then. "And that as we saw it that was having an impact, that was part of our hope.". And if you can, find it in your heart, practice forgiveness, because unforgiveness creates bitterness, anger, a need for revenge and can ruin your life., Yes, Darrell Scott insisted. Listen now. 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. Political posturing and restrictive legislation are not the answers. In my experience, most Christians lack grounding in Gods attributes, including His sovereignty, omnipotence, omniscience, justice, and patience. Men and women are three-part beings. 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. She was the third of five children born to Darrell Scott and Beth (Nimmo) Scott. [70] Journalist Wendy Murray Zoba argued that the shooters targeted evangelical Christians during the massacre. Randy Alcorn (@randyalcorn) is the author of over sixtybooks and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. Darrell Scott: Testimony on the Columbine Murders We do not need more religion. Legal Statement. 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. Last Saturday, April 20, was the 20th anniversary of the shooting at Columbine High School. Darrell Scott, father of Columbine High School shooting victim Rachel Scott, gave stirring testimony before a subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. [26] She is known to have conveyed these aspirations to her family and to have combined her sense of humor into everyday family life with lighthearted gestures such as leaving a message on her family's answering machine stating: "You have reached the residence of Queen Rachel and her servants, Larry, Beth, Dana, Craig, and Michael. Scott was able to escape. These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. This is what my daughter would have wanted to see. A Columbine Student's Father Speaks | Katy Christian Magazine [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. "My family, we had people showing up to our home, bringing meals," he explained. Tom Mauser, father of Daniel Mauser who was killed in the Columbine High School shooting, gets the crowd fired up at Civic Center Park for the March for Our Lives rally March 24, 2018. Because Darrell had learned to think this way, he could, despite his incredible pain, see through Rachels death to a sovereign, purposeful God. I was 15 years old when I was shot. "It seems like every month, theres a new tragedy of some kind somewhere around, said Rick Townsend, whose daughter, Lauren, was 18 when she was gunned down. Scott also told Trump the problem goes deeper than mental illness, noting that a lot of children who have mental health issues are kind and compassionate. And ask the question "Why"? He hopes to help them figure out a way to turn their pain into purpose. And precious children die If she were somehow aware of what has happened with her story and her legacy, and to say, 'Nice job, little bro,' that would be pretty cool.". "[27], Scott was an aspiring writer and actress. This is what a Columbine victim's father said in a meeting with Pres "And it comes from something you. Untold Stories of Columbine (115) 6.6 47min 2000 7+ Here is an amazing story of hope from the horrific massacre at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. One initiative to achieve this objective is to establish a "Friends of Rachel" club, to sustain the campaign's goals on an ongoing basis. 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. This story is part of TODAY's series "Survivors: What Happens After the Headlines Fade." They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. The Rachels Challenge presentations are given in schools and communities by members of her family and other speakers, using video footage of the Columbine High School massacre and its aftermath, combined with Rachel Scotts drawings and writings, in a campaign to quell school violence, bullying, and teen suicide. Most people, Darrell told me, are look-atters. And second, it would be, celebrate the life of your child. Romano, Michael. Experts say copycat shooters often become obsessed with the date of a tragedy that they hope to emulate. [13] She developed a passion for photography and poetry at an early age. TEXAS SCHOOL SHOOTING: ALL VICTIMS IDENTIFIED, SALVADOR RAMOS' GRANDMOTHER IN SERIOUS CONDITION. The perspectives weve cultivated between now and then will determine our direction. "Parents Testify on Gun Curbs." [67] Many web pages have been published that are specifically dedicated to Scott and she is prominently featured in more broadly themed Columbine memorial websites. [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. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. 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. Anna's daughter, Lauren Townsend, was killed in the April 20, 1999, attack. [60][69] Scott did not know the two boys personally and was in a different academic grade than them. Through legislative creed By 11:35 a.m., they had taken 13 lives and wounded more than 20. You've outlawed simple prayer. Your words are empty air Columbine has been the target of threats over the last two decades, the most recent incident involving Sol Pais, 18, who authorities said had exhibited an "infatuation" with the shooting. Today, Scott's personal goal is to try to be a "big brother" or mentor to any student who has been through a school shooting. Craig Scott (right) was able to escape Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, when two students went on a shooting rampage. Associated Press. The next day, he was interviewed at length by Katie Couric on the Today show. Darrell Scott is the father of Rachel Scott, the first person to die in Columbine at the hands of the two estranged youths. [83][84][85], Each attendee is asked to pledge to accept the five principles discussed during the presentation before leaving the assembly: to eliminate any form of prejudice from their being, and seek only the best in others; to keep a journal and seek to achieve accomplishments; to choose to accept only positive influences in their lives;[86] to commit to bringing a positive change in their home, school, and community through kind words, and undertaking tasks great and small; and to show care and compassion to those who are vulnerable, ridiculed, or in any form of need. ", 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. "This is an amazingly strong, loving community, and Columbine, that word Columbine, should mean that. "You could ask me a question, and I could just sit there, looking at you, because (I felt like) I'm not even there. Their blood cries out for answers. [53] The funeral service was broadcast by CNN and MSNBC. Because when people feel accepted they're not going to do something like Eric and Dylan [the Columbine perpetrators] did. 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. or redistributed. The young people of our nation hold the key. 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. "To me, that would mean a lot more for this anniversary to move forward in a positive vibe than anything else.". 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. UVALDE, TEXAS SCHOOL SHOOTING: 19 CHILDREN, 2 TEACHERS KILLED, SUSPECTED SHOOTER DEAD, A state trooper walks past the Robb Elementary School sign in Uvalde, Texas, Tuesday, May 24, 2022, following a deadly shooting at the school. We all consist of body, soul, and spirit. "[53] Attendees were invited to talk at the service, as "My Heart Will Go On" was played. Denver Post. [90], Internationally, many schools have incorporated Rachel's Challenge into their internal character building programs, with active efforts made to eradicate any sense of alienation among the student population, and various initiatives implemented to increase cohesion. And their lives were taken far too quickly.. She was posthumously the subject and co-writer of several books and the inspiration for Rachel's Challenge, an international[4][5] school outreach program and the most popular school assembly program in the U.S.[6], The aim of Rachel's Challenge is to advocate Scott's values, based on her life, her journals, and the contents of a two-page essay, penned a month before her murder, entitled My Ethics; My Codes of Life. Scott gave his first high school presentation about Rachel's. Fox News' Greg Norman and Bill Melugin contributed to this report. "And our whole mission is to soften the hearts of young people because most of these school shootings are done by students themselves.". Amazon.com: Untold Stories Of Columbine : Darrell Scott, -: Movies & TV (William Luther/The San Antonio Express-News via AP), Columbine victims father message: Soften the hearts, school districts nationwide ramp up security. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, [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. 27 May 1999 (p. A5). [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. [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 previously reported by The Inquisitr, Rachel's brother Scott was a survivor of the Columbine massacre. And I asked my wife, What size shoes does, did, Daniel wear?, Told they were size 10, Mauser recalled saying, Thats my size., It suddenly occurred to me, wow, I could be wearing his shoes and walking in his shoes, he said. You could be having the worst day of your entire life; all she had to do was smile. [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. [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. Twenty-three years after the Columbine High School shooting, Americans are. You've stripped away our heritage Darrell Scott's Testimony on the Columbine Shooting "I think my story's a real eye-opener for some students going through a hard time," Scott said. Twenty years later, Frank DeAngelis' morning mantra consists of reciting the names of 12 students and a teacher he will never see again. Rachel's Challenge is an organization in the United States that works to reduce violence. You want to know what is really going on these days, especially in Colorado. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Mr. Scott wasn't speaking to national leaders present at a "special session of Congress," people who were "not prepared for what he was to say" and "did not receive it well." "I think she would be proud of my family," Scott said. "[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. Guess our national leaders didn't expect this. 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. 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. 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. Furthermore, because of her faith, she was occasionally subjected to mockery by several of her peers. Trump had invited survivors of school violence and parents of murdered children in a show of his resolve against gun violence in the wake of last week's shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. I wouldnt have pardoned Eric and Dylan. As school districts nationwide ramp up security, Darrell Scott offered a message of hope. IE 11 is not supported. Craig Scott, a survivor, shares his story. The tearful interview, which NBC did not interrupt with normally scheduled station breaks, was described a year later by USA Today as "one of the most indelible moments of the tragedy". And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. Directors Darrell Scott Starring Darrell Scott Genres Documentary, Special Interest Subtitles English [CC] Audio languages English. Mauser wears Daniel's sneakers whenever he speaks publicly about the tragedy that still breaks his heart. Twenty-four students were injured. 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.. Its the generous support of our ministry partners that enables us to continue our eternity-shaping work. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! [106] He notes: "I feel that God has really called me to do this. All Rights Reserved. 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. For more stories and videos from the series, click here. 20 Years after Columbine, and Thoughts from Darrell Scott - Blog 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. 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. [32][33][34] In one instance while working there, she felt remorse for not assisting a homeless woman who had come into the store and vowed to be more helpful to such people in the future. "[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]. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. 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. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent. The young people of this country will not allow that to happen! However, were here to serve everyone without cost, so please dont feel obligated to give unless the Lord leads. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. [22], Scott struggled with self-esteem issues as a teenager, and has been described by her family as being "blind to her own beauty". [77], At the close of the program, the audience is asked to close their eyes, and picture five or six people closest to them; they are then asked to tell them how much they mean to them. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. Another thing I liked and respected so much was that she made it clear what her beliefs were". Therefore I do not believe they need to be defended. Rachel Scott, 17, was the first person shot in the massacre. The car was ultimately covered by the objects left upon it by mourners. The subcommittee hearing at which he spoke was covered by the Associated Press and reported in several big-city newspapers; in fact, due to intense media interest regarding everything related to the then-recent Columbine shootings, the event actually received much more general media coverage than a House subcommittee hearing typically would have. [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. "Parents of Slain Students Differ on Blame for Shootings." That God is what we need. I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School senior Samuel Zeif, whose best friend was killed during the mass shooting, talks about shooting deaths in Australia as Darrell Scott listens, while participating in a listening session hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House on Feb. 21, 2018. Craig watched as 10 of his classmates were gunned down including two of his best friends who were huddled beside him under a table. [64], In the following year's numerous bookstermed "hagiographies" by sociologist Ralph Larkinwere published about Scott and Bernall with the assistance of or authorship by their parents. DeAngelis, the Columbine High School principal that day, waited until 2014 to retire, saying he felt a moral obligation to stay until those who were in elementary school at the time of the shooting graduated. I would have prosecuted to see they could never do it again. "They can look at me and tell me 'I saw that you went through this, and look, you made something good out of it. This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 12:00. [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. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. [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. Rachel Scott was the first student to be killed in the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. [16], Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 03:50, "Rachel's Challenge to offer small school programs", "Rachel's Story: Darrell Scott brings his daughter's memory to the Shoals", "A Columbine Survivor Urges the Virginia Tech Community to Stay Positive", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rachel%27s_Challenge&oldid=1141653662, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 03:50. 28 May 1999 (p. A6). The real villain lies within our own hearts. [3] Darrell Scott, Rachel's father, established Rachel's Challenge to perpetuate his daughter's example and the two-page "Code of Ethics" she wrote a month before her death at the hands of the perpetrators of the Columbine High School shooting, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "I talk to them about forgiveness and letting go, and how if they don't, it can really imprison their heart," Scott said. "It was the first time I started to talk about my sister on camera," Scott said. Rachel was a beautiful 17-year-old girl, and an aspiring writer and actress. A viral account describes Darrell Scott's statement before a House subcommittee on crime after the Columbine school shootings. 13 January 2000 (p. B7). Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. Moreover, unlike the other persons who testified before the Congressional subcommittee that day, Mr. Scott presented no facts or statistics relating to the issues of gun control and gun law enforcement; he merely gave his opinion that gun control laws wouldn't have stopped the Columbine High School shootings and that those shootings were somehow related to a lack of religion in schools (repeating along the way the erroneous claim that prayer has been "outlawed" in schools). [25] Scott's 16-year-old brother, Craig, was also at the school on the day of the massacre; he was in the library where most of the killings occurred; he survived unharmed, although two of his close friends were also murdered. Darrell Scott told Trump during an emotional listening session Wednesday that if people focus on relatedness, they can celebrate diversity and achieve unity. [46] Scott did not personally know Harris or Klebold. On 27 May 1999 a month after the shocking massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, in which two students shot 12 other students and a teacher to death and wounded another 25 people the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on crime held hearings on "Pending Firearms Legislation and the Administration's Enforcement of Current Gun Laws.". School violence, bullying prevention program 'Rachel's Challenge I feel like we have come so far in so many ways, yet were still stuck in the same spot, she said. Ten years on and Columbine still feels the pain Transcript from Darrell Scott - Father of Columbine shooting victim Like many of us, I vividly remember the shock as the events unfolded. 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. 28 May 1999. Twenty years later, Tom Mauser literally walks in the size 10 shoes of his slain son, Daniel, whenever hes called on to speak about the unspeakable. Graves said everybody who was at Columbine that day was a victim, not just the people who were hit by the gunfire. "GOP Blocks Democratic Bid to Hasten Gun-Curb Vote." The two perpetrators then committed suicide in the school library, the place where they slaughtered the most victims. [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. Darrell Scott is the father of Rachel Joy Scott, the first of the thirteen victims of the Columbine High School massacre. "I had no idea that would be something I would be doing a hundred, a thousand more times over the next 20 years.". "[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". We do need a change of heart and a humble acknowledgment that this nation was founded on the principle of simple trust in God! Congressional Testimony of Darrell Scott, father of one of the "And it comes from something you said last week in your speech, and it was that we must create a culture of connectedness," he said. We do not need more restrictive laws. "Rachel Scott's Dad Delivers Message of Faith Across U.S." User Clip: COLUMBINE STUDENT'S FATHER SPEECH BEFORE GUN CONTROL "There's hardening the target, but they're softening the heart," Scott said. Father of Columbine shooting victim meets with Trump, says he feels