Columbine survivor to speak at NSU event

Just over 10 years ago, two teens opened fire at Columbine High School in Colorado killing 12 students and a teacher and injuring 23 others.

One of those slain students was Rachel Scott, a vibrant 17-year-old junior. Her younger brother Craig, who was 16 years old at the time of the shooting, watched as two of his close friends and 12 other students were gunned down by two of their schoolmates.

Craig Scott, who is now a filmmaker, has spoken to thousands of people and appeared on numerous national news programs following his experience at Columbine.

This Thursday, he will serve as the keynote speaker at the closing ceremony for the Louisiana Girls’ Leadership Academy, a program conducted at Nicholls State University for teen girls. The academy offers seminars on communication skills, situational leadership, public service, responsible citizenship and current events.

The public is invited to hear Craig Scott’s address at the closing reception in the commons area of the Bollinger Memorial Student Union. The cost is $15 per person. For tickets, call (985) 448-4770.

The reception begins at 3:30 p.m. with light refreshments, followed by an address from University President Dr. Stephen T. Hulbert. At 4:45 p.m., academy participants will present various service projects, followed by Scott’s address at 5:45 p.m.

Scott’s sister’s tragic death has been written about in several books, and is the inspiration behind a nationwide school outreach program for the prevention of teen violence called Rachel’s Challenge.

Rachel’s father, Darrell, started the non-profit organization in early 2000. Its mission is to “motivate, educate and bring positive change to many young people.”

Rachel’s Challenge works to curb school violence, bullying and teen suicide. The campaign features a two-page “Code of Ethics” Rachel wrote a month before her death.

The family also established another non-profit organization, Columbine Redemption, in 1999 which publishes a monthly magazine called Rachel’s Journal.

This year, Rachel’s Challenge developed a team of 30 speakers who address young people in schools and colleges worldwide. Thir presentations use video footage of the Columbine High School massacre and its aftermath, combined with the Rachel Scott’s drawings and writings.