The Legacies of Columbine
By: Medhanit Desta
TW: Reflecting on the 13 lives that were lost in the Columbine Shooting.
22 years ago, on April 20, 1999, a community was left devastated, and a world was left scarred. The Columbine shooting, the devastating event that gave national attention to school shootings, resulted in the death of 13 innocent people. It's important to look at the impactful legacies they left.
Rachel Scott was the first victim to die in this horrible shooting. Scott was a devout and unapologetic Christian. Her diaries showed a kind-hearted girl going through so much pain. As a 13 year old, she drew her hands on the back of her dresser and inside she wrote about how one day she would touch millions of hearts. And that she did; one of the shooters asked her, “do you still believe in God?” and she answered “you know I do.” The shooter, then, told her to “go be with him” and shot her. Her bravery and pride in being a Christian and not losing her faith, even in a moment like that, went on to inspire millions (maybe more). Rachel always wanted God to “use her to reach the unreached,” and that is what He did. She believed that an act of compassion (no matter how big or small) could lead to a chain reaction.
Daniel Rohrbough was a humorous person. He was interested in electronics. Every day, after school, he would go to his father’s stereo business and help out. During the summers, he would earn money by harvesting wheat at his grandfather’s farm. With the money he earned, he would buy his family Christmas presents. His actions showed a true, loving soul.
Dave Sanders was a hero. The courage he showed on the day of the shooting is an inspiration. As he continued to warn students and get them to safety, he was, unfortunately, shot by the shooters. His selflessness saved many lives. It takes a special kind of person to run head on into danger to save hundreds of lives and that was the kind of person Dave Sanders was. He was an assistant girls’ softball coach at Columbine. He is described as a quiet person who listened to others.
Kyle Velasquez, also known as“The big teddy bear”, was a very respectful human being. At his funeral, a neighbor said that he was a boy of “simple sincerity and genuine heart.” He wore a big smile on his face and treated others with kindness.
Steven Curnow was really close to his parents. Once he touched his mom with this one line: “Mom, I bet there aren’t many guys who can discuss things with their moms like we do.” His family said that he was great with younger children too. His big smile and his enormous love for Star Wars and soccer was special about him.
Cassie Bernall’s story inspires many people around the world for her courage to overcome tribulations. When Cassie was in her early teenage years, she went through a tough time. She fell into drugs, alcohol, and suicidal/homicidal thoughts. Everything changed when her parents sent her to a church retreat. She had accepted Christ and was born again. She started to read her bible and pray. She would wear a bracelet that said “What would Jesus do?” Her big heart led her to want to cut her long hair and donate it to cancer patients. Her story—from rock bottom to true happiness—inspires many.
Isaiah Shoels was described as nice, athletic, and energetic by many people. He played football and was a wrestler. Isaiah was recognized as a kind person and not shy. Sometimes he would go up to people, even those he didn’t know, and ask “what's up?”
Matthew Kechter loved to meet new people. He was a student-athlete at Columbine, focusing on academics first. Always studying and maintaining his A’s. He was a role model to his younger brother and he loved to laugh.
Lauren Townsend had a special power, and it was her ability to put a smile on everyone’s face. Her brother explains how she could always make everyone feel better. Her compassion shined bright because of her beautiful heart. Her beauty, her smile, and her love for others is greatly remembered.
John Tomlin was a hard worker and a very friendly guy. He worked for 30 hours weekly for a year and a half to pay for his car. After a mission trip to Mexico, where he built a house for those in poverty, his desire for God to use him to make a change grew. He cared very deeply for others.
Kelly Fleming was a very shy person and because of this she expressed herself on paper with her poems. She would then share her poems with her math teacher who called her “one of the kindest students” he’s ever had.
Daniel Mauser was a curious person. He worked hard in school and got great grades as a result. He was very interested in social issues such as gun control and he volunteered for numerous organizations. He traveled far and wide. His adventurous spirit, and gentle manner are remembered.
Cory DePooter was a very humble person. He cherished his academics and always put school first. His best friend, Austin Eubanks, explains how he’s never seen Cory scared. Cory always knew how to make other people feel better. He was calm and patriotic and never caused trouble.
The victims of the Columbine shooting were all good people. Whether kind or not, it is very frustrating that they lost their lives in such a tragedy. Their voices and stories were cut short and taken from this world too soon; this is why we look at who they are remembered as and how they may have inspired others. It is important to remember who these victims are and carry their legacies with us.