Darrell Scott, father of Rachel Scott, one of 12 students killed in the 1999 shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., spoke Wednesday night at the UW-Madison Field House about his daughter's life and message.
The event was sponsored by Student Impact, part of the Campus Crusade for Christ.
On April 20, 1999, Rachel Scott was shot while eating lunch on the lawn at Columbine when fellow students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold opened fire at the school.
After Rachel Scott's death, her father decided to share her thoughts, as written in her numerous diaries. He said his daughter believed she would one day make a difference in many lives.
Although there were many messages Darrell Scott shared, the presentation centered on her challenge to \start a chain reaction"" through compassion and impacting someone's life.
UW-Madison freshman Sarah Moersfelder said she thinks everyone can relate to the kindness and compassion he spoke of.
""I am definitely going to re-evaluate my life and follow the challenge,"" she said.
Darrell Scott said everything his daughter wrote was about reaching out and helping others, something she always wanted to do.
UW-Madison senior and Student Impact member A.J. Bianchi said he was really impressed by Rachel Scott's message that ""tomorrow is not a promise, it is a chance.""
""Her story and message of love is so powerful and important,"" he said.
Darrell Scott said his daughter predicted she would die at a young age, though he did not find out about her prediction until after her death.
In May 1999, Rachel Scott wrote, ""This will be my last year, Lord.""
Moersfelder said she is fascinated by Rachel Scott's prediction.
""It really makes you believe,"" she said. ""It was incredible that she knew she was going to die.""
Darrell Scott showed news footage of the day of the Columbine shootings followed by videotaped statements from people who were changed by his daughter's story.
""My daughter was like a seed planted in the ground,"" he said. ""Rachel's life has touched the lives of many, many people.""
Bianchi said Darrell Scott is fulfilling his daughter's dream of reaching out to people.
""I think the message he brings is doing exactly what she wanted to do, to touch lives,"" he said.
Darrell Scott concluded by challenging the audience to appreciate life and ""not let it pass you by.""
""It's amazing how one second can change your life,"" he said. ""It did in my life on April 20, 1999.\
