Columbine speech sparks 'chain reaction'

In home video footage found after the Columbine High School shootings, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold point guns at the camera and issue a challenge to the children of their generation to "start a chain reaction" -- a chain reaction of violence.\nHarris and Klebold went on to fulfill that self-directed proclamation just months later when, on April 20, 1999, in the worst school shooting in U.S. history, Harris and Klebold gunned down twelve fellow classmates and one teacher and critically wounded dozens more. \nOne of their victims, 17-year-old Rachel Scott, issued an ironically similar challenge to her peers a month before her death. \n"Start a chain reaction of compassion and kindness," Rachel wrote, in an essay for class, discovered by her father just a week after her murder, stashed under her mattress between bedsprings.\nOn Monday night, Rachel's father, Darrell Scott, addressed an estimated crowd of 1,860 in the IU Auditorium about the legacy of his daughter's kindness, Christian faith and optimism. \n"I'm here to issue a challenge made by a 17-year-old who believed her life counted for something," Scott said. \nThe lecture, entitled "Triumph Over Tragedy," was sponsored in part by Campus Crusade for Christ, the IU Student Association and the Residence Halls Association. \nOn the day of her murder, Rachel prophetically told one of her teachers, "I'm going to have an impact on the world." Indeed, since her death, her story has reached millions of people and carried on the legacy of her deep Christianity and compassion. \nHer funeral brought in CNN's largest viewing audience ever, and her father has testified before the Congressional Subcommittee on Crime House Judiciary Committee, met with the President of the United States and many elected representatives and has been featured in Time, Newsweek, and a host of other publications to discuss her legacy. In addition, Scott has been interviewed by Oprah Winfrey, Larry King, Tom Brokaw and Katie Couric. Scott's best-selling book, "Rachel's Tears," has also carried on her memory. \nOver the course of an hour, Scott told the story of his daughter's murder and discussed her exemplary life of kindness and faith. \n"Rachel was an example of a true Christian," a friend of Harris and Klebold said in an interview after the shootings. \nScott said his daughter's untimely death made his family realize the importance of recognizing loved ones and of reaching out to those in need. \n"Tomorrow is not a promise but a chance," he quoted from Rachel's poetry. He concluded his lecture by reiterating Rachel's challenge to recognize loved ones with acts of kindness. \n"Rachel's story is certainly a challenge," said Lance Bettencourt, IU assistant professor of marketing who attended the speech.\n"I came with a cold tonight, and now I'm actually thankful for my congestion because at least I have tissues," he said, wiping his eyes after the emotional lecture. \nFreshman Kara Vanni was equally moved.\n"I thought it was absolutely inspiring, and it changes the way I'll think about things," she said.\nSenior Lesley Dial, who heard about Scott's lecture through her involvement with Campus Crusade, reflected Vanni's sentiments. \n"It was very inspiring, and I think it's something IU definitely needs to hear," Dial said. \nJeff Chudy, the director of IU's Campus Crusade for Christ, said he was very pleased with the attendance and feedback he has received so far. Chudy played an integral role in bringing Scott to campus, whose busy speaking schedule will land him at four more college campuses before the end of the week. Arrangements have been underway for over a year. He said it was helpful that IUSA and RHA were able to help them because they considerably expanded their advertising abilities.\n"'This was the most amazing thing I have ever listened to or seen,'" Chudy cited from one of the audience comment cards. Another said, "'Tonight has made me want to live my life with the kind of joy and passion that Rachel did.'" \nOn a traced sketch of her hands, Rachel once wrote, "These hands belong to Rachel Joy Scott and will someday touch millions of people's hearts"