Craig Scott was born and raised in Colorado. When Craig was 16 years old, he watched as two friends were gunned down beside him in a room where ten people lost their lives, in the notorious Columbine school shooting that rocked the world. He barely escaped, only to learn his sister, Rachel, was the first to be killed.

For the last 25 years, Craig Scott has traveled the world speaking and sharing both his story and Rachel’s story, with a message of kindness and resiliency. He has been on a mission to impact people in a positive way through the power of storytelling.

Craig has spoken to over one million people in live settings, at renowned educational conferences, and has been a powerful voice in the media landscape.

Craig has been featured on thousands of news and television shows, including the Oprah Winfrey Show, Today Show, Good Morning America, Dateline, and many others.

He has met with Presidents and served on a Presidential panel to address the importance of school safety. Along with his sister's story, Craig's incredible story of resilience has helped to prevent hundreds of suicides, as well as several school shootings, documented over the years.

After learning that the shooters were heavily influenced by negative media, Craig worked his way onto production sets and has worked on projects with the goal of producing and being a part of stories that inspire. He currently works in film and television and continues to share his story.

Students will hear from Craig’s sister, Rachel Joy Scott, who was the first to die at Columbine. Through Rachel’s journals, students will get to know her. They will be challenged to “start a chain reaction” of kindness and compassion within their school like Rachel did in hers. They will hear how Craig overcame his broken state of mind and became free and whole.

“I've been speaking for nearly 25 years, mostly to youth in schools, and I've learned that every person wants a sense of belonging and connection. Since high school, I've shared a true story that moves people to their core. It has given me a unique position to hear thousands of stories involving people's worst pains and traumas as well commitments to positive change.

Grace carries me through all the sadness. I don't have all the answers to all the stories of pain, but I've learned a lot by listening and being present. Through the power of story, I share timeless principles that bring healing and wholeness. Principles such as quieting your mind and taking thoughts captive, choosing positive influences, compassion, and gratitude.

There is so much isolation, disconnection, and depression in the United States alone. Why is that? Studies show that gratitude is the biggest antidote to depression. So I aim to continue to reinforce one of my main messages about our inherent built in value that is not based upon anything outward. It is a message that has literally saved lives and helped those with suicidal ideation realize their worth in this sometimes crazy world.

Let us work together to foster respect, create connection and strengthen unity in your school, workplace or family.”

-Craig Scott