On December 1, 1997 a 14-year-old freshman boy who had been bullied for years walked into the Heath High School lobby in West Paducah, Kentucky, and randomly fired a .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol. Three students were killed. Five were injured.
One of the critically injured students was 15-year-old sophomore Missy Jenkins, who was left paralyzed from the chest down. But just hours after the shooting, Missy did the unthinkable: she forgave the shooter, accepted her disability and reclaimed her life.
During the next 17 years, Missy would graduate from college, become a counselor for troubled students, marry her college sweetheart, give birth to two children, speak publicly about her life to tens of thousands of youth and adults, write an award-winning memoir and confront the shooter face to face in prison. She would earn many local and national honors, from “Kentuckian of the Year” to one of Ladies’ Home Journal’s “Most Fascinating Women,” and would appear on “Oprah,” “Good Morning America,” “Dateline,” and “Anderson Cooper 360.”
This is one woman’s story of love, forgiveness, courage and determination that will leave listeners of all ages inspired to make the most of each day.
“Missy is a dynamic speaker with a unique ability to touch the heart with her message of hope. She captures the essence of overcoming adversity while refusing to succumb to sadness. Her message is an inspirational one that needs to be heard by all.” - C. Ed Massey, Former President of the National School Boards Association
“Listening to Missy’s story and her journey of recovery and determination is something everyone should experience. She demonstrates a will to live her life with purpose and gives hope to all who witness her presentation. She is an amazing woman with incredible courage and strength.” - Tim Hanner, President/CEO of NaviGo Prep (Former Kenton County Schools Superintendent)
