Frank DeAngelis: A Principal's Journey Through Columbine's Aftermath
I refuse to be helpless, I refuse to be hopeless and I refuse to give in, and I'm going to continue to do this if I can help one other person.
What happens when a community is shattered by an unimaginable tragedy? Frank DeAngelis, the former principal of Columbine High School, has spent over two decades grappling with this question. In this episode of 'The Story of Our Trauma', Dr. Shauna Springer sits down with DeAngelis to explore the long-lasting impact of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. It's been 23 years since that tragic day, but for DeAngelis and the Littleton, CO community, the healing process continues.
He opens up about the personal toll the event took on him and his family, and how each anniversary brings a fresh wave of emotional trauma. DeAngelis shares his thoughts on survivor's guilt and stresses the importance of mental health support and counseling in the healing journey. His message is clear: resilience and community support are key to moving forward.
He poignantly states, 'I refuse to be helpless, I refuse to be hopeless and I refuse to give in, and I'm going to continue to do this if I can help one other person'. This episode is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of collective healing. Whether you're dealing with your own trauma or supporting someone who is, DeAngelis' story offers hope and insight.