I Choose to Be Happy

Missy was one of 8 students in a prayer group who were shot by Michael Carneal on Dec. 1, 1997, in the lobby of Heath High School in Paducah, KY. Three girls were killed. Missy, a 15-year-old sophomore at the time was paralyzed from the chest down. But Missy didn't see her disability as an end. Just hours after the tragedy, she forgave Carneal and took back her life. In the next decade, with no malice and a focus on her physical and mental rehabilitation, Missy would graduate from Heath, earn a bachelor's degree in social work from Murray State University, become a counselor for troubled youth, get married and give birth to a healthy son. Missy, now 26, has received numerous honors over the years for her determination and courage.