March 21, 2025, may seem like just another day to many. Until this past year, I hardly gave it a second thought. But over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know so many in the school safety community—individuals who have helped me learn and understand in ways I never expected. One of those people is my friend Missy Dodds. Missy is a survivor of the Red Lake High School shooting, which took place on March 21, 2005—20 years ago tomorrow.

Like many, I can recall several school shootings (a tragic reality no one should have to acknowledge), yet when I met Missy, I realized I had never even heard of Red Lake High School. And I soon learned I wasn’t alone. One reason for this is that the shooting occurred at a school on a reservation. Even two decades later, there is still no memorial to honor those who were lost or the survivors who endured such a horrific event.

Every year, families across the country grieve for loved ones taken by school shootings. But those from Red Lake are too often forgotten. Former students are working to change this, raising funds to create a memorial. My heart aches for all who have been impacted by senseless violence, but to feel as though the world has forgotten only deepens the pain.

As March 21 approaches, I ask you to join me in remembering those affected by the Red Lake High School shooting in 2005. Let’s honor their memory and ensure their stories are not lost. You can do this by:

• Watching the “Red Lake” documentary that was created 10 years ago.
• Donate to the memorial fund.
• Find out more about Safe and Sound Schools, an organization close to my heart.
• Learn about school safety and ways to advocate in your state for better processes and funding.