"It only takes one second to change life!” remarked Jackie Millar. Speaking from experience, this shooting victim shared her story with Arrowhead on October 6th, advising students to make wise choices.

In November of 1995, while Millar visited a friend in rural Reedsburg, Wisconsin, she interrupted two teenagers attempting to steal her car. Millar recalled the fifteen and sixteen-year-old boys forcing her back inside the house before shooting her execution style in the back of the head. Millar lives eight years later, conquering a less than 2% chance to survive, with a determination to speak nationwide about forgiveness and good decision-making.

Despite massive medical bills and ensuing disabilities, including paralysis of her left side, near blindness, and having to relearn basic skills like walking, speaking and swallowing, Millar said she instantly forgave both boys. However, the law showed no mercy. Both teens were tried as adults and sentenced to over thirty years in prison on five charges from breaking and entering a home to first degree homicide.

Since the incident, Millar said she has written to the boys and visited one in prison. During her presentation, Millar shared a letter from each inmate, now ages 23 and 24. Both boys expressed regret for their actions and resulting prison situation as they urged high school students to listen to Jackie’s message.

Viewed by South and North Campus Student Senate and National Honor Society, students offered positive reactions. Junior Mandi Holtz thought this was a touching event that helped her realize the need to love life.

“It was definitely worthwhile,” said Holtz. “Others kids should hear Millar too.”

Senior Lakhpreet Kaur commented, “It was really insightful and refreshing to see someone who has a different outlook on the way things are.”