NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A 16-year-old girl who lost her life in a tragic shooting at Antioch High School will be memorialized through a significant tribute. Josselin Corea Escalante will be honored with the planting of a memorial tree in the “Trees for Peace” Memorial located within Cherokee National Forest, as announced by the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation.
Escalante was fatally shot while in her school cafeteria by a fellow student. A year after this heartbreaking event, the foundation is taking action to commemorate her life with the tree planting as part of its ongoing “living memorial project.” This initiative aims to symbolize peace and advocate for the urgent political commitment needed to prevent school violence.
In a statement, Daniel Chapin, founder and national director of The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, expressed solidarity with Escalante’s family on this poignant anniversary. He emphasized the importance of having her story rooted in the soil of Tennessee, noting that it serves as a living testimony to the impact of such tragedies on families and communities.
The foundation’s statement acknowledged the ongoing journey of healing for Escalante’s parents, German Corea and Josseline Escalante. They continue to advocate for reforms that would help protect future generations from similar grief and loss. Over the past year, the couple has tirelessly worked to raise awareness about the systemic changes needed to address school safety.
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation was established following a deadly school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, in 2022. Its mission focuses on combatting the rising tide of school violence through advocacy, providing support for victims, and promoting safety models, such as Group Violence Intervention (GVI). According to the National Network for Safe Communities, GVI aims to reduce homicides and gun violence while enhancing relations between law enforcement and the public.
Chapin emphasized that the tree will serve as a lasting memory of Escalante, who was celebrated for her vibrant spirit. He called for immediate action, stressing the urgency of addressing violence that continues to claim the lives of too many young individuals.
As communities across the nation grapple with the effects of school violence, memorials like this tree serve as a reminder of the lives lost and the need for meaningful change. The planting will take place later this year, bringing hope that it will inspire others to join the cause against gun violence in schools.