Scott Beigel

He was a geography teacher and cross-country coach who always seemed to find true north. For Scott Beigel, that meant being dedicated to his students and helping kids. He grew up on New York’s Long Island, earned an education degree from the University of Miami and spent every summer as a camp counselor in Pennsylvania. Beigel was in his first year as a teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High. He volunteered to coach cross country, despite limited experience, to save the program.

“I choose to celebrate him and the 35 years we had together instead of mourning him,” says his mother, Linda Beigel Schulman. She wrote the following for the South Florida Sun Sentinel:

“Scott J. Beigel was 35 years old on February 14, 2018 when he was murdered during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre. Scott was more than just a teacher and cross-country coach. He was a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin, an uncle, a friend, a camp counselor and a confidant. Scott was known for his dry humor and sharp sarcasm. Scott was humble and loved by all who got to know him. There was nothing Scott wouldn’t do for you — you just had to ask. Scott’s circle of friends was wide and endless.

Less than a week after the shooting, Run 4 Coach Beigel events were held all over the world in Scott’s honor. From Parkland to California. From South Korea to South Africa. From England to Australia. Scott was unassuming, but had an impact on everyone who came in contact with him. Scott loved Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School – the kids, the staff and especially his cross-country team.

Scott’s other passion was sleepaway camp. For 28 years Scott looked forward to going back to camp each and every summer to be with his campers and reconnect with the staff. Scott J. Beigel will be missed by all and is FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS!!!”

Donations in Beigel’s memory may be made to ScottJBeigelMemorialFund.com. The fund sends underprivileged children who have been impacted by gun violence to summer camp.