Urbana University Vice President and Provost Christopher Washington said Logan Cole is an inspiration for the way he has conducted himself during his recovery.
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“Listening to how everyone talks about his situation and how he responded to the school shooting, his efforts have gone a long way in healing that community,” Washington said. “I was deeply touched by this.”
Cole has been praised by many for the way he and his family responded to the Jan. 20 shooting. Immediately after the shooting, his family asked the country to pray for both Logan and Ely Serna, the alleged shooter. Cole has since donated money raised for him back to the school to build an athletic complex and has preached forgiveness.
He met Vice President Mike Pence in May.
Washington said he was also impressed by the way Logan conducted himself while he was hospitalized after being shot twice in the chest by a shotgun.
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“(Logan) talked to the shooter and discouraged him from turning the gun on himself or hurting anyone else,” Washington said. “I think that demonstrates a high level of sophistication. He could have done a lot more damage, but he didn’t because of Logan’s effort.”
Cole will receive the award at halftime of the Urbana vs. Fairmont State football game. Also being honored are first responders who went to the shooting in January and some staff at the school.
Also happening today in Urbana is the Alicia Titus Memorial Peace 5K run and one-mile walk. That will start at 9 a.m. and will honor the Graham High School graduate who died in the 9/11 terror attacks.
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Titus also attended Urbana University. The event is to raise money to promote peace in the community and beyond.
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