#32 Finding Meaning After Loss: How Linda Beigel Schulman Honors Her Son Who Was Murdered in the Parkland Mass Shooting

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich welcomes Linda Beigel Schulman, a mother who has transformed personal tragedy into lifelong purpose and advocacy. Linda’s son, Scott Beigel, was a beloved teacher and cross country coach who gave his life to save 31 students during the Parkland school shooting on February 14, 2018. Through powerful storytelling, Linda shares Scott’s journey—from his formative years at summer camp and his unique approach to teaching, to the heroism that defined his final moments. She opens up about the suddenness of loss, the ongoing struggle for reasonable gun safety measures, and her relentless drive to honor Scott’s legacy through the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund, which sends underserved children impacted by gun violence to summer sleepaway camp. This moving conversation challenges us all to live with intention and reminds us of the impact one life, lived with heart, can have on countless others.Listeners Will Learn:How Scott Beigel’s experiences at summer camp shaped his approach to teaching and building connections with students.Scott Beigel’s teaching style challenged traditional education methods, and how his students responded to his unique approach.Linda Beigel Schulman shares the moment she learned of her son’s death. The episode touches on the difference between “gun control” and “gun safety.”Linda Beigel Schulman channels her grief into advocacy.The impact of the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund: children affected by gun violence attending summer camp through the program.The episode highlights the importance of listening beyond your own perspective. Linda Beigel Schulman tells a powerful story about Scott’s assignment connecting students with relatives abroad. She shares lessons about living for today.Linda Beigel Schulman’s reasonable gun safety advocacy.Key Moments: (00:00) Rejected Position Over Teaching Restrictions(04:08) Embracing the Unexpected Role(07:47) Valentine's Day Unexpected Turn: Parkland Mass Shooting (12:00) Autopsy Notification on Son(14:09) “Show and Tell” is Key to Changing Hearts and Minds (16:32) Gun Safety Amid Tragedy(19:52) Scott's Sacrifice: Saved the Lives of 31 Students(24:28) The Power of Open Dialogue(28:57) Sending Kids to Summer Camp in Scott’s memory (34:03) Live for Today(36:17) Scott Beigel’s Enduring Legacy