Lawmakers present Congressional Tribute to "April Showers" star during forum on school climate at the International School Safety Convention in Denver

DENVER, April 23, 2010 — Colorado lawmakers Steve King and Cheri Gerou presented Tom Arnold with a House of Representatives tribute yesterday at the 2010 International School Safety Convention, recognizing the entertainer for his achievements in school safety and anti-bullying.

.King and Gerou, who co-sponsored one year ago the Colorado House Joint Resolution "Concerning Columbine High School Triumph Over Tragedy," presented the award to a beaming Arnold, who received a standing ovation from an audience that included his wife Ashley Groussman, school architects, state and district planners, first responders, educators, students, and international school safety experts.

The tribute reads, in part, as follows:

"The House of Representatives convened in the Sixty-seventh General Assembly hereby extends sincere commendations to Tom Arnold.

"American writer, producer, and actor Mr. Tom Arnold will be recognized at the International School Safety Convention, April 22nd and 23rd in Denver, for his role in ‘April Showers,’ a movie based on the Columbine High School tragedy. Over the years Mr. Arnold has taken a strong stand against school violence, exemplified by his role in this movie and his strong support for anti-bullying programs. The members of the Colorado House of Representatives proudly salute Mr. Tom Arnold for his dedication to school safety and wish him many years of continued success."

In the movie, "April Showers," Arnold plays the role of a teacher who shields his students during a high school massacre. At the convention Arnold led a two-hour forum on the power of communication at school — whether during school crises, in sizing up threats of violence, or in everyday exchanges that promote mutual respect and a positive school climate.

Arnold drew from his experiences as a victim of child neglect and abuse, bullying, and cyber defamation. He recalled that his school days were so centered around intimidation that he ended up wanting the bullies to like him. However, he credits a teacher for encouraging him to pursue acting, giving him the courage to break out of the dynamics of bullying and succeed in an unexpected way.

Convention organizer John Simmons, chairman of School Safety Partners, invited Arnold to add suggestions to the convention’s final report, “100 New Ideas for Creating Safer Schools for a Safer World.” Arnold offered one idea after another about recognizing and nurturing each student’s individual learning style and capacity for success. His wife Ashley, who was born and raised in Denver, urged schools to include teaching students new social skills that are in step with today’s world.

The International School Safety Convention is presented by SchoolSAFE Communications, the Colorado company that is building a national emergency communications network for schools, and by the Foundation for the Prevention of School Violence, at Johnson & Wales University, College of Business.

 Photo by Deborah A. Halley

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