Nicholas Caldwell, 16, of St. Albans, was killed just over one year ago in a tragic turkey hunting accident. Although Nick's death was heartbreaking, his family and friends have made sure it was not in vain. Nick would have been a senior this fall.

In a wooded area near St. Albans on April 29, 2008, Andrew Harding, 20, fired the fatal shot of the 12-gauge shotgun. When Nick did not return home, the family member went to find him. They found him with pellets from the gun in his head and body.

Hardin pleaded guilty. Terms of his plea deal included a one-year-sentence in jail and an agreement to destroy the gun.

The father of the victim, Donald Caldwell said, "I am glad Hardin is now a convicted felon. He will never legally be allowed to own a gun in his life." Since this tragedy, a lot has been done to turn things around.

Nick Caldwell's life might have been taken, but his legacy will always continue.

Donald Caldwell pushed for a bill, which was passed, just less then a month ago. The bill makes it a felony for a person who fails to render aid to the victim of an accidental gunshot.

"I've never done anything like this," Caldwell said. "I didn't know what to do, but I did it because of what happened to my son."

Not only has this tragedy brought forth a new bill to help future victims, but it also has been remembered through a scholarship.

Last November, a 5 kilometer (3.1-mile) race was held at the Fire Department in St. Albans. There were 59 participants. Half of those participants were students. I was the race host.

This whole race was basically run by the students at St. Albans High. It is quite amazing to see this many people come out in the pouring rain to help benefit a local scholarship. It kind of makes you rethink life.

Nicholas Caldwell, 16, of St. Albans, was killed just over one year ago in a tragic turkey hunting accident. Although Nick's death was heartbreaking, his family and friends have made sure it was not in vain. Nick would have been a senior this fall.

In a wooded area near St. Albans on April 29, 2008, Andrew Harding, 20, fired the fatal shot of the 12-gauge shotgun. When Nick did not return home, the family member went to find him. They found him with pellets from the gun in his head and body.

Hardin pleaded guilty. Terms of his plea deal included a one-year-sentence in jail and an agreement to destroy the gun.

The father of the victim, Donald Caldwell said, "I am glad Hardin is now a convicted felon. He will never legally be allowed to own a gun in his life." Since this tragedy, a lot has been done to turn things around.

Nick Caldwell's life might have been taken, but his legacy will always continue.

Donald Caldwell pushed for a bill, which was passed, just less then a month ago. The bill makes it a felony for a person who fails to render aid to the victim of an accidental gunshot.

"I've never done anything like this," Caldwell said. "I didn't know what to do, but I did it because of what happened to my son."

Not only has this tragedy brought forth a new bill to help future victims, but it also has been remembered through a scholarship.

Last November, a 5 kilometer (3.1-mile) race was held at the Fire Department in St. Albans. There were 59 participants. Half of those participants were students. I was the race host.

This whole race was basically run by the students at St. Albans High. It is quite amazing to see this many people come out in the pouring rain to help benefit a local scholarship. It kind of makes you rethink life.

The idea for the race was a 30-day challenge project that was assigned in a senior honors English class. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I knew, in the end, it would turn out the way I planned. Nick was with us.

The race and concurrent fundraising sales of Nick Caldwell Memorial bracelets and race T-shirts generated $500.

In order to give a student a chance to keep Nick's memory alive, all proceeds were donated to the First Annual Nick Caldwell Memorial Scholarship. 

To qualify for the scholarship, a student must be a senior wrestler, have a 2.5 GPA, and show financial need.

Nick Caldwell was a two-year wrestling member for St. Albans High School and loved everything about the sport. He was always eager for the next season to start.

The award was presented May 5 at the annual St. Albans High School Awards Assembly.

Cody A. Keeney was the recipient of the $500 scholarship.

It is a lot of hard work, and I know I couldn't have done this without the help of some students, teachers, and administrators. I know Nick would have loved the idea of having a scholarship in his memory, especially if that scholarship was for a wrestler.

Race photos can be found at tristateracer.com. For more information, write to SAWrestler1...@yahoo.com.

Campbell is a senior at St. Albans High School.