Voices

World’s Best Bookkeeper Ever

Antoinette Tuff, the compassionate bookkeeper who talked a troubled young man out of gunning down the children at the Georgia elementary school where she worked, has set up a fund to help underprivileged children and raised over $100,000.

Tuff gained nationwide attention last week after bravely confronting Michael Brandon Hill, a 20-year-old man who slipped into the Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy near Atlanta despite security measures, and opened fire. He managed to gain access to the office where Tuff worked, but she was able to keep him there by talking with him about his problems, allowing the children inside the school to escape out a back exit.

Tuff also talked Hill him into surrendering to police peacefully, comforting him during the tense incident, “It's going to be all right, sweetie.” In a riveting 911 call, she told dispatcher Kendra McKay about Hill’s intention to surrender and they worked with law enforcement to make sure it happened without another shot fired.

Tuff’s next move was to set up a fund to enable underprivileged children to travel and see more of the world. The initial fundraising goal was $1,500, but to date the fund has raised over $107,000. It’s certain she’ll use her skills to make sure the money is spent wisely and compassionately.

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