School hero, Antoinette Tuff, tweets special thank you to McNair staff
Antoinette Tuff took to social media Saturday night to thank administrators and teachers at Decatur’s Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy, whom she called “heroes” during the 2013 school siege.
The incident was the subject of a Lifetime film, called "Faith Under Fire," starring Grammy-winning singer Toni Braxton as Huff, the school's courageous bookkeeper. The film aired Saturday night.
A special thank you to all the administration and teachers at Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy who kept the children safe during the incident. They were the heroes behind the scenes. So glad #FaithUnderFire shows their story. pic.twitter.com/6gwyUXfZJy
— Antoinette Tuff (@antoinettetuff) January 28, 2018
Tuff, using her faith in God, convinced gunman Michael Brandon Hill to surrender to authorities without a fatality in the school of 880 students and faculty .
Apparently, viewers thought the film was well done.
@lifetimetv @TDJakesShow watching FAITH UNDER FIRE on edge of my seat! Excellently written and produced. Keep these quality movies coming! #FaithUnderFire #BishopTDJakesRockedThisOne
— Pam Landers Woodard (@pkwoodard) January 28, 2018
@antoinettetuff must feel like the luckiest woman in the world to have @tonibraxton play her, while doing God’s work. #protectthechildren#Faithunderfire#tonibraxton#antoinettetuff
— Mzz. Vett (@calvetta_wright) January 28, 2018
Dallas megachurch pastor T.D. Jakes was one of the executive producers.
Hill's lawyer later said the school incident was a bungled attempt at suicide. He received a sentence of 20 years in prison.
The film is based on the book "Prepared for a Purpose: An Inspiring True Story of Faith, Courage and Compassion in Crisis" by Tuff with Alex Tresniowski.
About the Author
Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.
