Former principal who stopped school shooting passes away

EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — The East Greenbush Central School District is mourning the passing of John Sawchuck, the longtime principal of Columbia High School.

Sawchuch is known for stopping a school shooting 20 years ago when he tackled a student who was firing a shotgun. He served as principal for 14 more years and retired in 2018.

Other school leaders said there is more to Sawchuck’s legacy. He helped start several alternative programs, organized leadership conferences, and the Rainbow Games, which gives students with special needs a chance to compete in athletics.

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