(Oldenburg, IN) – Oldenburg Academy welcomed author Andrew Collins to campus this month to discuss the book he co-authored with Jameel Zookie: “Convicted: An Innocent Man, the Cop Who Framed Him, and an Unlikely Journey of Forgiveness and Friendship.”
The book, which was read by the entire Oldenburg Academy student body, aligns with the Franciscan value of reconciliation, the high school’s focus of study for the year.
The visit by Andrew Collins was both an educational and inspiring experience for the students, who had the opportunity to directly converse with the author.
English Teacher Mary Gehring shared her thoughts, stating, “Collins discussed his remarkable story and detailed how reconciliation played a role in his life, including bringing him closer to a man he wrongfully put behind bars, the co-author of the book. Students appreciated that he was open but not awkward and that he spoke to them as teenagers. They also were amazed at the level and kind of forgiveness the authors showed each other.”
Collins also spoke about what it was like to write the book with Jameel, an experience that brought them closer together. The authors’ profound journey serves as a testament to the power of forgiveness and the capacity for change and serves as a compelling message for Oldenburg Academy students.
OA Senior Evelyn Vanderpohl appreciated the convocation, stating “He was engaging and personal. It was intriguing to hear how life can be flipped on its head in an instant. His story made me realize that forgiveness can create an incredible and unbelievable journey for anyone.”
The author’s visit was funded by the Batesville Area Arts Council and the Joan and John Hillenbrand VISION Fund.
(Oldenburg Academy press release)
