DAPHNE — Rachel Scott may have never visited the Eastern Shore, but local residents on Thursday were touched by her life.

Scott, 17, was the first student killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999.

Her story was told — in words and photos — at the 23rd Annual Mayors Prayer Breakfast, sponsored by the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce.

Approximately 500 audience members turned out for the event, representing area businesses, organizations and municipalities.

Larry Scott, Rachel’s uncle, and guest speaker at the event, described his family’s efforts to move past the tragedy.

His late niece was the catalyst for this healing, especially since she well known for having been a kind and compassionate person, Scott said.

It was her life, not death, that has since inspired millions of people, he said.

That has happened since the inception of a non-profit organization based on her Christian philosophy, Scott said.

Thanks to “Rachel’s Challenge,” family members and organizational representatives have visited and spoken at hundreds of American schools as well as schools in five foreign countries, Scott said.

The goal of these presentations is “motivate students to treat others in a positive way — not unlike the way Rachel lived,” he said.

Students are asked to incorporate five of Rachel Scott’s basic beliefs about kindness and social justice into their own lives.

“We are really excited about doing what we believe God has called us to do, especially as we see the lives of young people changing,” he said. “I have people come up to me every single day, boys and girls, with tears in their eyes, telling me that they want to change their life and become a better person.”

Prior to the keynote speaker, city representatives took part in the service.

City clerks David Cohen of Daphne, Geniece Johnson of Fairhope and Mary Lynn Williams of Spanish Fort led the pledge of allegiance.

Each of the neighboring cities’ mayors also spoke during the program.

For his part, Spanish Fort Mayor Joseph Bonner recalled how area residents and business representatives had rallied to help a local man who’d become homeless after losing his trailer to a fire.

That man never failed to mention how much he appreciated all of the community’s kindness, Bonner said.

“And all of that was made possible because of volunteers, because of caring people like you,” he said.

Fairhope Mayor Tim Kant said he believes that faith can help solve problems at all levels.

“If you don’t think there is a God in this world and you’re looking at all these flowers, there’s something wrong with you,” Kant said, referring to the colorful, live centerpieces on each table.

“I’m tired of hearing about these politicians who are afraid to say ‘God’, because that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

“We have to remember where we came from,” Kant continued, until he was temporarily interrupted with applause from the audience. “With all that we have to deal with in this world, there is one common element and that’s prayer.”

Daphne Mayor Fred Small asked that area public officials, educators and military be included in local folks’ prayers.

“These are not easy jobs; We’re out there spending our time trying to make and do the right thing,” Small said.

He asked for a special prayer for area public safety professionals.

“Our public safety professionals —whether in Spanish Fort, Fairhope or Daphne, all work together — they see no political boundaries,” Small said.

“They all help each other to give us the community that we need and enjoy.”

Thursday’s marked the first time the event had returned to the Grand Hotel, which was being repaired due to hurricane damage.

It is traditionally held during the week of the National Day of Prayer.

Public employees from all three Eastern Shore communities — Daphne, Fairhope and Spanish Fort — attended the breakfast.