Foundation for Oxford school shooting victim seeks to connect others with nature

A foundation has been created for one of the victims killed in the 2021 shooting at Oxford High School.

Justin Shilling, 17, was one of four students killed in the Nov. 30, 2021 attack at the high school.

Justin's mother Jill Soave says her son loved being outdoors, whether it was for golfing, playing baseball, going on nature walks or rock hunting for Petoskey stones in Lake Huron with his siblings.

Justin also loved hunting with his dad, fishing, camping and climbing the sand dunes of Lake Michigan. One could find him kicking back and hammocking in a local park, Soave said.

"I feel Justin in every sunrise, in every flower and every majestic tree," Soave said. "He loved all of God’s creation, great and small. He had a connection with nature."

To honor his memory and support conservation efforts, his mother created "For the Love of Nature Fund…The Forever Justin Shilling Foundation" with Four County Community Foundation.

Some of the goals of the foundation, Soave said, include planting trees in Justin's name, hosting local clean-up events and supporting clean water and air initiatives, particularly those related to the Great Lakes.

Plans are being made for a May 2024 Walk-A-Thon event on the Polly Ann Trail in north Oakland County as part of the foundation's work.

Soave says she hopes future foundation projects can help others get outside and connect with natural spaces, something that benefits a person’s physical and mental health.

"Protecting the environment was personal to him and I think he would really be proud with these types of projects," Jill said.

Soave says she has found solace in working in her flowerbeds and knows that Justin inspired all who knew him to enjoy every moment and never waste a beautiful day.

To donate to the foundation visit here or send a check to Four County Community Foundation, PO Box 539, Almont MI 48003.

Four County Community Foundation serves portions of Lapeer, St. Clair, Macomb and Oakland counties. To learn more about Four County Community Foundation, visit www.4ccf.org or call (810) 798-0909.

Justin's father, Craig Shilling, created the CHOOCH Foundation in Justin's memory last year. CHOOCH was Justin's nickname when he was a young child, Shilling said.

jchambers@detroitnews.com