Last week, on February 14, 2018, a horrific tragedy struck my community and alma mater, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, located in Parkland, Florida. The entire community has come together during this dark time to show the world what we are made of. Even though a monster took 17 innocent lives during this massacre on Valentine’s Day, this horrible tragedy did not break my community. Instead, the entire community has come together to demand a change. Since that horrific day, the city of Parkland, Florida has come together to raise awareness and start a movement that the world will be talking about forever. This article will be a recap of the strength demonstrated by the community this week. Here are 5 ways the community has made me a proud alumnus this week in the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Massacre:
1. The Town Hall Meeting
On February 21, 2018, CNN hosted a town hall meeting in Sunrise, Florida for the students and staff of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Thousands of people within the community attended the event and millions more watched on TV. Students, teachers and parents were able to ask questions to Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson, Rep. Ted Deutch, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel and National Rifle Association spokeswoman, Dana Loesch. As the brave students, teachers and parents asked their questions I couldn’t help but feel proud.
Fred Guttenberg, the father of Jaime Guttenberg who was murdered in the Marjory Stoneman Massacre, went face-to-face with Rubio in a heated discussion pertaining gun laws. Guttenberg demanded Rubio to admit that guns were the problem in this massacre. The students, teachers and parents did not back down and bravely asked their questions. Cameron Kasky, an MSD student and one of the founders of #NeverAgain, went head-to-head with Rubio. Kasky asked, “So Senator Rubio, can you tell me right now that you will not accept a single donation from the NRA in the future?” I was so proud of everyone who asked such brave questions. MSD AP World History teacher, Diane Wolf Rogers, asked Loesch, “What is your definition of a ‘well-regulated’ militia, as stated in the Second Amendment? And, using supporting detail, explain to me how an 18-year-old with a military rifle is well-regulated. And the world — our country, our nation — is gonna grade your answer.” The Town Hall left me speechless and so incredibly proud to be a member of this community. All of the questions were powerful and sparked a lot of emotions. This emotional event allowed so many brave people to voice their opinions and demand change.
2. The Student Walkouts and Marches
For the students who walked out to show respect and have their voices heard, I am so proud of you. The students of West Boca High School walked roughly 12 miles to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 90-degree weather. Just let that sink in. They walked 12 miles to show support for MSD and the community of Parkland, FL. Student walkouts are happening all over in honor of the 17 innocent lives taken from us. Marches are occurring all over the world to send a strong message that something needs to change. The citizens of Broward County are one big family who will always support one another. Coral Glades, West Boca and Deerfield Beach High are just a few of the many schools that have participated in these walkouts. Some students are walking over 14 miles to MSD to show support. Some protestors went all the way to the State capital of Tallahassee, Florida to rally against gun violence on the steps of the Florida capital. Each and every one of you is absolutely incredible, keep on marching! You kids are our future and are making a change right now. Never back down, continue to fight for change!
3.The Entire #NeverAgain Movement
In the first few days after the massacre, the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas started the activist movement called #NeverAgain. Some of the organization’s members are Emma Gonzalez, Cameron Kasky, David Hogg, Alfonso Calderon, Jaclyn Corin and Sarah Chadwick. The movement is fighting for stricter background checks for gun buyers, and they are currently planning a nationwide protest called “A March for Our Lives,” scheduled for March 24, 2018. These students have created an entire movement to ensure that this massacre never happens again! The students who created #NeverAgain have channeled their anger and sadness into action and change. #NeverAgain is tired of waiting for other people to take action to stop the epidemic of mass school shootings, so they are here to make a change. The #NeverAgain movement is trying to change gun laws to forbid the manufacture or sale of any and all guns that are capable of discharging more than nine rounds per minute, with an exception for law enforcement and the US Military. Let’s join together and put an end to all school shootings. To join the #NeverAgain movement, check out their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
4. The Memorial in Front of Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
The entire community has created a beautiful memorial in front of the school to honor the 17 beautiful souls that were murdered just last week. There are crosses and Jewish stars with the names of the victims. Flowers, cards and stuffed animals are among the many items left by the victims’ names’. People from all over have come to pay their respect to the 17 victims. As you walk up the hill, right in front of the school, an overwhelming amount of emotions will surround you. As you read each name, one by one, your heart will break. I barely made it to the first name before bawling. I am still in disbelief that this happened to my school and my city. Right in back of the memorial is the 1200 building, or as members of MSD would say “The Freshmen Building.” The building is clear and visible right behind the memorial. I broke down as I stood there looking at the building I once learned in that was now a crime scene. The memorial is in front of the fence that surrounds the front side of the high school. If you live in the area, show your support by visiting the beautiful memorial, leave a flower, say a few words and honor the 17 victims murdered in the Marjory Stoneman Massacre.
5. The Alumni Community
The tragedy that happened last week, on February 14, 2018, has strengthened the alumni community. Facebook groups have been popping up left and right. Alumni from the class of 1992 all the way to 2017 are reconnecting to support one another during this horrible time. Almost every graduating class has created a banner to show some eagle pride and support the current students and staff who have to go back to the crime scene. An incredible video, directed by Ryan Blitzer, MSD class of 2013, illustrates a message from alumni, staff and our school principal, Mr. Ty Thompson. The alumni community is here to mobilize the community and show our support to everyone involved in the Marjory Stoneman Massacre. Alumni from all over the world have been grouping together to meet up and support each other. The entire Marjory Stoneman Douglas family is so incredibly strong and supportive. Do not hide that eagle pride, be positive, passionate and be proud to be an eagle.
All images are originals from the author, except 1,2,3 and 4.