Special Issue • Volume 3, Number 3 • April 2018

In MemoriAm
 Front cover photo by Kevin Trejos

The Eagle Eye

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Special Issue • Volume 3, Number 3 • April 2018 please call (754) 322-2210 or email msdeagleeyenews@gmail.com.

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02 Special Issue • In Memoriam

 Photo by Rain Valladares

Table of Contents
04 Alyssa Alhadeff 16 Gina Montalto 28 Carmen Schentrup
06 Martin Duque Anguiano 18 Joaquin Oliver 30 Peter Wang
08 Nicholas Dworet 20 Alaina Petty 32 Scott Beigel
10 Jaime Guttenberg 22 Meadow Pollack 34 Aaron Feis
12 Luke Hoyer 24 Helena Ramsay 36 Chris Hixon
14 Cara Loughran 26 Alex Schachter 38 Poetry

Special Issue • In Memoriam 03

 Design by Leni Steinhardt

Alyssa Alhadeff
A
lyssa Mirriam Alhadeff was a of a soccer player Alyssa was. she would care for them and make sure to stay in state for college and wanted to
beautiful all-American teenage “Everyone was working on how to to connect with each and every child. go up north instead.
girl. She loved going to the mall move forward, and my team felt like we Whether she was baking special treats, “Alyssa was a student that worked
with friends, playing soccer needed to talk more about the victims and such as cookies, with them or just talking hard to earn an ‘A’ for every marking
and obsessing over boys. With such a honor our friends. So, I sent out a tweet, to them, she made sure that she became period in Algebra II Honors. She was
huge heart, she could make anyone feel and I asked Emma Gonzalez and Cameron friends with every individual, no matter usually quiet in class and seldom asked
welcomed and loved no matter who they Kasky, who are part of the Never Again their background or situation. for help with her classwork,” Algebra II
were or where they came from. Traits movement, to retweet it. That got the “She was so kind-hearted. She teacher Jeffrey Taylor said. “She enjoyed
like these contributed to her affectionate ball rolling. Our whole team took a bus to would reach out to these kids that were the challenge of doing math and was on
personality and her overall friendliness. Orlando to watch the team play and honor homeless. At one shelter, she would just track to complete AP Calculus AB and AP
“Alyssa was obsessed with her friends our friend,” Morris said. pick them up and put them on her hip. Calculus BC before graduating from MSD.”
and really liked boys. She also loved To honor Alyssa as well as the 17 She would bring them and engage them After high school, Alyssa was planning
going on her cellphone. She wanted the other victims, the women’s soccer team and would bake cookies with them with on becoming a therapist for teenagers.
American dream as far as striving to be displayed Alyssa’s jersey near their home icings and sprinkles. She didn’t care Since she had a talent for connecting with
the best. She took such high level classes field and made posters along with shirts. about race or anything like that; she just the people around her, she wanted to
in school, but at the same time had such On and off the field, Alyssa was said to took what they were as a person,” Lori channel that into a career.
a strong, active social life. She had that have the most contagious laugh and smile. Alhadeff said. “I believe that that is such Alyssa was also a very avid writer,
good balance,” Alyssa’s mother, Lori Whether she was goofing around on the an amazing quality — to not care about who enjoyed creative writing. She had an
Alhadeff, said. field or trying to make a friend’s day economic status or ethnicity. She just incredible way of weaving words together
Alyssa was born on May 1, 2003 brighter, she always did it with a smile. accepted people for the way they were to create beautiful stories.
in Queens, New York to Lori and Ilan “She was always the life of the party, and who they were.” “She was always super intelligent
Alhadeff. She grew up in Woodcliff Lake, and she never met a person she couldn’t In school, Alyssa was an involved and was an incredible creative writer. I
New Jersey and moved to Parkland in 2014 make laugh. Her laugh was contagious member of Debate Club, which she actually have every single piece of her
with her two younger brothers. to everyone that heard her within a mile planned on taking for the rest of writings since she started to write,” Lori

“
From a young age, Alyssa was always Alhadeff said. “She just has this incredible
full of energy and determination.
Whether she was arguing for her She never met a person she couldn’t make laugh. way of thinking in her writing. The way
she would connect with her words is
right to go see a movie with friends or
debating her piece in a speech and debate Her laugh was contagious to everyone that heard her beyond basic and such a high level of
thinking.”

”
within a mile radius.
competition, she knew how to get her During the summer, Alyssa attended a
way. Jewish sleepaway camp at Camp Coleman
“Alyssa was such a fighter. She was in Cleveland, Georgia.
spunky and an incredible debater. She just radius,” freshman Emily Burke said. “She high school. She competed in “duo “She was known for her smile. Every
always got her way and never gave up. If made me laugh even when I am at my interpretation” with her partner and camper talked about her amazing smile.
she wanted to go to the mall with friends, worst.” friend, freshman Abigail Price, and often It’s not typical to start camp at ninth
she would just say ‘Mommy, why can’t I go Alyssa loved spending time with her would attend different competitions grade, but she did that at ease. She came
to the mall,’ and would give 10 reasons as friends and listening to their stories or across South Florida. She was recently in and made friends very quickly,” Camp
to why she should be there,” Lori Alhadeff sharing her own. She only ever saw the invited to compete at FFL State Qualifiers. Coleman director Bobby Harris said.
said. best in people and made sure her friends “I would like people to know how Alyssa was both quirky and sometimes
Alyssa’s favorite sport was soccer, knew she had their back. kind, considerate and hardworking Alyssa clumsy. Many of her fellow teammates
which she started playing at 3 years old. “She was a rare friend that always had was. She was a determined optimist with remember her tripping at soccer practices
When she moved to Parkland, she joined your back and always protected you no an infectious nervous laugh. Alyssa was and constantly laughing.
the South Florida United Youth Soccer matter what. She hated drama and tried excited to take debate next year and “My best memory with Alyssa was
Association. avoiding any conflicts,” Burke said. play a more active role as a team leader,” when we were in Target goofing around.
“I first met Alyssa at tryouts. From that Alyssa’s dream vacation was anywhere debate teacher Jesus Caro said. She accidentally knocked down a whole
day, Alyssa completely stood out to us,” that had a beach. Her absolute favorite Alyssa was also in the process of rack of clothes and just ran away,” Price
coach Caterina Yibirin said. “The coaches beach spot was Long Branch, New Jersey. creating a dramatic piece. The speech said. “We would always [be] constantly
and I were so impressed, and we knew we “Alyssa was obsessed with the beach. highlighted two young girls who were in laughing. She would just have to give me a
had to keep an eye on her.” She was especially obsessed with Long a mental health facility. The story focuses look, and I would start laughing.”
Alyssa played for the Parkland Soccer Branch, New Jersey. Any chance she got to on how they find themselves with an Alyssa made a lasting impact on the
Club as well as for the Marjory Stoneman go on the waves, she was in the ocean and unexpected bond, as they confess to each world with her kindness and warmth. She
Douglas High School women’s varsity would just hang out on the beach,” Lori other how their family abandoned them was a friend that anyone would always
team. Due to her athletic abilities and Alhadeff said. in the facility. be able to count on, a loving daughter,
soccer training as an attacking midfielder, If you were to see Alyssa’s playlist, she “Alyssa had a unique ability to convey a caring sister, a determined student
Alyssa was promoted to the varsity team would be listening to her favorite song: powerful messages to the world,” Caro and a committed soccer player. Most
near the end of the season. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. With friends, said. importantly, Alyssa was able to brighten
The U.S. women’s national soccer team she would be caught watching one of her Alyssa also took many rigorous courses anyone’s day and instantly make anything
honored Alyssa during the SheBelieves favorites movies “47 Meters Down.” throughout high school, such as Algebra better through her bright smile and
Cup at the Orlando City Stadium on March Alyssa was known to be kind to II Honors as a freshman. Although she contagious laugh, which her friends and
7, after junior Jamie Morris, who played everyone and only ever saw the best in did not know what college she wanted to family will cherish forever. Story by Leni
alongside Alyssa on the soccer team, people. Alyssa would frequently volunteer attend yet, she had made it clear to both Steinhardt; photos courtesy of Emily Burke
reached out to them, stating how devoted at homeless shelters for children, where friends and family that she did not want and Molly and Rebecca Marks

In Memoriam • Alyssa Alhadeff 05

 Design by Dara Rosen

Martin Duque Anguiano

M
artin Duque-Anguiano Jr. deeply and took seriously: his studies. knew there was a god, and I was proud... clever with his humor. There were times
was raised in a close-knit, All of his life, Martin loved school. Most kids our age are partying, and they he would say some pretty childish things,
affectionate family which Starting at Park Trails Elementary and but it was always with good intentions,”
don’t realize what life is about, but he did,
fostered his considerate and then Westglades Middle School, he and I am a proud brother.” Bonczek said.
thoughtful personality. His friends knew excelled in academics. Most teachers Martin mirrored his loyalty to God in Martin’s values inspired his kind and
him as a humorous and loyal individual. who had him as a student felt fortunate his friendships. He displayed unwavering genuine personality. He always put others’
Martin was born to Daisy Duque and to witness his love of learning and compassion and an abundance of kindness happiness before his own, and he always
Martin Anguiano Sr. on Sep. 4, 2003. He dedication to his studies. and generosity to friends and strangers made an attempt to brighten everyone’s
is survived by his parents along with his “He was almost always [at school], alike. mood.
older brothers Miguel and Alex, as well as always had a smile on his face. He was “He was very helpful [and] very happy. “Whenever I was off, he could tell, and
his younger brothers Andres and Santiago. extremely well-liked, and it was clear that Whenever a situation was really sad, he he would always try to come up to me and
“He looked up to all of us, his older he really wanted to do well in school,” would try to make it positive and happy. crack jokes, and I really appreciated that.
brothers and our dad,” older brother and English teacher Debra Jacobson said. He would also always be there for you,” I wish I had been more appreciative of it,”
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School “Schooling and education were really freshman Jose Hoyos said. “I came here in Bonczek said.
alumnus Miguel Duque said. important to him.” seventh grade, and I had nobody to teach As much as he enjoyed making people
In the future, Martin aimed to be Martin’s academic career was always me English or to guide me around the laugh, he took certain things in life
economically self-sufficient in order his first priority. He viewed his studies as school, and I met him, and he showed me seriously. According to Miguel, Martin
to provide his parents with a less more important than his social life. around, and he taught me a little bit.” always dreamed of joining the Navy and
troublesome life and to give them a better “I would come home from work Martin has been described as fun, becoming a Navy SEAL. To ready himself
home. Martin’s only wish was to provide or practice, and he would always be loving and extroverted. He was an all for the challenges of serving his country,

“
his family with a stable, supportive and he joined JROTC while at MSD.
loving environment, like they did for him.
“He always told me that he wanted He was very helpful [and] very happy. Martin was an admired cadet corporal,
and he received several awards while
to start working as soon as he turned 16
because he saw me helping the family Whenever a situation was really sad, he would try to participating in the JROTC program, such
as the Leadership Development ribbon,

make it positive and happy. He would also always be

financially with whatever they needed,” Perfect Attendance ribbon, Parade ribbon,
Miguel Duque said. JROTC Athletic ribbon, Good Conduct

there for you.

Miguel Duque was an inspiration for ribbon and Personal Appearance ribbon.

”
Martin in every aspect. He played for “He was quiet, attentive and always
the varsity soccer team for MSD until he smiling. There was a sense of duty,
graduated last year, and Alex is currently studying. He wouldn’t be trying to go out around happy and positive person. selflessness, respect, and he treated
on the MSD varsity soccer team. Martin with his friends, he would just be studying “[In elementary school] me and our people well… I could see that in his
never joined a formal team, but he and getting good grades,” Miguel Duque other friend, we were like the three behavior,” Sgt. John Navarra said.
enjoyed playing with his very own team: said. musketeers, we would play with each The U.S. Army awarded the Medal of
his brothers. Martin was taking honors classes and other at recess. We were never social with Heroism posthumously to Martin along
“He liked soccer, but he never really was looking forward to AP courses, as well other people, it would just be the three of with fellow cadets, Alaina Petty and Peter
got a chance to get into it at a high level as dual enrollment next school year. His us,” freshman Rousseau Geffrard said. Wang. This medal is given to those who
like Alex and I did. He was my number one intense course load exemplified his drive On Martin’s Go Fund Me page, Miguel perform courageous or selfless acts and
fan, always at my soccer games,” Miguel and ambition to achieve great things in Duque described him as “a very funny kid, is the highest award a JROTC cadet can
Duque said. his lifetime. outgoing but sometimes really quiet. He obtain.
Martin found happiness in many small “He was a smart boy, the smartest one was really sweet and caring and loved by “Our class is very much like a family,
things. He spiritedly enjoyed watching in the family. He was pretty impressive. all his family. Most of all, he was my baby and he would do this thing if you were
national soccer games and supported Eventually, he wanted to go to FAU high brother.” upset; he would put his hand on your
the FC Barcelona team like his older school,” Miguel Duque said. When there was a break from his fierce shoulder and say ‘you are better than
brother Miguel — a true testament to the As committed as he was to school, he study sessions, he was always a jokester, any problem,’” junior and First Sergeant
unbreakable bond that brothers share. was equally as invested in his faith. He and he liked to make people happy with Victoria Olvera said.
In addition to his love of soccer, Martin was a devoted church-goer and had strong his humor. He loved to put smiles on the His smile would light up any room
also enjoyed playing a variety of video personal beliefs in his doctrine. faces of others. he entered, and his happiness was
games, but his true passion was the “Star “He was a very religious kid; he would “Martin was honestly one of the contagious. He had an uplifting attitude
Wars” anthology. pray every day, and he was just one of funniest freshman that I knew; you that made him unique, and he was always
“He really loved ‘Star Wars.’ Everything those people who would be a shine of light wouldn’t expect the kind of humor he laughing and joking around.
for him was ‘Star Wars.’ He was just the in the world,” Hoffiz said. had from someone his age,” senior Robert His kindness and compassion will live
biggest fan,” sophomore Juliette Hoffiz Prayer was an integral part of his daily Bonczek said. on in every life that he touched, and his
said. life, and he encouraged others to take part Although determined when it came positive outlook and enthusiasm are an
Martin’s love of “Star Wars” was even in it. He was generous in his prayers and to academics, Martin was known for his inspiration for all who knew him. Martin’s
exhibited in his school supplies. His always included family and friends in his sense of humor which, like most teenage uplifting and bright personality will be a
backpack was filled with themed pencils invocations. boys, was often inappropriate. shining light as we try to live like he did.
and folders. His love for “Star Wars” was “He always prayed for us, for everyone “He would always come up with ways Story by Dara Rosen; photos courtesy of Miguel
always displayed in something he valued in the family,” Miguel Duque said. “He to make people laugh. He was pretty Duque

06 In Memoriam • Martin Duque Anguiano

 Nicholas Dworet
N
icholas Paul Dworet was many to pronounce the name of the Hawaiian open-minded in every situation. Asian ice cream mochi, and he brought us
things: a senior committed to state fish, humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, “I love hugging him, jumping in to Fyr & Ice recently. He loved Blaze Pizza,
the University of Indianapolis, and held engaging conversations with his bed and cuddling. He was becoming bubble tea and all that stuff. He was a very
the university of his dreams; mother about psychology and medicine. an 18-year-old, but still [he was] very adventurous eater.”
the swim team captain of Marjory He was a jack of all trades when it approachable and thoughtful. Nick was Beyond high school, Nick had
Stoneman Douglas High School; a loving came to sports and personal interactions. an empathetic guy,” Nick’s father Mitchell aspirations to compete in the 2020
boyfriend, a compassionate friend and a He came to love any competitive activity Dworet said. Olympics in Tokyo for Sweden. He was a
cherished son. However, one prominent whether it be go-karting in Sweden to Nick loved far and wide, which determined and successful student-athlete
title remains, and it is that Nick was a playing waterpolo and swimming for MSD. was evident in his actions, smiles and who spent much of his time balancing
member of the Eagle family. He also enjoyed watching motorcycle affection. academics with leading swim practice
Nick spent his high school years racing with his grandfather in Sweden “He was a very lovable person. He and creating goals that he would post
leading the MSD men’s swim team and over the summers. would always say ‘I love you,’ hug you on the walls of his room. His goal-driven
being involved in challenging Advanced “He was willing to try anything. and kiss you,” Annika Dworet said. “In characteristics allowed him to achieve

“
Placement and honors courses the school scholarships and even an offer to swim for
had to offer. He was a brilliant and athletic
Eagle, as his teammates and classmates Life will rarely go the way you expect it to go; all the University of Indianapolis.
“Nick was determined and very
would describe him.
As a child, Nick was always the you can do is hope for the best and be happy with hardworking; he was a role model to
me because when he put his mind on

”
what you get, and all I know is that I am.
easygoing kid whose parents were able something, he would always achieve it.
to take anywhere without a tantrum. His He would always push everyone to their
laid-back personality was a trait he held full potential and ability,” MSD swim team
onto growing up, which allowed him to be There’s this special fish in Sweden, the swim club, he would also speak to member Guillermo Barrios said. “He never
easily liked and loved by all those around surströmming, and he was very adamant the quiet kid, not just to the ones he was complained when he had a hard practice
him. that we try this smelly fish this summer. having fun with.” or a hard test; he would instead make sure
“He was a happy, smiley child. He was Nobody would allow us to open the can In addition, Nick had a large appetite to train harder or study harder so the next
a very easy child, and we could take him in the house, so we had to go to the forest for new, delicious foods — something his time he’s ready for another challenge.”
anywhere,” Nick’s mother Annika Dworet to open the can,” Annika Dworet said. “So family and friends remember quite fondly In Nick’s room, his most recent
said. “We really didn’t change our lives Nicholas would be the one to open the of him. He would go out of his way to inspirational quote on his whiteboard was
because he was such an easy baby.” can, and nobody tried it.” discover new restaurants and shops in the one that summarized Nick as a person
Nick had an unparalleled ability Nick’s parents describe him as a kid area to take his girlfriend, Daria Chiarella, from American motivational speaker Eric
to tell stories without ceasing — a who always stayed the same thoughtful, and brother, Alexander Dworet, to. Thomas: “When you want to succeed as
characteristic that his parents cherished. caring and friendly boy he always was. “Favorite foods ran the gamut,” bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be
His intelligence shined at a young age, as His parents rarely yelled at him because Mitchell Dworet said. “He loved sushi successful.”
he learned how to swim at 18 months old; he was a good son and brother, who was buffets — Santos was his favorite, the Nick met with one of his role models,

08 In Memoriam •Nicholas Dworet

 Design by Christy Ma

Olympic gold medalist Sarah Sjöström, the 100-yard freestyle, setting a personal fans of the sweet. along with his family to his country of
at the Swedish Nationals for swimming record of 46.53 seconds. “He had a secret Oreo stash,” MSD origin.
over the summer of 2017. She followed “I used to look up to him,” MSD swim swim team member Justin Irwin said. “He His pictures on social media show
the Valentine’s Day incident with a post team member Patrick Franzino said. collected different kinds of Oreo flavors, how the two enjoyed their time in Europe
on Instagram sharing a picture of her and “When I first came here, he was the fastest and his parents didn’t really like junk and were able to spend every loving
Nick together, along with a screenshot of swimmer, and every time he lapped me, food that much, but he had all the flavors moment together home in Florida as well.
the headline of the Florida shooting in he would say ‘that’s okay bud.’ He’s always hidden in there.” His Instagram account also displays the
Swedish news. motivated me to become a better person Nick was also a fan of the clothing competitions and achievements he has
“I have no words!! My thoughts and and swimmer.” brand Supreme, often purchasing trendy received, with captions giving thanks to
condolences go to Nicholas Dworet’s Nick was a lighthearted young man Supreme clothing and items from other the support from his girlfriend, family,
family and friends,” Sjöström said in her who used his passion for all sorts of music clothing brands such as Polo Ralph coaches and friends.
Instagram caption on Feb. 16. to create a friendly, playful ambiance on Lauren, H&M and Lululemon Athletica for His presence will be greatly missed,
Nick’s teammates describe him as the bus rides to and from swim meets. men. but his family and friends are grateful for
someone who kept swimming, even when “He was always the bus DJ when we “He was very into the Supreme brand. the life and joy he gave for the 17, almost
it was challenging to beat his own record, would go to and from meets. He would He got a lot of their stuff,” Irwin said. “In 18 years he was here. His birthday was
or if it seemed repetitive. His love for the blast his playlist throughout the bus,” my car, the sun visor’s broken, and it’s nearing, and March 24 would have marked
sport was something he wanted to share sophomore Katrina White said. not worth it to fix it to me, so I have a his first day as a legal adult.
with his teammates, and so he pushed his His family describes him as a person chopstick holding it up, but he got in my “Life will rarely go the way you expect
peers to train and even caused some of who found joy in all aspects of life, as he car one day and knocked the chopstick it to go; all you can do is hope for the
them to develop a love of the sport. would enjoy blasting loud music in the down, and he kept telling me from that best and be happy with what you get,
“He fell in love with the sport, and he shower and in the car, going on outdoor day on that he was going to get me a and all I know is that I am,” Nick wrote in
made sure that all of his teammates did runs, getting ice cream with his brother Supreme chopstick so my car can be his conclusion for a recent English essay
as well. He was a true leader and captain and father and indulging in one of his styling.” assignment.
for the swim team, he was the one that favorite treats: Oreos. Nick enjoyed traveling as well, “Keep on keeping on” is a quote
made sure that every single one of the “His hobbies include eating Oreos, especially making trips to Sweden underlined by Nick in the most recent
swimmers left everything they had in swimming, swimming, swimming and to visit his beloved aunts, uncles and book that he read, “Think and Grow Rich”
their races as he did himself,” Barrios said. always smiling; literally, he couldn’t stop grandparents, who he called “MorFar” by Napoleon Hill. Even in his absence,
“He truly was the one to look up to in the grinning,” MSD swim team member Cody and “MorMor.” According to his family, he he is able to inspire and motivate others
team.” Chin said. was eager to learn the Swedish language through his legacy. His final notes remind
Nick lived up to his title as swim team Nick kept a secret supply of Oreos and culture, as he was very proud of his the MSD community and family that this
captain, as he was both a district and in his room, some of which were even heritage. tragedy and the loss of these strong Eagles
regional champion who achieved fifth limited edition flavored Oreos. He His last time in Sweden in the summer will not stop positivity, passion and unity
place in November at the Class 4A state treasured the snack and hid them in his of 2017 was a special one, since Nick was from rising up again. Story by Christy Ma;
swimming and diving championships for room because his parents were not big able to bring his long-term girlfriend photos courtesy of Annika and Mitchell Dworet

In Memoriam • Nicolas Dworet 09

 Jaime Guttenberg
K
nown as a “little firecracker,” Springs Middle School. She transferred stars.’” would come up to us to ask if we were the
Jaime Taylor Guttenberg lit to Westglades Middle School in seventh To honor Jaime, a dance mom in Los dancers from Parkland. They would offer
up any room she walked into. grade where she already had many friends Angeles came up with the idea to wear their condolences for Jaime, and many
Whether she put all of her attending the school. orange ribbons to their dance competition, would tell us they were coming to our
energy into dance, school or her family Jaime was known for her sheer since orange was Jaime’s favorite color. performance to support us and her.”
and friends, Jaime had a hunger for dedication to dance. She was extremely After posting this to Facebook, studios In the room where Jaime rehearsed
adventure that made her passionate about talented and amazed others with her across the nation have worn orange at the dance studio, the DTX has a
anything that she set her heart on. flexibility. She also worked very hard ribbons to show their support. The chalkboard wall that is covered with
Fourteen-year-old Jaime was born on to increase her knowledge of different movement has spread worldwide with different quotes and messages. At the
July 13, 2003 in South Florida. She was the choreography and styles. thousands of people donning the ribbons beginning of the 2017-2018 dance season,
daughter of Jennifer and Fred Guttenberg “She caught my eye with her flexibility and sharing their support on social media, all of the team members wrote quotes that
and the younger sister of her 17-year-old but caught my heart with her humor and including the American Ballet Theatre in inspired them on the wall. Jaime wrote,
brother, Jesse Guttenberg. Throughout her determination,” team director Danielle New York, where performers wore orange “dreams and dedication are a powerful
life, Jaime was smart, dedicated, loving Mednick said. “I’m the type of teacher ribbons during their performances. combination.”
and compassionate. who could care less about your talent, but However, the support has not stopped “To preserve her quote, one of the dads
“Jaime was the best daughter ever, the rather your will to work and never give up. with dance studios. Members of Dance on our team sealed it and put plexiglass
best sister ever and the best friend ever,” Jaime never gave up.” Theatre performed on a Royal Caribbean over it to make sure nothing ever
Jaime’s mother Jennifer Guttenberg said. Jaime was a part of the Dance Theatre cruise ship, and not only did the staff of happened to it,” Luckman said. “We then
Jaime’s friends would also describe her Extreme Team and danced for at least 13 professional dancers wear orange ribbons erased all the other quotes we had written
as energetic and feisty. With her big smile, hours a week in the Parkland studio. In for Jaime, but the guests aboard the ship around it.”
Jaime was known to cheer anyone up and addition to the weekly training, she also did as well. Additionally, the casts of In addition to dancing, Jaime loved to
spread happiness wherever she went. attended dance competitions and once well-known plays, such as “Hamilton” and listen to music. According to her friends,
“Jaime’s personality was crazy. She was took home second place for her solo. “Phantom of the Opera,” have worn orange her favorite song was “Rewrite the Stars”
literally just a little ball of energy; there “I had the team write ‘why they dance’ ribbons during their performances to from “The Greatest Showman,” and she
isn’t another way to describe her,” senior three years ago,” Mednick said. “Jaime show support. could always be found singing karaoke or
Jessica Luckman said. “She never failed wrote a long essay, but what she said, “The overwhelming support from making up dance moves to the lyrics.
to light up the room or to make someone it’s exactly what she stands for: ‘I dance the ship dancers, as well as complete Along with dancing and singing, Jaime
laugh.” because it makes me feel possibilities are strangers, was honestly insane,” was known for her love of cheese. Whether
Jaime attended Country Hills endless and limits don’t exist. Every time sophomore Alyssa Goldfarb said. “We’d she had mounds of parmesan cheese on
Elementary School and then Coral I leap, I feel as though I’ve touched the be in random places, and passengers her pasta or was eating Cheez-It crackers,

10 In Memoriam • Jaime Guttenberg

 Design by Brianna Fisher

“
She was literally just a little ball of energy; there just
isn’t another way to describe her. She never failed to
light up the room or to make someone laugh.

she always had the biggest smile on her association that prepares high school and always did her best with her dance was so kind, and she would even help her
face. students for the workforce in business. competitions. She did her best with her neighbor who had a disability,” Goldfarb
“One time we were at Pasquale’s, and Jaime was in the finance class and work, and for a freshman, it was a little said. “She spent a lot of time helping
she decided to ask for an extra plate so regularly attended their field trips, unique because not all freshman do their others and was just an all-around great
that she could open the parmesan cheese including the trips to Disney World and the best since they think they are just a girl.”
and dump the entire thing on her plate,” Miami Heat’s court. Jaime also qualified freshman.” Jaime has left a lasting impact, not only
freshman Lexi Sealy said. “I forced her to attend Florida DECA CDC, a statewide Many people also classify Jaime as on her friends, but also on people around
to eat it with a spoon because it was so competition, which took place from March outgoing. She was always the first person the world. Even in hard times, Jaime was
disgusting to see her eating it with her 1-4. to crack a joke, and she never stopped able to look on the bright side and find a
fingers, no matter how much she loved it.” “At DECA States, the organization gave making people laugh. positive aspect to focus on.
Jaime always made it a priority to get to out four scholarships to DECA students “I know everyone says it, but Jaime was “Jaime impacted my life, and I don’t
know people, especially her teachers. She in honor of the four victims that were really the funniest person and the life of know if she even realized it. That’s the
was able to open up and state her opinion involved with DECA, including Jaime,” the party, and she always wanted to make type of person she was, though; she
without embarrassing anyone in the sophomore Hannah Levine said. “It is sure that others were put before herself,” couldn’t not impact your life,” Luckman
process. Her easygoing mentality allowed really heartwarming to know that she Sealy said. “I don’t think that you can said. “Even when she was complaining
her to easily make friends and bond with continues to help people and leave an find a lot of people these days with that about something, she still found the good
people. amazing legacy.” quality.” in it. She always knew how to make you
“My relationship with most of my Jaime was very passionate about trying In the future, Jaime wanted to become smile.”
students is very personal. Besides being her hardest at any task. As a straight-A a pediatric physical therapist to be able to Jaime looked at a situation with a glass
their teacher and their instructor, I work student, Jaime was motivated and help children with limb deformities. While half full type of attitude. Her confident
with becoming friendly with them as well,” determined to achieve her goals. She never Jaime was working toward that goal, she outlook on life transferred positive
DECA teacher Mitchell Albert said. “It came gave up and always encouraged others to volunteered with organizations, such as energy to any room that she walked into.
very naturally for Jaime and I. I knew her work hard so that they could succeed. the Friendship Initiative, helping out those Jaime’s love for her family and friends
grandmother, who used to be the secretary “Jaime was very genuine. You run into with disabilities. Jaime also worked with and her passion for dance will always be
at our front office, so I made an attempt all types of people in high school and children with special needs through dance remembered and cherished by those who
to get to know her at the beginning, and it with her, she probably wanted to get to and fitness classes and was a member of were close to her. Jaime will forever be in
just blossomed from there.” know you, and she wanted to share her the Best Buddies club at MSD. the hearts of the people whose lives she
After arriving at Marjory Stoneman thoughts and dreams with you,” Albert “I just want everyone to know that has impacted so greatly. Story by Brianna
Douglas High School, Jaime became very said. “Everything she did she went for. She Jaime was so much more than just an Fisher; photos courtesy of Lyndsey Sponder and
involved with DECA, an international did her best with her DECA competition image plastered on the news because she Jennifer Guttenberg

In Memorium • Jamie Guttenberg 11

 Design by Jacob Brown

LUKE HOYER
L
uke Thomas Hoyer, lovingly explained that Luke had impacted his life we want to remember him,” Luke’s father on his face, he kept quiet and was a sweet
referred to as “Lukey Bear” by his while a student in his class. He recalls a Tom Hoyer said. “There is no way to student.
family, was a bright 15-year-old life lesson he learned from Luke from his overcome the pain, but laughing helps. If In his Spanish class, Luke was active
and was known for his reserved time teaching him. you see us around, it’s okay to laugh withand talkative with his close friends. He
attitude. His friends knew him best for “One thing I’ll always remember and us. We remember Luke that way.” was working on a Spanish presentation
his quick-witted personality and different learn from him is to appreciate my friends Luke brought happiness wherever he with his group prior to Valentine’s Day,
attitudes towards strangers and friends. and not let anything get in the way of went, and those around Luke knew of his and was supposed to present it in class a
He was born on Oct. 25, 2002 in Louisville, them knowing,” Rospierski said. “He was a few days later.
radiant smile. His character never failed to
Colorado to his parents Gena and Tom special kid no doubt.” lift the spirits of those around him. “He had excellent friends in my class,
Hoyer, and is survived by his sister, Abby Luke experienced this method first- “Although he was quiet and and he was a happy person, [which is]
Hoyer and his brother, Jake Hoyer. Luke hand, as him and Rospierski shared a close unassuming, he had a big presence. He something I will always remember [of]
was a loving teenager known not only for personal bond. Rospierski remembers the was always ready for a good laugh and he Luke,” Spanish teacher Lilian Viloria said.
his vibrant personality but also for his quiet but evident presence Luke brought really knew how to make everyone around “Luke was one of the excellent students
passion for basketball, video games and in any room he was in. His fondest him smile,” Luke’s sister Abby Hoyer said.in my class, and I miss him a lot. That was
chicken nuggets. memories of Luke include his incredibly Even in his pictures, Luke can alwaysthe most difficult part, when I come back
Luke may not have been known by positive attitude and heartwarming smile. be found grinning and posing with his and don’t see him, with an empty chair.”
all his classmates, but he certainly left “I think about Luke now, and I can thumbs up, exemplifying the optimism Viloria also recalls Luke as someone
an impact on those who got to know just see his goofy smile,” Rospierski said. and positivity that radiated from his who was passionate for basketball, often
him. Luke, who was known by a majority “On the outside he’s like your typical presence. talking about the sport with his classmates
of his peers for his reserved and quiet freshman high school boy; [he] loves When he wasn’t cracking jokes, he and planning games with his friends.
behavior when not with close friends, was chicken nuggets, talking to his friends and was always engaging in conversations “He loved his basketball and I could
the absolute epitome of positivity to his [playing] sports.” with his friends. He was a great listener,tell that was his passion,” Viloria said. “It

“
friends and family who loved him dearly. was one of the things I know he would
Like many others who were lucky
enough to have developed a deeper bond He was a very quiet kid but very funny, always probably pursue.”
As an avid basketball player, Luke

had a contagious smile, and it made you feel

with him, close family friend Tyler Gaffney constantly worked towards becoming
saw the glowing personality beneath the best player he could be. He admired

”
better when you saw it.
Luke’s quiet outer shell. Golden State Warriors player Stephen
“Although a man of few words, Luke Curry, and constantly worked on his
was a truly kind soul that had put others three-point shot at Terramar Park in the
before himself. If you were lucky enough While Luke was not a man of many and he would always be considerate of Parkland Recreation Basketball League to
to know him well, you knew of his words, his tone and speech with the words others’ emotions, taking the time to talk emulate Curry.
profound imitation skills; [he was] always he spoke did leave a mark on those around with friends who needed it. According A dual-sport athlete, Luke was a
joking in good fun,” Gaffney said. him. Many of his friends gushed about to Laggan, Luke was always there for member of the Parkland youth basketball
Often times, Luke did not have to speak him, describing him as an amazing person her in times of need. He embodied the league and had plans of playing for the
much to have his presence felt. According who touched their lives in a way that no characteristics of a good friend and made MSD football team beginning in his
to his friends, his actions and smile did one else could. it his mission to cheer her up. sophomore year.
the talking for him. The young man was “All the years I spent with him, he had “No matter what you would talk to him Known as a quiet kid, Luke had a work
always looking to have fun. While he to be one of the nicest kids I will ever about, he would always be able to respond ethic that would impress even the most
appeared quiet on the surface, building meet. He always knew how to put a smile caringly,” Laggan said. dedicated of athletes — something that
up a hard outer shell and mysterious on my face,” St. Thomas Aquinas freshman While some students loved video was noticed by everyone, yet Luke never
personality for those he did not know, Sophia Laggan said. games, and others were passionate about bragged about it. He was an extremely
his friends knew the true Luke who could Freshman Zach Spiegel recalls one dance or running, Luke particularly loved hard worker, but at the same time he
always make them smile and laugh. memory of Luke that truly epitomizes his chicken nuggets. His friends and family was incredibly humble and easygoing
“Luke was the king of one-word personality away from friends. knew of Luke’s love for chicken nuggets, according to his loved ones. Luke knew
answers; he would answer his friends “In my class we had together, we were and days after his passing, a group of when it was time to go to work and when
with more, but never to adults… He was a drafting countries for the mock Olympics, his friends, including senior Matthew it was time to mess around and have fun.
very quiet kid but very funny, always had and when it was his turn, he just kept Horowitz and freshman Stephanie Although he was a new member of the
a contagious smile, and it made you feel laughing and giving one-word answers Horowitz, got together for a meal of MSD family, Luke will always be an Eagle
better when you saw it,” freshman Luke to anything our teacher asked. When our chicken nuggets in his honor. and in the hearts of other Eagles. His
Rothstein said. teacher asked why, he responded ‘cuz.’ “We went to BJ’s and ordered chicken bright demeanor and loving energy will be
Luke’s family recounted the comical It was funny; Luke had the whole class nuggets — something Luke always loved. remembered by all who knew him. Luke’s
attempts to get more than a one-word- laughing, [even though] the teacher didn’t We felt it was a good way to remember zest for chicken nuggets, basketball and
answer out of him. In order to get around think it was so funny,” Spiegel said. him in a positive light, doing something he life is something that will never be taken
this obstacle, his family would ask him His immense kindness and loyalty truly enjoyed,” Matthew Horowitz said. from the people who remember him.
complicated questions that would warrant were accompanied by his sharp sense of In school, Luke was involved in DECA This world was blessed with Luke’s
a sentence or two, requiring him to humor. His dry and witty comments never and posthumously received an honorary presence, and the MSD family will never
elaborate. failed to make those around him burst scholarship. His DECA teacher Lisa forget his smile nor the profound impact
Social studies teacher Ernie Rospierski into laughter, and he would often enjoy Webster had only kind words to explain he had on the lives of those who knew
was Luke’s favorite teacher. Rospierski, a laughing along with them. his presence in her classroom. She him. Story by Tyler Avron and Christy Ma;
known comedian to many of his students, “Luke liked laughing, and that’s how expalined that Luke always had a smile photos courtesy of Gena Hoyer

In Memoriam • Luke Hoyer 13

 Design by Einav Cohen

Cara Loughran
C
ara Marie Loughran, a fun-loving, it up again after seeing “Riverdance,” a so much life. I will always remember her loved being near the water.”
generous and caring young girl, theatrical show featuring Irish dancing. beautiful smile.” Her bubbly personality reflected
radiated with positivity and After that, she persuaded two of her She was the type of person who was her upbeat taste in music. She enjoyed
always carried a bright smile on friends to join her and spread her passion able to start a conversation with anyone. jamming out to a mixture of pop, country
her face everywhere she went. Although to them. She would continuously dance; In school, even if she was not close with and Disney music while eating candy
often timid and quiet, Cara always had even when she made a mistake, she would the person sitting next to her, she would and other sweets. Her meal of choice was
something nice to say about others just laugh it off and keep on smiling. have discussions about what they were always something Italian, particularly
and about life. She looked forward to “She would always be on the side learning and spark new friendships. pasta and pizza.
experiencing everything the world had practicing, I don’t think I ever saw her When with her friends, she liked to “She wasn’t a person who had any
to offer her and always made friends sit down.” Irish dance teacher Christina joke around, tell funny stories and laugh. strong feelings towards one thing,”
wherever she went. Descy. “I really loved that about her, she She also liked being creative and doing freshman Navya Nair said. “She liked
“She was just a happy, happy person. was really determined and dedicated.” crafts, decorating everything with her almost anything.”
She enjoyed life. And she walked into the After gracefully dancing at the studio, favorite colors, turquoise and purple. She Cara and her family attended Saint
room, and always just lit everybody up,” she would head over to gymnastics and her friends loved to participate in DIY Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, where she
Cara’s mother Denise Loughran said. training where she would practice her projects like tie-dying shirts. However, shewas confirmed and volunteered with the
Cara was born on Feb. 21, 2003 in Boca flips and other tricks, looking up to liked to spend most of her time with her religious education classes every Monday.
Raton, Florida to Denise and Damian Olympic gymnasts like Gabby Douglas friends outside in the sun. She was always She would photocopy papers, help the
Loughran. She was in her freshman year of and Aly Raisman. She was a girl of many looking for something new to try and an instructor and sometimes even teach the
high school and was almost 15 years old. talents, and these skills continued in the adventure to embark on. class with her fellow volunteers.
Despite being so young, she touched the classroom. She always found an adventure at the “In class Cara and I would go up in
lives of many people throughout her life. Cara loved school and was fascinated beach, which was her favorite place to front of the class and teach a lesson or
Her friends and family say she had a very by learning, especially in English and be, according to her mother. Cara began talk about an important Saint,” freshman
memorable, cheery personality, as she history. As a history buff, she she was swimming before she turned 1 year old Samantha Husar said. “One time in class,
was always trying to make others happy fascinated with World War II and found and instantly fell in love with it. Even our teacher was sick, so we had to teach a

“
and convince them to join her on her next lesson, and she was very help and always
adventure. there for the kids.”
“She did not have a mean bone in her
body,” freshman Mackenzie Mirsky said.
She did not have a mean bone in her body. She Cara had many goals in life, including
going to college, getting a job and having a
“She would always light up the room, put
a smile on everyone’s faces and laugh at
would always light up the room, put a smile on family, although she was never quite sure
of what she wanted to be when she grew

everyone’s faces, and laugh at the silliest things.

”
the silliest things.” up. She was a big dreamer, who wanted
Most of her friends loved how naturally great things to come from the world.
happy she was, as her smile brought joy Cara wanted to help make the world a
to all those she met. There was rarely a the Holocaust the most interesting, in though she was not on a swim team, she better place through whatever career she
day when Cara did not smile. Her laugh addition to life science. Cara did very well loved being in and near the water. She decided to pursue.
was contagious; she could make anyone in all of her classes and was always willing would surf, play and bask in the sun for These virtues were instilled by her
around her happy within seconds, which to help a confused classmate or work on a hours on end at the beach all year. loving family whom she spent a lot of
is what her friends and family remember project with her friends. She liked reading When she wasn’t out and about time with. She was a very family-oriented
about her the most. and interacting in her English class, where seeking adventure, she was at home person who especially enjoyed caring for
“Her smile lit up the room, her giggles she often contributed greatly to classroom indulging in D.C. Comics television shows her younger cousins. The close-knit family
were contagious, and her presence discussions. with her friends, such as her favorite, took frequent trips to the beach and pool
brought us so much joy,” freshman As an honor roll student, Cara was “The Flash,” which she watched every and vacations each summer. Despite their
Madison Mirsky said. “Anyone that knew extremely intelligent and won academic week. She loved Disney and Marvel movies three-year age difference, her and her
her will cherish her forever.” awards in middle school. She knew when and was hoping to receive the “Thor: brother, senior Liam Loughran, had a
Cara was always a very happy, upbeat it was a good time to be serious and Ragnarok” movie for her birthday. In strong bond and rarely fought. Her friends
person, but the thing that made her when it was okay to joke around during addition to her adoration of superhero said that they would always liked to hang
the happiest was her unique passion: class. Her sharp focus in class continued films, she had a secret admiration for out and be around each other.
Irish dancing. She was very in tune with after school in the extracurricular the new movie musical, “The Greatest Cara left a significant impact on so
her Irish heritage. The family regularly organizations she participated in. She was Showman.” As birthday celebrations, her many people. Her smile and laugh will
took visits to Ireland to visit Cara’s a passionate member of the Best Buddies and her friends would often go see newly forever be in everyone’s memory. Those
grandparents, Paddy and Ellie Loughran. Club and the Key Club and hoped to released movies. in her life feel an emptiness without her,
Several Irish dance schools around the become more involved in them as she got As a child, she loved family trips and she is greatly missed. Her friends’ and
country have shown their support for Cara older. The Best Buddies Club continues to to Disney World and exploring the family’s memories of her beautiful smile
by wearing purple ribbons in her honor, take 17 seconds of silence every meeting fantastical worlds the characters lived and charismatic personality will never
posting pictures of the dancers on social to remember Cara and the other lost in. While this passion faded with age, her be forgotten. Her seat in her classes may
media. members of the club. adoration of mermaids persisted. not be there anymore, but her place in
Cara was an elegant dancer who “Cara was always smiling and had “Last summer we were at the beach, our hearts will never be replaced. Story by
studied at the Drake School of Irish Dance a positive attitude,” English teacher and her friend and her brother buried Mackenzie Quinn; photos courtesy of Denise
in Coral Springs. She danced at a different Brittany Sinitch said. “She was caring, her like a mermaid...” Denise Loughran Loughran, Ella Singer, Preethika Praveen and
location years before, but decided to take demonstrated empathy and was full of said. “She thought that was great. She just Lexie Sealy

14 In Memoriam • Cara Loughran

 “
For me, it was always Gina’s smile that I
remember — the way she could light up the room.

”
 Design by Suzanna Barna

Gina Montalto
G
ina Rose Montalto radiated also particularly close with Phyllis Bejune, the room,” Gina’s father Tony Montalto kind of day we [were] having, she’d just
positivity into the world, her troop leader who guided her on the said. be smiling and if she was upset, it would
spreading joy to all those path to earn her so desired Gold Award Gina lived vibrantly with her heart on be the shortest thing, and she would be
she met. Her selflessness, and to become a leader. her sleeve each day. Her free spirit had smiling again.”
determination and compassion for “Gina was a great Girl Scout; she was a no regard for the judgement of others, Opposed to quitting like many people
everyone and everything made her the leader for the younger ones and friend to as she fully embraced her quirkiness and would, Gina constantly worked on the J
kindest soul her parents ever met and the girls her age. She was willing to learn new uniqueness to display to the world. toss, eventually completing the toss for
nicest person to her friends. things, so that she was able to teach other “She would wear whatever she thought the state competition. Her hard work
“Gina’s greatest talent was brightening girls these skills,” Bejune said. “Gina was was awesome; she’d wear something from paid off when the Eagle Regiment won
a room. She was always happy walking a part of the Leadership Institute, which the 1950s, and she wouldn’t even care first place overall, an award in which they
around with a big smile on her face,” is only for older Girl Scouts. She took her [what others thought],” Brighton said. placed second in previous years.
Gina’s former babysitter Mary Hutchinson role of historian last year very seriously Gina’s uniqueness and compassion Art was Gina’s favorite subject since
said. and was excited to be the secretary this made her a fun-loving spirit with all those elementary school when she began
Born on April 22, 2003, Gina’s spirit, year.” she met. doodling and coloring. Since then, Gina
full of optimism and kindness, will forever Gina often camped with her Girl Scouts “Everything she did had to have some had always taken the class in school.
be ingrained in the minds of those she as well; surrounded by nature, she learned sort of flare to it,” Brighton said. “She During her freshman year, Gina took
knew. about the necessity to preserve the life wouldn’t just have a white poster with 2D Studio Art I with Lauren Rosa, and
“She’s everything; she was nice and around her and how to do it. Gina’s friends words on it; she would have a bright pink previously she had drawn for a former
caring and selfless. She would do anything noted her affection towards all animals, poster with hearts on it and flowers and local magazine called Spotlight Families as
for anyone, whether she knew you or not,” especially dogs. lime green,” Brighton said. well, sharing her gift to the public.
freshman Julia Brighton said. “I remember After finishing her religious education In addition to her caring and quirky Spotlight Families will be releasing a
the time there was a bug on the floor, and classes, Gina joined her church’s youth personality, Gina excelled academically. special edition as a tribute to Gina and the
Gina stopped everything she was doing group where she made friends and She was enrolled in honors classes other 16 victims.
just to help it.” contributed to the community. Gina and maintained high marks while also As busy as Gina was, she always had
Gina took an active role in life, held her faith dear to her heart, always participating in many extracurricular time to spend with her family. Whether
spending most of her hours with others thanking God for the blessed life she lived. activities. it be annually cooking on St. Patrick’s
whether it be family, friends or any of her Gina was a parishioner at Mary Help of “She was beautiful, bright, articulate Day, spending time with her many Florida
various organizations. Christians Catholic Church, but attended and an all-round fabulous student. When relatives every week or travelling on
Gina’s altruism was reflected by her religious education classes and youth no one else raised their hand, she would,” vacations with neighborhood friends. Gina
participation in Girl Scouts, the Friendship group at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic geometry teacher Zipora Lazarus said. always made memories with her family
Initiative, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Church. “The world lost an amazing young lady.” and cherished their time together.
High School’s Interact Club and her youth When she had some down time from Gina took pride in her grades and Her family visited numerous places
group at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. her many activities and academics, Gina achievements, but never failed to ensure in the United States and Mexico over the
Gina found pleasure and reward in engaged in the common practice of “binge that her humility shined through, never years, and Gina most recently proposed
volunteering her time to the community watching” television shows. She had bragging or gloating to others. Also, Gina, taking a trip to Europe to which her
and wildlife. Her positive attitude spread nearly caught up to the current season caring and selfless, would never shy from parents agreed.
excitement to all those she worked with, of “Grey’s Anatomy,” a show with 14 helping a friend when they were in need. “She didn’t want a big party; she
encouraging everyone to participate with seasons. Gina also enjoyed “Supernatural,” “She was very good at math, and I was just wanted to go to Paris for her 16th
a smile on their faces. identifying with Castiel, the Lord of the always asking for her help because she birthday,” Gina’s mother Jennifer
Gina began her involvement with Angels in the series who had handsome was better than I was or will ever be,” Montalto said.
the Girl Scouts of the United States of looks and an honorable and heroic sophomore Lauren Garnecki said. Her mother will never forget the
America organization as a Daisy. Gina’s personality. At school, she participated in color time when Gina was so excited to ride a
troop, Troop 10581, was one of the few As an avid reader and huge fan of guard and the art program. Since joining mechanical bull that she leaped so high
local troops that provided its girls with “Harry Potter” and “Percy Jackson,” Westglades’ JV color guard in eighth to get on the saddle that she landed right
the opportunity to earn a Gold Award, Gina was enamored with the stories grade, Gina had adored the program. She on the other side of the bull. Everyone
the highest level of achievement for a of characters who displayed empathy, continued with it into high school and started laughing hysterically, especially
Girl Scout that is awarded to members passion and bravery through their found herself committing three days a Gina.
who demonstrate strong leadership and adventures. One of Gina’s favorite quotes week toward competition practice in the Gina was also close with her younger
service. Gina hoped to earn this award, but from author Rick Riordan was “I’m not Eagle Regiment. brother, Anthony Montalto. The pair
had yet to meet all of the requirements. choosing one of your paths. I’m making Color guard pushed Gina to think never fought and got along effortlessly as
One of Gina’s favorite activities was my own.” competitively, exemplified by her fierce siblings and friends.
selling Girl Scout cookies. This year in Gina also dabbled in skiing, determination and extensive, self- “He was not ready to be an only child,”
high school especially, she thoroughly surfboarding, snorkeling and other motivated practice when she struggled Jennifer Montalto said. “He thought that
enjoyed the experience, as she could recreational sports, such as tennis, flag with the J toss, a move in color guard that would happen when she left for
walk down the halls of the school and sell football and soccer. that twists a flag around in a J-shaped college.”
dozens each day, meeting new peers and As people remember Gina for her motion. While bettering her own skills, Gina will remain in the hearts of her
showing off her membership. various character traits, one commonality Gina spread her tenacity for success family and everyone who she met. Her
Apart from her love of Girl Scout has been the radiance of her infectious to her fellow color guard teammates, smile will be ingrained in their minds
cookies, Gina travelled often with her smile. Her grin would spread from ear to encouraging them to never give up and and her love and encouragement in their
troop on camping trips. She travelled to ear and brighten the moods of everyone keep practicing. actions, as the world moves forward
Savannah, Georgia and Orlando, Florida who witnessed it. “Every single day she would be without her presence. Story by Suzanna
with her troop and loved spending time “For me, it was always Gina’s smile that motivating me,” color guard teammate Barna; photos courtsey of Scott Edgar, Lauren
with the friends she made there. Gina was I remember — the way she could light up Marla Eveillard said. “No matter what Garnecki, Jennifer Montalto and Phyllis Bejune

In Memoriam • Gina Montalto 17

 Design by Lauren Newman

Joaquin Oliver
W
hether it be for his flashy who understood his place in the world and “I’m a real hothead, and he was when she woke up, apparently worrying
blonde-dyed hair, his was at peace with himself and his beliefs. literally my saving grace,” senior Darius about it for days beforehand. Gifted in
love for the Venezuelan He knew who he was and lived as that Trotman said. “He was the only one who writing, he also wrote her poetry and
national soccer team or his person unapologetically, never changing could calm me down, to talk me through letters to demonstrate the extent of his
relentless support for the Miami Heat and himself to please others and sticking true things… I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for love for her.
his favorite player, Dwyane Wade, Joaquin to the moral compass that guided him in him.” “I could see from the start how they
Oliver, or “Guac” to those who knew him, life. Unlike most high schoolers, he was One of the greatest bonds that Joaquin were together. He had been through
brought a smile to the face of everyone he comfortable in his own skin and unafraid had with his friends was their mutual love relationships before, but I knew that
came into contact with. to display that for the world to see. for watching and playing sports. Starting Tori was who he was going to end with,”
Born on Aug. 4, 2000 in Venezuela to “He kind of went from a caterpillar to with baseball as a kid, Joaquin played a Decoste said. “He would send me pictures
his proud parents Patricia Padauy and a butterfly,” Ghersi said. “He found who he number of sports over his childhood years, of all his gifts for her the night before,
Manuel Oliver, Joaquin was always a quiet, wanted to be. He would say ‘you gotta be but he found his calling in his love for and I would be like, ‘dawg, you snapped.
noble child. He only spent his first three who you are. Who cares what anyone else basketball. He and his friends walked to You did so good.’ Like he made an actual
years in Venezuela, but the impact it left says?’ He really lived his life to the fullest Pine Trails Park almost daily since their scrapbook for her; it looked literally
on him would stay with him throughout and stayed true to himself.” elementary school days to play basketball. professional.”
his life. Part of his new attitude toward his ESPN was always on TV in his house, It wasn’t just in his love letters and
At 3 years old he moved to the United social life was thanks to his extremely and when that wasn’t on, he had sport- poetry that his ability for writing stopped,
States, but despite becoming a naturalized close-knit group of friends that stuck themed video games booted up, with the as he found another passion in the art of
citizen in January 2017, Joaquin stayed by him through thick and thin, many of different games as various as the sports the pen. He journaled his feelings daily,
true to his Venezuelan roots. He them having known each other for years. he played. Joaquin’s love for basketball taking his anger out in the form of written
supported the protests of his oppressed Their friend group became so close that started from a young age, as he was a words rather than with fist fights. Even
countrymen through social media, with one’s home was all of their homes, and Dwyane Wade and Miami Heat fan since from a young age, his skill was apparent,
his posts showing posters with the words, one’s family was all of their families. he was 4 or 5 years old. but he had only recently begun to
“USA is With Venezuela” and “Gochos,” They went to parties, dinners and sports “His first build-a-bear was even understand his true potential as a writer
the nickname for natives of the three games together daily, and it was stranger dressed as Wade,” Ghersi said. “He was so with the help of creative writing teacher
Venezuelan Andean states. He also to see them apart than it was to see them dedicated to basketball, and he looked up Stacy Lippel.

“
participated in one of the South Florida “That talent was in him the entire

In my class, he knew everybody; everyone

protests against President Nicolás Maduro. time,” Lippel said. “His writing always had
Joaquin lived his life as a moral such depth and emotion to it. He wrote a
compass that pointed unwaveringly north. piece about his girlfriend, and when I read
He valued fairness and justice more than
just about anything else, believing that
was his best friend. He was honestly just the it I was like ‘I know I’m an adult, but I am
melting right now.’”

sweetest boy with the biggest heart.

”
everyone deserved to be equal in the eyes Since meeting him in his sophomore
of society. He displayed this morality time year, Lippel saw past Joaquin’s exterior
and time again throughout his life by for who he truly was. While some adults
attending protests and preaching to those together. to Wade so much. He was his hero.” would dismiss him as an aloof, popular
close to him about his beliefs. From regular pizza runs to hours Aside from basketball, Joaquin was also kid, she saw his potential as a man who
There is no doubt that if Joaquin was playing basketball at Pine Trails Park, very passionate about music. His diverse was not only smart, but also talented and
here, he would be leading the charge the 10 or so friends were just about style of music was the background of kind.
and cheering on the activist movement inseparable, and with the time they spent his life, since he always walked around “He could look like a punk sometimes,”
that has emerged from the students and together, it would not be crazy for people with music playing from his phone or on Lippel said. “But, he was just so intelligent.
faculty of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High to think they were family. his speaker. He particularly loved Frank I just saw this passion and kindness in
School since Valentine’s Day, according to Joaquin’s dad even went as far as to Ocean, having multiple posters dedicated him.”
his friends. build a bunk bed into his room to ensure to Ocean in his room. Ocean also served The kindness that Lippel saw in him
“He was always so so fair,” Joaquin’s that there was enough room for his as the inspiration for Joaquin to dye his was displayed daily by Joaquin, even if
sister Andrea Ghersi said. “He always used friends to stay over whenever they came hair blonde, a decision which many MSD at times it appeared to go unnoticed.
to talk to me about the discrimination by for one of their frequent sleepovers. students have taken up in his memory. Whenever he saw a girl in the hall crying,
thing… In his eyes, everyone deserved “Basically my parents are his parents, “He had such a different taste in music. he would check to see if she was okay
to be happy; everyone deserved to have and his parents are my parents,” senior It could go from Billy Joel to Gucci — from and ask how to help. His selflessness and
a chance; everyone deserved to have a Julian Decoste said. “We were just always Frank Ocean to Queen,” Ghersi said. generosity was not limited to any singular
voice.” together, always laughing. One of my There was one thing, though, that he group of kids of school, even those he did
After moving from Venezuela, it was favorite memories was when we went to was more dedicated to than anything else: not know and had no connection to.
hard for his parents, as they worked Universal together. We were even able to his cherished girlfriend, junior Victoria “In my class, he knew everybody;
countless hours to provide for their convince this lady to give us fast passes.” González. After months together, he and everyone was his best friend,” Lippel said.
two children. Because of that, Joaquin Despite the tough-guy exterior he González knew each other inside and out. “He was honestly just the sweetest boy
developed a very close relationship with tried to show to the rest of the world, his They weren’t just each other’s significant with the biggest heart of anyone I knew. If
his sister, who often took care of him friends knew that beneath the surface, others; they were each other’s home and he wasn’t there in my class one day, it was
during his childhood. he was a big softie. Joaquin displayed to heart. very strange, very quiet.”
“He was my little baby,” Ghersi said. those close to him a caring and sweet “One time, we were out to dinner, Although he had not yet decided where
“When he was a kid, it was me giving him personality that not everyone was able and he said to me, ‘she’s my soulmate,’” he was going to go to college, there were
dinner, putting him [in] bed, showering to see. He always bought thoughtful gifts Ghersi said. “And I was like ‘no, no, no, a few things about his future that he had
him… Of course there were times when we for his friends, making sure that each gift you are too young.’ And he said, ‘no, she’s already decided on. He was considering
fought or didn’t speak, but there wasn’t a was tailor-made for the person who would my soulmate. I want to spend my life with going into marketing, and Orlando looked
day that we didn’t say ‘I love you’ to each receive it. her.’ They were just amazing together.” like a good bet if that was the career he
other.” He knew his friends like the back of his Joaquin’s affection for his girlfriend wished to pursue, but wherever he went,
They continued their close relationship own hand, and because of this he could seemed to know no bounds, and he he wanted to be with his friends and those
into later years, developing traditions like always tell whenever something was displayed it in a variety of ways, especially he loved. No matter what he did in his life,
Sunday night “Game of Thrones” watch wrong or when one of them was upset, through indulgent and beautiful gifts. He he believed the most important thing he
parties and frequent conversations about and he would always be the one there for put such immense thought into all of his could do was to surround himself with
his beloved friends. them to help them get through it. Joaquin gifts, thinking about what to get her even those who made him happy and made him
It was during his time in middle school was an irreplaceable friend to them — during family vacations to Disney. For feel as though he was on top of the world.
and early high school, however, that someone they could count on even when her last birthday, he got her a telescope, Story by Rebecca Schneid and Lewis Mizen;
Joaquin transformed. He blossomed from they felt like the rest of the world did not setting it outside her window the night photos courtesy of Andrea Ghersi and Darius
a quiet young boy into a social butterfly understand them. before so that she would be able to see it Trotman

In Memoriam • Joaquin Oliver 19

 Design by Rebecca Schneid

Alaina Petty
A
laina Joann Petty was known of her siblings influenced her personality something that Alaina found great pride
for having two distinct sides in unique yet equally visible ways. in doing.
to her. One was tough, sassy, “When she was younger, she was always After Hurricane Irma devastated parts
determined and able to hold copying me — wearing my old clothes and of the Keys and South Florida, Alaina
her own against anyone. The other was copying my mannerisms,” Meghan said. worked through multiple weekends to
bright, bubbly and silly. Both, though, were “And I used to think that it was annoying. improve the lives of those affected by it.
equally loved by her friends and family But now, I think about it, and I’m just so She, along with her brother, dedicated
and continue to be what they remember honored because she was such a good their time not for the recognition, but for
her for. person, and yet she still wanted to be like the knowledge of the difference they were
Born on Aug. 22, 2003 in Redmond, me.” making in the lives of others.
Washington, Alaina immediately loved She especially bonded with her brother “She was happiest when she was
making friends. She grew up doing a Patrick over their dedication to the JROTC helping others,” Meghan Petty said. “She
variety of activities, such as gymnastics, program. From the moment she started would spend her weekends going to soup
piano and dance for about three years. JROTC camp this past summer, she was kitchens and just doing things that helped
Within each of these activities and extremely committed to the program and others’ lives, and she loved it more than
beyond them, her trustworthy and non- all those within it. As a member of the anything. She felt the most comfortable
judgemental attitude allowed her to make Raiders team and the color guard, the class I think when she was sweating, working
friends quickly with almost anybody she and club were her favorite place to be. hard and making a difference.”
met, even through the difficult transition “She would always make sure her Through her camping trips she often
of moving to Florida. uniform was just perfect, not because she took with her church youth group, Alaina
“She immediately had friends over she had to, but because she wanted to, and began to love nature and animals. In times
almost every day,” Alaina’s brother Patrick she cared about it that much,” Brighton of stress, nature became a place of solace
Petty said. “Not only was she good at said. “She would drag me to all of the for her — a place that demonstrated the
making friends, but she was good at events because she always wanted to be beauty in the world. Her love for her two
keeping friends. She even still had friends there to help. There was nothing she loved dogs, Diego and Leo, demonstrated this
from Washington.” more than that class.” love. She would nonstop talk to her friends
Spending time with her friends in any Not only was Alaina passionate about about her dogs, posting pictures on social
capacity was one of her favorite things to JROTC, but also she worked harder than media to prove it.
do. From going to McDonalds to laughing almost anybody in the room to prove it. “Her Snapchat stories were just full of
in class, her friends meant the world to By spending hours practicing with the pictures of her dogs,” Valdiviria said. “She
her. Her free spirited personality led her to after school teams and presenting herself loved those things more than anything in
spontaneously ask her friends to go on fun as a leader in the classroom, Alaina was the world. She just spent all the time in the
trips and adventures, using her sass and recognized as a valuable asset within world with them and would talk to me all
wit to cheer them up in any way she could. the club early on — someone who had a the time in class about them.”
“If I was in a bad mood, she would definite future in moving up the chain of When she wasn’t selflessly devoting her
always just do whatever she could, some command. In a class often dominated by time to others, Alaina loved to de-stress
silly things, to cheer me up,” freshman male students, Alaina held her own and with a good crime show — “Psych” and
Julia Brighton said. “She just loved helping made a place for herself. “Bones” among her favorites. Her siblings
people and her friends. Honestly, she put “She was a go-getter, no doubt about and her would sit around after school and
everyone else’s happiness over her own it,” JROTC teacher First Sgt. John Navarra watch, just spending the time they could
sometimes.” said. “She was pleasantly agressive I would together.
This vivacious attitude came naturally say. She wasn’t afraid of expressing her Whether she was doing homework or
to Alaina, and she possessed it from a determination, of thinking outside of the driving, Alaina’s life never ceased to have
young age. Everything she took on she box, of beating to her own drum… But her a tune behind it. Shower time usually
did so with such enthusiasm that it was drive wasn’t selfish, it was kind of like ‘let’s turned into a match between Meghan and
contagious to those around her. Known as all be better together.’” Alaina over who could play their music
a girl with a smile on her face at all times, Alaina’s enduring devotion to the class the loudest on the portable speaker. Some
it was hard not to be happy when touched did not go unnoticed, as she was promoted of her favorites included songs by Camila
by her unwavering optimism. to sergeant, the highest rank a freshman Cabello and other variations of Hispanic
“Sometimes I would get angry or could achieve, and was awarded the Cadet pop music.
annoyed at something, and she would just of the Month award during the second “She never didn’t have music on,”
tell me to go outside and breathe in the quarter, beating out competitors of all Meghan said. “She especially loved Spanish
fresh air and see the beautiful things in the grade levels within the program. From music — bachata music like I liked. She
world,” Brighton said. “She used to always then on, the whole class would joke that knew some songs that I didn’t even know,
say to live every day like it was your last, Alaina would most certainly end up as though; it was crazy… I don’t think she
and I think she did that.” the battalion commander by her senior realized how good she actually was at
Her determination in school and in year, commanding over the entirety of speaking Spanish.”
extracurriculars also pushed her friends to the program as the highest rank a high Often, she was eating ramen whenever
be better. Everything she attempted, she schooler could achieve. The Raiders team she could. Her parents even got her her
did with fervor. She took honors classes, captain would even reportedly say that if own chopsticks for Christmas as a joke
excelling in school, especially Spanish Alaina kept up the good work, she would because she ate it so much. If it wasn’t
classes, and in her JROTC program. That put him out of a job. ramen or a mid-day Chick-Fil-A run, Alaina
passion and perseverance encouraged her “She came in with such loved to stay home and cook a family
friends to work just as hard. professionalism, such curiosity… both in dinner with her mother. She was getting
“Early in the school year, we had to and out of uniform. From the moment she to be a better chef every day, according to
do a 5K run. She was so winded, but after walked into this room, she was destined to Patrick.
it she went right to the guy in charge be a leader in this program... She was more In all aspects of Alaina’s life, she loved
and said ‘alright, what’s next?’ That’s the than a participating cadet, she wanted to unconditionally and with her entire being.
kind of person she was,” freshman Tomás do everything,” Major Peter Mahmood If she was passionate about something,
Valdiviria said. “She pushed me to go that said. which she was about many things, she
extra mile. And she wouldn’t just help me Alaina showed a similar dedication would make it a priority to be the best at
up when I fell, she taught me how to pick to her faith. As a member of the Church it, not for personal gain, but for the gain
myself up next time. of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she of those she could help in the process. Her
From an early age, she looked up to her took her duty to her faith seriously. She selflessness and love touched those all
siblings, Patrick, Meghan and Ian Petty, participated often at her church, going around her, and she will be missed by the
immensely. From trying on Meghan’s there after school on Tuesdays for youth entirety of the Eagle community and many
clothes constantly to emulating Patrick’s group and frequently participating in of those beyond it. Story by Rebecca Schneid;
sarcasm and his love for the United States trips with them. These trips were often photos courtesy of Meghan Petty and Hannah
to reflecting Ian’s unconditional love, each community service-based, which was Beardall

20 In Memoriam • Alaina Petty

 Design by Insert Name

“
She wasn’t afraid of expressing her determination,
of thinking outside of the box, of beating to her own

”
drum... But her drive wasn’t selfish.

Category • Subject #
Design by Nikhita Nookala
 Design by Nikhita Nookala

Meadow Pollack
M
eadow Jade Pollack, peers. The solutions were out-of-the-box, everything. She did anything that she put is something we will have in our hearts
affectionately called but even as a kid, she found a way to make her mind to and didn’t let anyone get in forever.”
“Meadie” and “Shmead” by even the most challenging situation work. her way.” Perez recalls some of her first
friends and family, was an “I remember one time I didn’t like her Meadow was someone who loved to conversations with Meadow being
18-year-old senior at Marjory Stoneman other best friend and she didn’t like me so go to the beach and found herself there exceptionally unique and memorable
Douglas High School. She was planning she invited us both over and locked us in often, contemplating life, her future and because of the sheer boldness that she
to attend Lynn University in Boca Raton a room until we were friends,” Faberman her friends. She wanted to tour the whole could see in Meadow even in the first
in the fall. She was the daughter of Shara said. “That’s basically the kind of person world with Ogozaly and took as many moments of knowing her.
Kaplan and Andrew Pollack and was she was; she brought everyone together trips as she could, including a stay in New “I met Meadow through her boyfriend,
the younger sister of Huck and Hunter and generally just spread so much love to York. She was independent and loved to Brandon. When I tell you that we clicked
Pollack. The youngest of 10 cousins, those around her. Although in high school exercise in the gym to relieve her stress from the second we met, I knew she was
Meadow was fiercely protected and loved we weren’t as close as we were as kids, I and improve her physique. gonna be my best friend,” Perez said. “I’ll
by all of them. definitely brought with me the aspects “Meadow and I started working actually never forget, one of the first
“Meadow was the best, and I’m of friendship she taught me. She was an out in middle school and until the day things she said to me was that I had such
sure you’ve heard it from everyone,” obviously gorgeous person, but the type everything happened, she’s been my white teeth.”
Meadow’s cousin Adam Pollack said. “She of person she was on the inside, there’s workout buddy,” Ogozaly said. “Meadow Meadow’s friends and family have

“
lit up every room and was there for you been vocal in their efforts to make change
whenever you needed her. I could call
her at any time, and she’d help me with She taught me the good things in friendship, how and to honor her memory. They have
started an initiative called “Meadow’s

to be there for others, how to care for others, things

whatever I needed.” Movement,” an organization that rallies
Meadow’s personality shines through Meadow’s friends, family and community

like that. Her spirit was so vibrant and kind.

the parking spot that she painted in to make schools safer.

”
the senior lot which is bright pink with The organization was started by
“Princess Meadow” written in white her father, Andrew Pollack. In addition
around a white crown. The two ‘s’s in not a word to describe that.” loved being at the gym because it made to activism, he also wants to build a
“princess” are replaced with dollar signs, Music played a big role in Meadow’s her feel so good about herself and took all playground in Meadow’s honor.
a trendy addition and one reflective of her life and her interests, and her love of rap her stress away.” “This will not be any ordinary
personality. Her friends remember her as music was well known by her friends. One Meadow was outgoing and fun, playground; this will be built for a
a kind, bubbly girl with an inexhaustible of her favorite artists was Kodak Black, teaching her favorite slang words to princess,” Andrew Pollack said. “Instead
amount of energy. whose new albums always excited her, her parents and making the most out of of visiting my princess at a graveyard, I
“She was always the happiest person along with popular rapper Cardi B. every situation. Meadow’s role model in will sit on a bench in her playground and
in the room,” senior Carley Ogozaly said. “[Meadow] sang her song ‘Bodak life was her mother, Shara Kaplan. She watch other beautiful children play.”
“If someone was upset, she would always Yellow’ just about everyday,” senior Nikki wanted more than anything to be just Meadow’s attitude toward life is
go out of her way to make sure they were Rose said in a Tweet. “Every time I hear like her, a successful mother. She admired as clear as the light in her eyes and is
okay and always managed to put a smile the song I think of my BFF’s beautiful everything about her, and the two had a written all over her social media: “Life
on their face, no matter what they were smile.” very close relationship. is what you make it,” teaching everyone
dealing with.” Meadow’s favorite shows were Meadow’s ability to draw everyone who knew her about embracing the
Even as a child, Meadow’s propensity “Dexter” and “Shameless,” demonstrating in her life to her so closely, almost present by embodying that statement.
for making friends shined through. Her her love for the provocative and dramatic. like family, is something many found “Life’s all about who you get to spend
childhood friend, senior Megan Faberman, She could talk about her favorite shows all admirable. Heather Schoengrund, it with and the vibe you choose to bring
recalls some of her experiences with day; whenever she visited her boyfriend, her long-term boyfriend Brandon to the table, ask yourself... what is the
Meadow and considers Meadow one of Brandon Schoengrund, in his workplace, Schoengrund’s mother, recalls their intention you want to bring into this
her first real friends, and the one to really she would watch her favorite programs close relationship and how she felt that world?” she said in a December 2017
teach her about friendship. in his company. Meadow also shared her Meadow was almost like her daughter. Tweet.
“She was always very imaginative and affection for her two cats, Lola and Fiona. “Where do I begin? The bond we had Meadow knew what her intentions
creative. She taught me the good things Meadow’s dreams changed from day between each other is something that I were. She was a girl who looked forward
in friendship: how to be there for others, to day. Most of the time, however, she will forever cherish,” Schoengrund said to moving on in life beyond high school,
how to care for others, things like that,” wanted to be a lawyer. Meadow’s friend, in a public Facebook post addressed to to take her dreams to the next level and
Faberman said. “When we were little, Amanda Perez, a junior at Palm Beach Meadow. “I am so fortunate for every to create a life that she would be proud
we always loved to be outside, going in State College, recounts Meadow’s unique single minute that I got to spend with to share with her close friends and her
the pool almost everyday, and Meadow’s drive and motivation. you. I sit here and think about how you warm, tight-knit family.
mother finally let her have a trampoline, “She loved going to the gym,” Perez kept me on my toes, made my groceries Meadow’s life will forever be
and it was the best day of our lives. Her said. “She would watch videos on her lists, did laundry. I would come home remembered with warmth, and she will
spirit was so vibrant and kind.” phone in her free time on how to work and the dishwasher would be emptied. live on forever as everyone’s “princess.”
Meadow had a unique way of creating certain machines and work out her Although it was cut way too short, the Story by Nikhita Nookala; photos courtesy
friendships and getting along with her body the proper way. She taught herself time we had with you as part of our lives Andrew Pollack and Carley Ogazaly

In Memoriam • Meadow Pollack 23

 Design by Hannah Kapoor

Helena Ramsay
A
t first glance, Helena Freja from the world. Helena was of the few shield herself with flimsy books and even
Ramsay was the type of girl who that said yes. push her toward safety.
kept to herself, an introvert. “Helena truly thought we could Her compassion and loyalty
The few fortunate enough to eliminate hate from the world,” Schamis were ultimately her most notable
break through her quiet facade knew said. “She was so optimistic and just a characteristics. Helena was the friend to
she was so much more than her reserved lovely girl.” complain to, to rant to and to always lend
designation. She was kind, compassionate As a student, Helena was always a helping hand. Whether it be carrying a
and incredibly loyal, even to her last hardworking and respectful. She is textbook for a friend or a five-hour phone
moments. remembered as the one to always say conversation, Helena never rejected
Helena was born on Jan. 19, 2001 to hello, smile and laugh at everyone else’s anyone who needed her — no matter what
Anne and Vincent Ramsay in Portsmouth, silliness. was at stake. Her compassion knew no
England. She lives on through her older “Whenever I made jokes in class, she limits even toward animals.
brother Ellis, an intimate group of friends, would give me this look like ‘really? You’re “There were these two cats that came
the countless stray cats she benevolently really making this dad joke right now’ into our neighborhood, and she would
fostered and all the students and staff and would then laugh,” chemistry teacher feed them outside,” Dadd said. “One day,
of MSD who will forever remember her George LePorte said. “Chemistry wasn’t she brought them in, and then one of
name. really her thing, but she was one of those them had a litter. She kept those cats, and
In 2003, the Ramsay family moved people who always tried super hard and then one of them also had a litter, and
from Hayling Island in Havant, England was nice to everybody.” then another.”
to Coral Springs, Florida. Helena attended Helena’s friends describe her no At one point, Helena was caring for
Eagle Ridge Elementary and transferred differently — a so-called introvert who almost 13 cats, excluding the few she had
to Sawgrass Springs Middle School after a was surprisingly eccentric once she bestowed or had run away. Not only was
year at Coral Springs Middle School. Her opened up to people. she the compassionate friend, she was
British customs gradually faded, but she “She was actually really loud at times; oftentimes the “crazy cat lady.”
lived her entire life in awe of the diversity it just depended on who she was with,” Most of Helena’s relationships
and wonder the world around her held. Dadd said. “When she was with her consisted of constant inside jokes,
“Her accent gradually went away,” friends, she could be the loudest person in laughter and unwavering loyalty. She met
junior Katherine Dadd, one of Helena’s the room.” Grady when she transferred to Sawgrass
oldest friends, said. “When we were little Helena was by no means quiet or Middle School in the seventh grade in
she use to say things like ‘hoover’ and shy, though many were quick to label civics class. The two bonded in eighth
‘dressing gown.’ She even took these her as such. She simply did not need the grade science class, as they were of the
etiquette classes where she learned to attention of others to be self-satisfied. few heading to MSD.
drink tea.” “The first thing most people say “We had this joke in eighth grade
As a child, Helena was fond of about her is that she’s quiet. That’s true about chicken. I don’t know where it came
scootering around the neighborhood, to an extent, but she’s not as quiet as from, but we would always say ‘chicken
playing Pokémon, watching cartoons such people think she is,” Grady said. “She was this, chicken that’ as substitution for
as Tom and Jerry and attending playdates much more outgoing around friends and curse words,” Grady said. “We also had
with many of the very same friends that secretly a little bit crazy.” acronyms for one another. I was ‘SSBG,’
lasted until high school. Once one got to know her, it was and she was ‘TMBGITW,’ which stood for
She was creative in all realms, and apparent that Helena’s quiet demeanor ‘Helena the most beautiful girl in the
along with Dadd, she invented a game she was not to be mistaken for timidness. She world.’”
played with her older brother Ellis, called had a core set of beliefs and a strong faith Staying true to her diverse taste,
“Sumo-Santa.” that she lived by. Within and beyond her Helena and Grady bonded over their
“He would stuff pillows under his small group of devoted friends, she was passion for K-pop and K-dramas, which
clothes, and we would have to prove that never unjust toward anyone. are forms of Korean entertainment.
he wasn’t Santa,” Dadd said. “We would “Even if you were completely crazy, Helena loved the band, BTS, and one of
playfight and climb all over him, two tiny she would accept you, unless you did her favorite shows was a K-drama called
little girls.” something to her, then that’s a different “Descendants of the Sun.” Stoll managed
At MSD, Helena participated in Model story,” Grady said. “She was the most to coax her into watching Studio Ghibli
United Nations for which she represented kind person I’ve ever met. She never films, a Japanese anime company.
her home country of England. She loved discriminated against anybody.” “She completely loved any romance
travel and anticipated exploring the world Helena accepted everyone, no matter film and horror. She was watching like
once she grew up, but could never decide their quirks. It was in her reception every horror film in the world, and I don’t
where she wanted to journey next. towards all, as she embraced herself and know how she did it,” Grady said.
At the end of eighth grade, Helena the world around her. Her love of various genres of music
was invited to go on a cruise with one “She knew she was strange. She knew and entertainment sparked bonds
her best friends, junior Samantha Grady. exactly who she was. I mean, she didn’t that led to the creation of countless
The two visited Mexico, Jamaica and know much about her future, but she precious memories. In her high school
Haiti together, which was the dawn of an knew who she was. She never would have years, Helena and her friends had the
unshakeable friendship. apologized for it,” junior Emera Jiminean opportunity to attend multiple concerts
During spring break of her freshman Stoll said. such as GOT7, a K-pop group, Twenty One
year, Helena signed up for a trip to Europe Helena was a member of First Priority Pilots, Halsey and most recently, Lana del
with AP Human Geography teacher Ivy Club, a student-led organization on many Rey.
Schamis. In a group with a few other middle school and high school campuses During her free time, Helena would
girls, they ventured to London, Paris and dedicated to the devotion of Christ, and explore an array of restaurants, ranging
Barcelona. volunteered at the Rotary Community from Korean to Indian and Italian.
“When Helena signed up for my trip, Garden and Food Forest of Coral Springs. Oftentimes she would venture all the way
I was a little worried about her because I “She always stuck up for what she to Boynton Beach with Grady to shop at
knew she wasn’t loud or pushed herself believed in. If she didn’t like something, a discounted Dillards, since shopping was
in,” Schamis said. “But she was great. She she would just say ‘no,’ whereas I would another one of her many pastimes.
had this specific British chocolate bar she always compromise. If it wasn’t for her, I “She was a typical teenager, just with a
loved and made everyone buy. She really wouldn’t be who I am personality-wise,” K-pop and K-drama side,” Grady said.
had a funny sense of humor once you got Grady said. During her 17 years, Helena never once
to know her.” When Helena and Grady’s Holocaust let go of her beliefs, her compassion or
In her junior year, Helena entered History class was ambushed on Feb. 14, her quirks. While she was unsure of where
Schamis’ classroom once more for Helena attempted to aid her friend in any life would take her, she was always sure
Holocaust History. When students were way she could. When Grady was frozen in of herself. Story by Hannah Kapoor; photos
tasked with an essay on whether or not shock, Helena was the one to nudge her to courtesty of Katherine Dadd, Emera Jiminean
they believed hate could be eradicated the other side of the room, direct her to Stoll and Amanda De La Cruz

24 In Memoriam • Helena Ramsay

 Design by Insert Name

“
She knew exactly who she was. I mean she didn’t
know much about her future, but she knew who she
was. She would have never apologized for it.

In Memoriam • Helena Ramsay 25

 Design by Lauren Newman

Alex Schachter
I
f there was one word to describe four times each week until about 9 p.m., overjoyed at the outcome: the Eagle Fathead sports training cards. Alex had
Alexander Logan Schachter, it making it a challenge to keep up with Regiment won first place. Alex felt proud over 25 cards in his collection, which he
would be “happy.” His family and academics and other extracurricular of himself and his band teammates, traded among his friends when he went
friends remember him most for his activities. who worked so hard to perform at their to Eagles Landing Camp in Boca Raton,
contagious smile and joyous demeanor. “Alex was always happy, very greatest caliber for the competition. Florida each summer since he was 9 years
Alex was born on July 9, 2003 to Max and committed and passionate about anything At school, Alex also was a member of old.
Debbie Schachter in Pembroke Pines, he did, and he always tried to do his best,” the MSD DECA program in which he took In his spare time, Alex entertained
Florida. Since birth, Alex has brought joy Ryan Schachter said. Finance and Business Technology with himself through playing video games
and comfort to all those around him. When entering eighth grade, Alex Lisa Webster. Alex did not qualify for and watching various TV series. His most
“He was a great friend and role model realized the importance of his schooling DECA States in his first year enrolled in recent favorite video game was Fortnite,
to not only me, but to everyone around and quickly improved his grades through the program, but he was optimistic about which he played on his Playstation with
him,” his childhood friend Brandon Litwin a newfound motivation and responsibility trying again next year. One of his greatest friends every day. Alex also played Call of
said in his eulogy to Alex. for his education and future. Alex had experiences in the program was attending Duty and various sport-themed games on
Alex loved the exhilaration of riding not always been the A student he became a Miami Heat basketball game as a part of his Playstation 4.
roller coasters from its peaks to its in eighth grade, but he continued his a field trip on Feb. 9 when he got to see Alex watched many TV shows as well,
stomach-dropping troughs, which Alex academic success into high school. Dwayne Wade play in his first game back including “Naruto,” “Breaking Bad,”
compared with life itself in a poem he This transformation helped Alex work as a Miami Heat player. “Game of Thrones” and “Lost.” The variety
wrote for his freshman English class, “Life through the struggles of committing so Between DECA and band, Alex kept his of genres demonstrates Alex’s willingness
is Like a Roller Coaster.” much time to the Eagle Regiment during school extracurricular schedule packed; to try and enjoy new, unique things.
Moreover, Alex was always the upbeat his freshman year, while maintaining high outside of school, Alex participated in Alex even watched “House of Cards”
ray of sunshine among his family and marks by gradually learning better time recreational sports leagues at Pine Trails for his brother since it was Ryan

“
friends. He constantly lightened other Schachter’s favorite show. Although he

Alex was always happy, very committed and

people’s day through his expressive may not have yet known “what was going
facial features and wild, spirited attitude. on with the politics and processes,” he

passionate about anything he did, and he always

Whether his face cringed in disgust or still watched it anyway, according to
shined with joy, Alex’s expressions made Ryan Schachter. His favorite TV character
him like an open book. was Naruto Uzumaki, the boisterous

”
“Alex didn’t like fat on any steak or
chicken, or anything like that; he was
tried to do his best. and optimistic hero whose ninja values
inspired him.
disgusted by any fat. If he ate any piece management. Park, including basketball and football. Alex was also a car aficionado; he
of it, you could tell immediately what was Practicing music was never a chore “You were a natural athlete — a enjoyed cars of all types, but had a specific
going on by his face,” Alex’s older brother, for Alex, as he had a strong passion for great football player, a natural runner affinity for Tesla cars. Alex loved his dad’s
senior Ryan Schachter said. playing. In eighth grade, Alex joined and basketball player and always with deep blue metallic Tesla Model S and was
Alex’s cheerful personality exuded band where he thoroughly enjoyed perfect sportsmanship,” freshman Brett looking forward to driving his dad’s new
positivity and spread it to those around his experience and learned to play the Lickerman said in his eulogy to Alex. bright red Tesla Model 3 when he earned
him. trombone. In basketball, Alex played shooting his learner’s permit upon turning 15.
“I will probably miss his disposition “Alex was one of the most passionate guard and defense, scoring the Alex did not always have an easy life;
most, just because he was always so happy freshmen coming into marching band at game-winning three-pointer in the his mother passed away when he was
and cheerful; he always brought joy into the beginning of the summer and when championship game for his fifth grade only 4 years old. Despite experiencing
the room he was in,” Ryan Schachter said. school started. Since I played baritone for recreational league team, the Syracuse this hardship, Alex grew up in a loving
His non-materialistic, laid-back two years before becoming drum major, Orange. family, especially after his father married
outlook on life was reflected in his simple he would ask me for tips and tricks and “My dad said no threes all season, his stepmother, Caryn Desacia, when he
style; a staple outfit for Alex was his always strived to be the best he could,” but in overtime in the championship, he was young, granting him two adoring
University of Connecticut hoodie that Eagle Regiment drum major and fellow [Alex] made it,” freshman Brett Unger stepsisters, Morgan and Avery. Alex loved
his mother gave him, a tribute to her baritone player Rachael Gorman said. said, whose father is the coach for the his stepmother and her children like his
alma mater. A week after his passing, the “Alex was an incredible musician and had championship-winning team. own, calling her Mom and her daughters
University of Connecticut posthumously an insane amount of talent.” When he wasn’t out on the field, his sisters.
accepted Alex into the School of Fine Arts Alex used music as a medium for self- Alex enjoyed playing fantasy football Alex greatly admired and loved his
as a music major. expression, and he truly felt in tune with against his closest friends for which he older brother, Ryan; the pair shared a
Alex participated in the Marjory the world while he did. drafted players based on their projected room for many years and Alex even joined
Stoneman Douglas High School band “He was always just focused, and he performances for the NFL. His favorite the DECA program on his big brother’s
his freshman year as a baritone player just loved making music; it’s what he team was the New England Patriots, advice. The Schachter family takes solace
for the Eagle Regiment, the school’s loved to do,” freshman Jeremy Wechsler thanks to his dad’s family, based in the in the fact that their adored Alex is now
award-winning marching band. The Eagle said. New England region. with his mother Debbie up in heaven.
Regiment requires extensive conditioning Alex competed at the Florida Marching Moreover, Alex demonstrated his Story by Kevin Trejos; photos courtesy of Max
for its members with practice three or Band Championships this year and was love for sports through his collection of Schachter

In Memoriam • Alex Schachter 27

 Design by Lauren Newman

Carmen Schentrup
S
ixteen-year-old Carmen Marie have had a student like that — a brilliant anatomical terms. homecoming, and she told me how she
Schentrup was a unique, student, a fine young lady, [who] had the However, one of her greatest passions convinced her mom to buy her a new pair
intelligent, funny and beautiful world by the tail and a future ahead of was fostered through her presidency in of heels because ‘none of her other 20
individual. Her signature look her,” physics teacher Robert Rosen said. the Acapella Club: music. She and senior pairs matched with her dress,’” Hall said.
consisting of teal-dyed hair, winged Accepted to the University of Florida’s Suzanna Barna co-founded the club as She also loved coffee, never failing to
eyeliner and dark shaded lipstick honors program, she planned to pursue sophomores to bring together lovers of show up to school with a canteen full of it
reflected her boldness and individuality, a career in medical sciences. After her music and develop their passion. Since every morning. Even though her friends
as she was never afraid to stand out. great-aunt suffered from ALS, Carmen she was 5 years old, Carmen developed a always joked about it, Carmen was a
She was born on Feb. 21, 2001 in made it her goal to one day find a cure gift for playing piano, violin and guitar.proud Starbucks gold member.
Pembroke Pines, Florida to Philip and to the disease. Her passion for science She used music as a means for escape Her favorite animal was the horse.
April Schentrup. She is survived by her was exhibited in her enrollment in from her hefty workload. On the day that would have been her
older brother Robert and younger sister challenging courses such as AP Biology “I remember telling her she was 17th birthday, her friends gathered at
Evelyn. In the seventh grade, she moved and AP Physics C, as well as her role on screwed when she didn’t know her a local horse ranch to release balloons
to Parkland, Florida where she attended the MSD science bowl team. sheet music like four days before her adorned with messages of love in honor
Westglades Middle School. “She was one of the reasons I came of Carmen.
competition, but she still got a Superior,”
“She was smart, funny, quirky, to practice. After all, [I] had to listen to Huang said. “Everyone wrote on a coffee mug with
sarcastic and witty. I like her confidence the captain; [she was] elected through She especially loved country music heartfelt messages ‘to our favorite coffee
in the fact that she embraced being weird an extremely competitive game of rock and always wanted to go to concerts. addict’ that we plan to give to her family,”
and didn’t change for anyone,” Carmen’s paper scissors,” Huang said. According to her friend, senior Amanda senior Carmen Lo said.

“
brother and Marjory Stoneman Douglas One of her favorite things to do was
High School alumnus Robert Schentrup
said. She was smart, funny, quirky, sarcastic and witty. going to the movies with her friends. Her
snack of choice was always Sour Patch
In a public statement, Carmen’s
parents characterized her as a mature, I like her confidence in the fact that she embraced Kids or some kind of gummy, according
to Hall.

”
being weird and didn’t change for anyone.
beautiful young lady who inspired others “One thing we always did together
and left those around her with endless was try to predict the whole plot [of the
loving memories of her. movie] from like the first five minutes,”
“While many people considered Carmen also developed a love for Hall, they spent the early weeks of Huang said. “I lost count of the amount
Carmen mature beyond her years (she literature and art in addition to her February trying to convince Carmen’s of times we predicted exactly what cliche
recently joked how people had been passion for science and mathematics. father to buy her tickets to see Dierks thing the protagonist would say, or the
asking her how she liked college since She was fascinated by art museums and Bentley in concert. times we called literally every twist.
she was a freshman), she was still a kid took up drawing as a hobby. Anyone who Her love for music dates back to her Honestly, I don’t remember if she ever
at heart,” her parents said. “She was silly, sat near her in class would recognize middle school days. In eighth grade at predicted wrong.”
playful and huggable. As parents, we her notebooks, which were adorned Westglades Middle School, she performed To Carmen, the world was an exciting
loved that she never outgrew our hugs with sketches of patterns and flowers in as Grimsby in the school’s production of place filled with potential adventures.
and would hug us before she went to bed.” addition to her meticulous notes. “The Little Mermaid.” While she never She always wanted to experience
Carmen, who embraced her cynical She was quite the bookworm, routinely intended to pursue theatre in high life to its fullest, being very involved
and sarcastic side, would probably laugh reading over 100 books a year according school, she carried her love for singing in the community and accepting all
at her being referred to as an “angel,” to her parents. She was especially and music with her. In high school, she opportunities that came her way. She
according to her friends. interested in science fiction, fantasy and began singing on the choir at St. Mary became fascinated by Germany and was
“As a person, she tried to act mean comedy books, as well as the work of Magdalene Episcopal Church, embracing determined to travel to the country
a lot, and she often freely admitted to William Shakespeare. her religious ties. after hearing lots of stories about it from
doing it. However, it was pretty easy to “Her depth of thought noticeably There, she was part of the youth group her father’s friend. She spent a year
see that it wasn’t the real her, as much inspired her classmates with fresh in which she took an active leadership teaching herself German and planned a
as she wanted to call herself a narcissist perspectives, launching us all into deeper, role. Rev. Canon Mark Sims lightheartedly family trip to Germany in the summer of
or evil or whatever,” senior Zach Huang more elaborate discussions,” AP Literature described how when Carmen came up 2017, translating and guiding her family
said. “Although I used to play along with and Composition teacher Michelle Daon with an idea, she would barge into his throughout.
it, I always knew she was one of the nicest said. “Carmen took advantage of my open- office and tell him how he could get on Carmen’s perspective on life was
people I knew, even though we both door policy and would come before school board. etched into the walls of her bedroom,
called each other some pretty bad things and during lunch and personalization While Carmen’s maturity, intelligence which featured quotes such as “laugh
all the time.” to meet with me to further discuss her and leadership reflected the personality every day. Live every moment. Love
Her friends describe her as witty and analysis of literature. For me, it was a dull of a professor rather than a high beyond words” and “when it rains, look
caring with unparalleled intelligence even day when Carmen did not show up for a school student, she still found joy in for rainbows. When it’s dark, look for
though she was the youngest student in quick discussion.” the activities typical of teenage girls. stars.” She had an optimistic outlook
the senior class, having completed both As a very involved student in the She loved to shop, especially for shoes, on life and looked forward to a bright
first and second grade within one school extracurricular organizations at MSD, owning a wide array of high heels and future ahead of her. Carmen Schentrup, a
year. As a National Merit finalist and she also played a critical role in the Mu boots. According to Hall, Carmen used dreamer, a daughter, a sister and a friend,
straight-A student, Carmen was greatly Alpha Theta calculus team, HOSA and shopping to cheer her up, claiming that will forever be in the hearts of those who
admired by her classmates and teachers several honor societies. In early February, shoes “solved all of life’s issues.” knew her and those she impacted. Story
alike. she recently received a first place award “I remember standing outside of by Lauren Newman; photos courtesy of April
“What teacher wouldn’t have loved to from HOSA for memorizing the most gov[ernment class] not long before Schentrup

In Memoriam • Carmen Schentrup 29

 Design by Daniel Williams

eter Wang
H
e was selfless, curious, loving Every year, Ammirata celebrated the clashed in intense PC gaming sessions. them to grow up happy, so we try to
and brave. He was an active Lunar New Year with Peter and his family. “He was the only person on my level provide the best for them,” Hui Wang
member of the JROTC program They would go to the Wang’s restaurant when it came to games. He wasn’t a said.
at Marjory Stoneman Douglas and engage in light-hearted banter, professional, but it wasn’t like he didn’t As a child, Peter strived to become a
High School. He loved to play basketball while stuffing their faces with sushi and know what he was doing. I stopped pilot and attend West Point. The long-
just as much as he loved to watch the dumplings. Peter would invite Ammirata collecting cards or playing those games standing values of courage and bravery
Houston Rockets. He enjoyed jamming to to his Fujianese Association events for because Peter played with me and there’s that characterized his personality are said
hip-hop and had hopes of attending the other new year festivities. They both not really a point to it now,” Chen said. to parallel those taught at the university.
U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Most especially enjoyed receiving lai see, red Chen spoke lovingly of Peter, Peter stood by these values up until his
importantly, Peter Wang was adored by envelopes containing “lucky money.” reflecting on some of their perhaps not solast moments when he held the door open
many and cared for by all. “Feb. 16 was Chinese New Year. If he school-appropriate memories. They grew to help his classmates escape to safety.
“He was rather quiet, but he was would’ve been able to make it one more up causing playful mischief and cracking “We teach in JROTC the values of
always happy and always smiled. Pete day, it would’ve been the third year in a inside jokes. honor, duty, respect, loyalty, selfless
was well-liked and an entertaining joy to row celebrating it together. If he would’ve “Peter was never sad, and he always service and courage, but I haven’t gotten
have in my room,” JROTC Sergeant John V. been able to make it one more day, we made jokes. That was the essence of to those lessons yet. So he learned those
Navarra said. would’ve seen the new ‘Dragon Ball Peter,” Chen said. “He never got down things from home. He was a good person
Peter was born on Nov. 9, 2002 in Super’ film and watch the heck out of it about anything. He just wanted to make and a good cadet. We never know what
Brooklyn, New York to his father, Kong together,” Ammirata said. others laugh.” we are going to do in a situation like that,
Wang, and mother, Hui Wang. He was the Apart from his embracement of his When Peter was not at school, he but Peter made us all proud,” Sergeant
oldest of his two brothers, Jason and Alex Chinese heritage, Peter grew up with enjoyed hanging out with friends, playing Navarra said.
Wang. Though he was born in the United an enduring affinity toward sports. In basketball and watching anime. His dreams and story of heroism
States, he lived in his parents’ native fourth grade, he picked up basketball and “He would watch so many animes. At inspired veterans and West Point
country, China, for two years as a baby. later became involved in taekwondo and one point, I remember he said ‘there are graduates across the nation. As a result,
Back in Florida, Peter attended swimming at the Coral Springs Aquatic no animes for me to watch anymore,’” Peter was posthumously admitted to the
Westchester Elementary in Coral Springs Center. Peter advanced all the way to red Peter’s little brother, Jason Wang, 11, said.
West Point class of 2025. It was a rare

“
where he met his eventual best friend, honor from the university, which brought

He was kind, he was generous, he was smart...

freshman Gabriel Ammirata. Together, both comfort and tears to his friends and
they grew closer as they journeyed family. West Point also granted him a

I believed in him, I trusted him. I [could] depend

through Sawgrass Springs Middle School Medal of Heroism, the highest honor for a
and watched their favorite anime shows, JROTC member.
“Naruto” and “Dragon Ball Z.” They both “It was clear from his classmates and

”
went on to continue their academic
careers at MSD, but while Ammirata
on him. the other members in JROTC with him
that this was the type of person he was.
became involved in band, Peter joined belt, but upon entering high school, he He also spent much of his time with They weren’t surprised he would take this
JROTC. was met with an all-too-familiar dilemma: family, frequently taking care of his kind of action to save people,” West Point
“We’ve known each other for such a the decision between academics and younger brothers. The boys grew close alumnus Chad Maxey said.
long time, and it’s pretty cool how we athletics. both as family and as best friends. They In a time of apparent hopelessness,
ended up at the same high school. It Although Peter enjoyed delivering would play video games late into the Peter’s heroism has touched and moved
was fun growing alongside him and his powerful roundhouse kicks and jabs, he evening and watch films together in the the lives of many. While the community
cousins,” Ammirata said. “We’d eat at valued his school work over participating home theater. They often bonded over suffered from the darkest of humanity, his
his parent’s restaurant and have hot pot in sports. Though his taekwondo career campaign mode on Halo or iPad games. bravery kindled the hearts of the nation
all the time. I loved anything Asian he ended in his final year of middle school, When Jason and Alex were bored, Peter to action.
fed me. Thinking about it all is like pure his involvement in JROTC was just getting was there to keep them company. In “Let this selfless young man be held
nostalgia.” started. addition to being their brother and best up as a shining symbol of the best of
Aside from indulging in Asian cuisine In JROTC, Peter’s talent and intellect friend, Peter served as their mentor and humanity and a beacon of hope for a
together, they often spent late nights carried him quickly up the ranks. Senior role model. future that will soon reside in the hands
gaming and talking to each other over Angelyse Perez, Peter’s Bravo unit “He was kind, he was generous, he was of his generation,” writer Patrice Apodaca
Skype. Their favorite games included commander, reported that he was an smart. Whenever I don’t get something said in a LA Times article.
NBA 2K, Naruto Shippuden and League of excellent marksman and was about to be [in school], I can ask him. Then he says Peter will forever be remembered for
Legends. Though he never fully got into promoted to the “A” team. ‘okay let me help you.’ He teaches me and his humor, heart, courage and valor. To
the craze, Ammirata says that if Peter was “Peter was definitely passionate if I don’t get it, he teaches me again until the witty friend who was always quick
here right now, he’d probably be playing about being a part of the marksman I do. I believed in him. I trusted him. I to crack jokes and make everyone laugh,
Fortnite. team. I was surprised to hear how good [could] depend on him,” Jason Wang said. to the loving brother who was always
“He was open to any kind of he was,” Peter’s cousin Aaron Chen said. Peter’s mom remembers how Peter there to look out for his family, to the
conversation. When we play, I can talk “I suppose it was all the video games he always listened to her. Whenever his obedient son who revealed to his parents
about whatever with him, from the latest played.” parents asked anything of him, he the feeling of true love, to the noble hero
‘Flash’ episode to the type of shoes I Though they were cousins, Chen said followed. Also, whenever Peter asked who put others before himself, to Peter:
should get. He was really kind-hearted. If that he and Peter grew up together like anything of his parents, they did it for MSD misses you, loves you and will always
you’re feeling down, he was the type of brothers; they saw each other and spent him. stand beside you. Story by Richard Doan;
guy that would cheer you up,” Ammirata time together everyday. As children, they “We work hard for the kids. photos courtesy of Hui Wang, Aaron Chen,
said. fought furious Pokémon card battles and Everything we do is for them. We want Gabriel Ammirata and Peter Mahmood

30 In Memoriam • Peter Wang

Design by Insert Name
 Design by Emma Dowd

SCOTT BeiGEL
S
cott Beigel passed on from this mentors I’ve ever had, and I’m so grateful “He did not know much about distance that he couldn’t believe I had let the whole
world as a hero, but to anyone for how he impacted myself and everyone running, but he did know how to motivate world in on his life,” Linda Schulman said.
who knew the Long Island native, around him. I will never forget you Scott. us and make us feel determined to win. As it was only his first year at MSD, he
this came as no surprise, as he was Rest easy,” camper Cody James Johnson Especially with a sport like cross-country, was extremely nervous about whether
known as a man who had lived his life by said in a Facebook post. it is hard to prepare someone for a race or not his students would like him, and
the values of heroism and selflessness. A After spending his early years in when it is in our heads, but Coach Beigel how he would do as a teacher. His mother
man who loved teaching his kids as much New York, Beigel continued his trend of knew exactly what to say and when to say recalled one time while she was on the
as he loved running with them, 35-year- traversing the country and moved down it.” phone with her son as he was driving
old Beigel was born on Oct. 22, 1982. south to the Sunshine State in order to The strongest teams are those in which home and that he was worried because
Despite having only joined the Marjory attend the University of Miami. While at each member is willing to go the extra some students were complaining about
Stoneman Douglas High School staff as a school, he studied education, working mile for one another, and with the cross- his class. Sometimes teachers are branded
geography teacher this year, he has left a towards becoming a teacher so he could country team it was Beigel’s charisma as not caring about what their students
lasting legacy on his students and his cross continue to work to improve the lives of that allowed the team to rally around one think about them, but Biegel was definitely
country team, not only for his quick-wit other people around him and prepare the another and also push to run further and not one of them. He wanted to be friends
and sarcasm, but also for his huge heart. next generation for the future. faster. with his students and pass onto them
Beigel was born in Beauregard It was during his time at Camp Starlight “His humor and charismatic nature knowledge about life, not just knowledge
Memorial Hospital in DeRidder, Louisiana. that he met his friend and MSD AP U.S. made each person feel special and of academics.

“
Although he was born in the Pelican State, Throughout his life, Beigel was a
he didn’t spend long there. As the child of
a military family, he quickly found himself I don’t want Scott’s memory to be that horrific teacher, a cross-country coach, a counselor,
a grandson, a son, a brother, an uncle, a

moment on that afternoon. Scott’s heroism was not

hurried off to New York, and it was there nephew and a cousin. He meant so much to
he spent his early years. The reserved, so many people, a fact he seemed unaware

”
that instant; Scott’s heroism was his entire life.
thoughtful individual came into the world of as he went through his daily life.
weighing 7 lbs, completely unaware of the A very important part of Beigel’s life
immeasurable impact he would have on was his girlfriend, Gwen Gossler. They met
thousands of people throughout his life. Government teacher Jeff Foster. Foster important,” Fletcher said, “Beigel saw life at camp and had been dating for the past
As a child, at 7 years old, Beigel recalls when he got Beigel an interview for in such a unique way, a way that no one seven years. Beigel’s final text message to
attended a sleepaway camp known the open teaching position here at MSD. else can. He passed on his wisdom and Gossler read, “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
as Camp Starlight, and his positive “When I heard that we had an open knowledge of life to his students every While sitting with his girlfriend at
experiences there led him to find a spot at the school, I knew he was the day in his discussions and conversations. home watching the news about a mass
passion for teaching. His mother, Linda perfect guy for it, especially since I’d seen Everyone who knew Scott Beigel would say shooting one day, Beigel told Gossler that
Schulman, realized early on that his camp the way he worked with kids at the camp,” that he brought the light to anywhere he if anything were to happen to him, he
experiences would shape the person he Foster said. “I was waiting by the phone went.” wanted her to tell the world who he really
was going to become and the career he was while he was doing his interview, and I got Fletcher was not the only member of was, and Gossler stuck to her word.
going to pursue. a call from his interviewer afterwards who the cross-country team who recognized “Now I can tell the truth,” Gossler
Beigel continued going back to camp said they knew they wanted him a minute and appreciated Beigel’s contribution to said at his funeral. “You are an amazingly
summer after summer. He loved not only into it.” the cross-country team. special person. You are my first love and
the adventures and the games, but also the After he joined the MSD family, he “He was unbelievably funny, but it my soulmate.”
lessons he learned there and the lessons he almost immediately became involved in was a really dry sense of humor. He knew Beigel’s father, Michael Schulman, also
was able to teach others. the cross-country program, even before little to nothing about running, but to spoke at his son’s funeral, asking that his
“There came a time that we told him he’d officially started teaching at the be honest it made the meets all the more son be remembered not for his heroic
that if he wanted to keep going back school. When he heard that the cross- entertaining because he was able to have actions in his final moments, but for the
to camp, he would have to go into the country team would be shut down if they a unique perspective on the sport as a heroic actions taken throughout his life
teaching profession,” Linda Schulman said. failed to find a coach, he stepped up to the whole,” senior Nick Boyer said. “On our that defined who he was as a person.
He was totally involved in the Camp challenge, despite noticeably having zero first practice the advice he gave us was “I don’t want Scott’s memory to be
Starlight experience. The camp, based previous experience in the sport he had ‘why don’t you guys run a little faster?’ the horrific moment on that afternoon.
in Starlight, Pennsylvania, is a place just signed up to coach. He might not have known much about Scott’s heroism was not that instant;
where campers and counselors spend the Junior Alyssa Fletcher, who has been running, but when we needed someone to Scott’s heroism was his entire life,” Michael
summers on a 385-acre region surrounded involved in the track program since her step up and save the team, he was always Schulman said.
by mountains and lakes. The camp has freshman year, remembered the energy he right there.” Scott Beigel’s heroism was his entire
been active for over 70 years and prides brought to the team and the enthusiasm After his passing, a flood of support life, and he lived it until his final moments.
itself on its friendly campers, caring camp with which he pushed them to do better. from around the country and around His sarcasm and dry humor tried and failed
staff, quality camp program and beautiful “It was his first year at Stoneman the world came pouring in, ironic in his to hide a massive heart and a love for life,
facilities. Douglas and before he even began mothers eyes, as he had always been a and he left this world a man unaware of
“Scott Beigel not only was a hero teaching, he accepted the position as head reserved man who had tried to avoid the the legacy he would leave behind and the
February 14, but he was a hero every coach for the cross-country team, saving spotlight. number of lives he would touch. Story
summer at Camp Starlight to countless the team and allowing us to run, compete “He was extremely humble. If he could by Lewis Mizen; photos courtesy of Linda
individuals. He was one of the greatest and follow our passion,” Fletcher said. see what is going on he would say to me Schulman

32 In Memoriam • Scott Beigel

 Design by Insert Name

34 In Memoriam • Aaron Feis

 Design by Emma Dowd

Aaron Feis
B
efore Feb. 14, Aaron Feis was football team. training; he did emotional training.” students were, and not just as athletes,
known to many students at Bonner jokingly referred to how he As a security guard, Feis aspired to but as people. MSD was not just his
Marjory Stoneman Douglas remembered Feis when he was a player on become a security specialist, according workplace, but his home, and the athletes
High School simply by his last the football team. to Bonner. Security specialists oversee were not just his team, but his kids.
name, Feis. Today, the security guard and “He was a funny, long red-haired security in the schools and attempt “to “He never looked for another job.
assistant coach is regarded by all as a aggressive kid,” Bonner said. make the individual school a safe and He loved Douglas; he gave his life for
hero. His dedication to the school and its secure work environment for students and Douglas,” Bonner said.
Born on May 17, 1980 in New York, Feis football team only grew stronger from the employees and to prevent/reduce loss of Feis looked at the kids on the football
lived 37 years. He is survived by his wife, time he was a student to when he became student/employee and school property team as the next generation of great
Melissa Feis, 8-year-old daughter Arielle a coach. The football program was only by theft and vandalism,” according to adults and worked tirelessly to make sure
Feis, sister Johanna Feis, brothers Michael enriched when Feis decided to come back Broward County Public Schools official job they knew that they always had not just a
Feis and Raymond Feis Jr. and his parents and help turn the football team around. description. football coach, but also a friend in Feis.
Raymond Feis Sr. and Stephanie Feis. “He loved football, whether he was “He was passionate about the kids. “He really paid attention to each
Family was always the most important playing football or coaching football,” He cared for all of us, no matter who you individual person,” Pringle said. “He tried
aspect of Feis’s life. His affection and friend and security guard Brian Staubly were,” varsity football player Gage Gaynor to make connections with each person. He
constant consideration for his family said. “He was passionate about the said. “He cared for the football team, and really cared about character as opposed to
contributed to his personality and known students, he loved the students, and he he cared for the students at MSD, even if just football skills.”
title as a “family man.” loved being here at Douglas.” he knew you or didn’t know you.” In order to preserve his extraordinary
“His daughter was his life,” football The coach had an undying passion Even students who didn’t know Feis character, NFL Los Angeles Chargers
coach and security guard Elliot Bonner for football. In 2002, just three years personally saw him around school or in player Corey Liuget created a scholarship
said. “He was a dad. He would pick her up following his graduation, he became the the senior lot, where he greeted students to be granted to a graduating member

“
if she didn’t feel well, or even if she looked of the MSD football team who displays
like she didn’t feel well. That’s the kind of
dad he was.” Feis was about character... He wasn’t a similar values and traits to Feis.
“Feis was about character... He wasn’t
Feis developed a relationship with each
and every person who spent time with football coach, he was a life coach... He never a football coach, he was a life coach,”
Bonner said.

looked for another job. He loved Douglas. He

him. Whether it be his colleagues, the Not only did Feis care about his
players he coached or even students he football players, but he made sure to

gave his life for Douglas.

”
was responsible for disciplining, he was support everyone around him in any way
known and admired for his selflessness, he could.
his sense of humor and his consideration “He had a lawn service during the
for the needs and well-being of others. head coach for the MSD junior varsity every morning as they pulled into their weekend, so I asked him for help with my
“I talked to Feis pretty much every day football team. He continued coaching parking spots. lawn. I said, “if you’re not doing anything
for 20 years,” Bonner said. “I talked to him in this position for eight years and then “He was always there,” senior Andy Sunday, come over and do my lawn. I’ll
more than I talked to my wife.” became the assistant coach for both the Pedroza said. “I didn’t really speak to him, pay you.’ He came over, did my lawn and
Although Feis valued all of his varsity and junior varsity teams. His love he was just there doing his job.” didn’t even take any money for it. He said,
relationships with the athletes he for football persisted throughout his life, Aside from selflessness, one of the ‘hey, I’m doing it for a friend,’” Staubly
coached, there is one situation in and he fostered this love within the MSD first traits that comes to mind when Feis’s said. “That was the type of guy he was...
particular that is a testament to the true football players. name is heard is sarcastic. Anyone who he would always put you first.”
character of Aaron Feis. A former athlete Feis ensured that the people around had the pleasure of knowing Feis can Feis’s devotion to others continued
of Feis’s, who chose to remain anonymous, him reached their full potential and attest to his unparalleled sense of humor. throughout his life, and that is the way
had a difficult upbringing and home did the same for his football teams. He Bonner describes the greatest aspect of he will be remembered. In honor of Feis,
life, but there was one constant support continually encouraged the team to strive his personality as his “hidden humor.” He artist Pia Guerra from Canada created
system and friend he had, Coach Feis. for improvement not only on the football loved to playfully banter with everyone a cartoon entitled “Hero’s Welcome,”
“Feis didn’t have much, but he always field, but also in the game of life. around him, including the football players illustrating his entrance to heaven with
made sure this kid was fed and out of a “He cared more about making us he coached. children highlighting his valiance that he
destructive environment,” Feis’s former better players and better people than he “He made really bad jokes; he would demonstrated in his life.
colleague Justin Schuster said. “Coach Feis did about winning,” varsity football player always try to make fun of you, but he The cartoon quickly became viral
always stood by his side.” Ajay Sasser said. would always smile after. He would make due to its emotional impact and virtuous
Feis was not only an Eagle in character Feis’s chivalrous nature carried it better by smiling,” varsity football characterization of Feis. Guerra’s
with his courage and altruism, but also throughout every aspect of his life. He player Will Pringle said. “He was just a depiction of Feis showed the world how he
in his alma mater, having graduated from saw the good in everyone, even those really funny guy. He always had a smile on lived his life: to help others.
MSD in 1999. He moved to Parkland at 10 who tended to cause trouble with his face.” From the time he was 16 to the time he
years old and played on MSD’s football administration. In his security guard Despite his constant wisecracking, was 37, Coach Feis was an Eagle. Although
team. In his time as a student, he played position, he did discipline students, but Feis cared deeply about those who were he is not physically here, Feis’s legacy
as an offensive and defensive lineman he also made an effort to ensure that they close to him. He developed unique and as an Eagle will live on through his team
on the MSD football team, and he was would stay out of trouble in the future. personal connections with each of the and through the students of MSD. Story by
coached by Bonner. Later Feis would “He was very efficient, he knew the football players that he coached because Carly Novell; photos courtesy of Willis May and
coach alongside him for the junior varsity rules,” Bonner said. “He did a lot of it was important for him to know who the Sean Simpson

In Memoriam • Aaron Feis 35

 Design by Ryan LoFurno

CHRIS HIXON
A
hero is defined as a person Douglas High School in 2014 to be the his interactions with them and their
admired for achievements and head athletic director. In this role, memories. His encouragement and
noble qualities. Christopher he organized sports schedules and motivating words drove junior Shane
Brent Hixon proved to be just coordinated logistics for the multitude of Hoffman to join the wrestling team as a
that on Feb. 14, 2018, when his heroism sports events that take place at MSD. freshman, exemplifying the power behind
and bravery in the face of danger saved “You know, I’ve know Mr. Hixon for his words and the passion that he felt for
the lives of the students and faculty he about 20 years; Chris and I go way back. the sport.
considered family. Chris Hixon is survived He was an athletic director at Blanche “What Mr. Hixon said to be me about
by his wife, Debbi Hixon, and his children, Ely back when I was an athletic director fighting to take a stand is why I decided
Jennifer, Jessica, Thomas and Corey at another school, so I’ve known him for to do wrestling freshman year,” Hoffman
Hixon. a long time,” Assistant Principal Jeffrey said. “He told me to never give up and
Hixon was born on Feb. 25, 1968 and Morford said. “Then, when I became an use every breath in my body as fire and
was 49 years old. He grew up in Easton, administrator, I brought him to my school energy to help my team win.”
Pennsylvania, along with his brother, at South Broward to become an athletic Hixon’s drive didn’t stop at just that,
Richard Hixon, and sister, Natalie Hixon. director there, and of course when I however. During matches, he could always
He attended Easton High School until left South Broward to come [to MSD], I be found on the side of the mat boosting
his sophomore year and graduated brought him with me here to become the morale of his athletes in order to
from Pleasant Valley High School in our athletic director, so I have a lot of ensure that they did their very best.
Broadheadsville, Pennsylvania. confidence in him. He’s one of the guys “Hixon was more than just a coach
In 1986, at the age of 18, Hixon joined who would give the shirt off his back for to us, he’s family. He was emotional, but
the Navy, eventually moving into the anybody.” he always cared about us and tried to
Naval Reserves. Over the course of his He was admired by all for his kindness, support us as best as he could despite his
experience in the military, he served in dedication and hard work as an athletic busy schedule as athletic director and
the Persian Gulf War during Operation director and as a security specialist — a security,” junior Steven Erched said. “I’ll

“
Desert Storm and always remember Hixon

Hixon was more than just a coach to us, he’s

Operation Desert in [the] corner of all my
Shield. matches yelling at me
In 2007, he without freaking out
was deployed to
Iraq as a U.S. Navy
family. He was emotional, but he always cared because he always had
faith in me that I’d pull

about us and tried to support us.

”
Reservist. Hixon through and win.”
retired from service Hixon was accepting
in October of 2013, of everyone, allowing
at the age of 44, with a decorated and role that he picked up when the school sophomore Sarah Ochoa to compete
distinguished record. His naval accolades was in need of additional staff to patrol with the boys on the wrestling team
include the three Navy Achievement campus and monitor threats. When the and driving her to success through his
Medals, a Good Conduct Medal, a Navy school needed a fill-in volleyball coach, unbridled encouragement for her. On the
Reserve Meritorious Service Medal and a Hixon was the first to step up. When the day of Hixon’s funeral, the MSD wrestling
Navy Reserve Medal. school needed a head wrestling coach, team competed at Coral Springs High
“He was adventurous; we had some Hixon was first in line. School, determined to push through the
very exciting adventures. He was the “You know, the thing he cared about trials that they were facing to make their
kind of person who was always up for most were our athletes and our kids here, coach proud. Ochoa pulled off a surprise
trying anything, even if it was outside and he would do anything for him, and I tribute to her beloved coach, pinning a
his comfort zone,” Debbi Hixon said in think another thing we can say [is] that freshman from Monarch High School in
an interview with People Magazine. “He people don’t realize the hours he puts just 16 seconds.
was a military man who loved serving his in as an athletic director, and he never “That was for Coach Hixon,” Ochoa
country. He was active duty and served in complained about it, and even when we said in an interview with ESPN. “He
the Persian Gulf, but then switched to the couldn’t find coaches for sports, he would encouraged me, made me feel a part of
reserves after we had kids. He wanted to coach the sports for free,” Morford said. the team, made me run when I didn’t
be a part of his family.” “So, I think that kind of says a little bit want to run. All I kept thinking at the
Hixon’s family proved to be as unique about him and his character. He was a funeral was that I would never hear him
as he was, with his adopted daughters great husband, and he was a great father, say, ‘Sara, stop dancing on the mat.’ Oh
Jennifer and Jessica, his youngest son, and he was a great friend to me, and he’s God, I hope he was watching that.”
Corey, and his older son Thomas, who going to be missed. We’re just glad that In his honor, Hixon’s family has
followed in his father’s military footsteps we were able to have him here for the created the Chris Hixon Athletic
and joined the Marine Corps in 2011. four years we had him.” Scholarship Fund in order to carry on his
Hixon’s career as an educator began at Hixon was an amazing role model to legacy of helping student athletes. The
Blanche Ely High School, where he served many of his students and athletes, and fund will be awarded to one outstanding
as the athletic director and security he influenced many young students at student at the three schools Hixon
monitor. He then transitioned to South MSD and at South Broward as the head worked at: Blanche Ely, South Broward
Broward High School, also serving as wrestling coach. He led the team to many and MSD. Even now, Hixon will continue
an athletic director. While working at victories and helped the students to to positively influence the lives of young
Blanche Ely, Hixon met his friend and develop skills and confidence on the mat. aspiring athletes.
colleague Allen Held, who is currently “At South Broward one year, we were As an athletic director, coach and
the wrestling coach at Cypress Bay High getting ready for the state tournament, faculty member, Hixon was and will
School. and Chris was telling our wrestlers he was always be an irreplaceable part of MSD.
“[I] met him in the early 1990s when going to come in the room and show them The impact he had on so many students
he was the wrestling coach at Ely and I how it was done,” Held said. “He came in will always be an unforgettable part of
was at Hallandale. As my athletic director to practice with his wrestling gear on and their lives. He leaves behind his family
at South Broward, Chris would always find wrestled with our two state champions. and his children, who will forever love
a way to get whatever we needed done,” They got the best of him, but he wouldn’t and cherish his dedication to their well-
Held said. “He would always step up when stop wrestling and kept selling them being and success. The MSD family will
called upon for anything. As a friend he out. It is a memory that the wrestling always hold the contributions that Hixon
was always genuine; he was always willing teams brings up and was thankful for his made to this school dear to their hearts,
to help and make sure that everyone felt support.” and he will live on forever as a hero. Story
comfortable in whatever we were doing.” Hixon’s support for his athletes by Nikhita Nookala and Mady Kravitz; photos
Hixon came to Marjory Stoneman and the students of MSD is evident in courtesy of Debbi Hixon

36 In Memoriam • Chris Hixon

 Design by Ryan LoFurno

In Memoriam • Chris Hixon 37

 Design by Lauren Newman; Photo by Kyra Parrow

Life is like a
roller coaster Sonnet to mom
Life is like a roller coaster What do you give someone who has it all?
It has some ups and downs You don’t drink wine
Sometimes you can take it slow or very fast I can’t afford taking you out to dine
It maybe hard to breath at times You rarely enjoy shopping at the mall
But you have to push yourself and keep going And your shoe collection is by no means small.
Your bar is your safety When it comes to makeup, well, you just borrow mine
It’s like your family and friends And dad already bought the entire Amazon Echo line
You hold on tight and you don’t let go The question of what to get you is driving me up the wall.
But sometimes you might throw your hands up
Because your friends and family will always be with you But then I realized it is not the things
Just like that bar keeping you safe at all times The clothes, shoes, or food that you love
It maybe too much for you at times: Although chocolate certainly helps too
the twists, It’s doing something small that really sings
the turns, How my love for you will last when you’re up above
the upside downs, And my life is better being with you.
But you get back up Carmen Schentrup, 12
You keep chugging along
Eventually it comes to a stop *This sonnet was presented by Carmen to her third
You won’t know when or how period AP Literature class on Feb. 14.
But you will know that’ll be time to get off
And start anew.
Life is like a roller coaster.
Alexander Schachter, 9

Victoria
I expect most things in my life. I expect the highs,
the lows and all the moments in between. I didn’t
expect you. I didn’t even know someone so perfect
could exist. I never knew curls as smooth and
full of love as yours would ever twirl between
my fingers. I never thought that I’d hold a hand
that fit into my hand like a puzzle piece the way
yours does. I never planned to be alive today. As a
matter of fact, I planned to not be alive today. But,
now I plan to live forever, as long as it’s with you.
Joaquin Oliver, 12

38 In Memoriam • Poetry
Douglas strong Shine
You thought you would hurt us. You, you threw my city away
You thought you could break us apart. You tore down the walls and opened up all the gates
You thought you would take us away from our home. You, you ruined this town
But Douglas is Strong You burned all the bridges, and you slowly let us drown
But Douglas has strength.
But Douglas has courage. But, you’re not gonna knock us down
But Douglas has compassion. We’ll get back up again
And so the community fights. You may have hurt us, but I promise we’ll be stronger and
The community will heal. We’re not gonna let you win
And the community is left closer together. We’re putting up a fight
And the community will be the change. You may have brought the dark, but together we will shine a light
Kosha Patel, 11 Woah, woah, we will be something special
Woah, woah, we’re gonna shine

We’re, we’re gonna stand tall

Gonna raise up our voices so we’ll never ever fall
We’re done, with all your little games
We’re tired of hearing that we’re too young to ever make a change

17 Prayers
Cause, you’re not gonna knock us down
We’ll get back up again
You may have hurt us, but I promise we’ll be stronger and
With heads down we all clasped hands We’re not gonna let you in
and I don’t exactly know what a prayer is We’re putting up a fight
but I said one You may have brought the dark, but together we will shine a light
I said one to the flames that could no longer occupy a corporeal wick Woah, woah, we’re gonna shine
I never knew exactly what a prayer was until that day
until I found myself praying to We can hug a little tighter
every divine being in the universe We can love a little more
for the safety Laugh a little harder
of my home We can stand up and roar
of my school If we all come together
praying, It will be alright
begging, Stand up for one another
the sky And we’ll never give up the fight
and all the stars
for all of my love ones in that place to stay You’re not gonna knock us down
We’ll get back up again
Just weeks ago I learned what a prayer was, You may have hurt us, but I promise we’ll be stronger and
and now I say 17 everyday We’re not gonna let you win
Taryn Hibshman, 12 We’re putting up a fight
You may have brought the dark, but together we will shine a light

You’re not gonna knock us down

We’ll get back up again
You may have hurt us, but I promise we’ll be stronger and
We’re not gonna let you win
We’re putting up a fight
You may have brought the dark, but together we will shine a light
Woah, wooh, we will be something special
Woah, woah, we will shine
Sawyer Garrity, 11, and Andrea Pena, 10

In Memoriam • Poetry 39