Day of remembrance, prayer marks 5 years since Parkland massacre
FORT LAUDERDALE - Tuesday marks five years since the Parkland massacre.
Across Broward County schools, it is a day of prayer, service, and remembrance for the 14 students and three staff members who were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018.
At 10:17 a.m., the entire district observed a moment of silence to honor and remember those lives.
At Monarch High School in Coconut Creek, students, staff, and volunteers are taking part in campus beautification and gardening projects.
"I just remember tons of grief. I was with my family bawling, crying, just feeling for those families feeling for the community," said senior Macy Williams.
The students reflected on the past and tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, but also look forward to the future.
They spent the morning beautifying a butterfly garden, the courtyard, and the front of the school in an effort to give back and honor those whose lives were lost.
"I want them to know, especially for the families, that you guys are strong, you guys are still remembered. We are still trying to help you in the best ways that we can. I know that it's very hard for a mother or father to bury their child," said junior Leila Noel.
At Silver Lakes Middle School in North Lauderdale, students painted a love and peace-themed mural. They also created a heart display in memory of the 17 who died.
Task Assigned Superintendent Dr. Valerie Wanza observed the moment of silence with the entire school, reading the names of those lost over the intercom.
"It's been a five-year journey. I think the one thing I want people to remember is that we will never forget. As a community, we will always remember and we will have a lasting purpose and commitment to keep our students and our staff in our community safe," said Wanza after a ceremony in the school's courtyard.
"It's slightly overwhelming. I haven't seen a lot of events myself but it's just very interesting in that this event has not only brought me closer to my community, but it makes me feel closer to my school as well," said student Gertrude Ashley, who was in second grade the day of the Parkland shooting.
At the Whiddon-Rogers Education Center in Fort Lauderdale, the school hosted a ceremony to honor lives lost and unveiled a new mural created by students.
Angel wings were hung from a tree with the names of the Parkland victims. Students read the names during the ceremony as they hung the wings on the tree in the center of the school's campus.
They also unveiled a student-designed mural that read "We will soar on wings like Eagles " surrounded by the wings of an eagle. The eagle is the mascot of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High.
At Plantation Middle School, students and school staff served breakfast to first responders and city officials.
Students at Deerfield Park Elementary School in Deerfield Beach made individual hearts that include kind words, which were placed inside a large specially designed heart created by students. The completed hearts will be shared with a local senior citizen community. Students will also gathered outdoors on the school's campus to form a giant heart.
At Glades Middle School in Miramar, students made cards for current military servicemen and women and for nursing home residents.
Hollywood Hills High School students are making bracelets with positive messages, motivational posters, and a heart banner with positive messages.
Tuesday will be an early release day across the county.
The Eagles' Haven Wellness Center will honor the victims with a candle lighting ceremony and the release of 17 doves at 12:30 p.m. The center was opened in 2019 to restore hope following the school shooting.
At 5:30 p.m., there will be a memorial service at Pine Trails Park in Parkland.