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Student Government to host a vigil honoring Marjory Stoneman Douglas victims

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(Photo courtesy of the AP Exchange)

Student Government will host a vigil this evening in honor of the victims who died after a lone gunman walked into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and killed 17 people.
The vigil, which will take place on the Library Lawn at 9 p.m., will include speeches from MSDHS alumni, prayers, poems and will offer CAPS services on site.
“This shooting happened so close and affected so many students who attended the high school,” Student Body President Jalisa White said. “We felt it was necessary to show our love and support while honoring the lives lost.”
According to police reports, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, former MSDHS student Nikolas Cruz (19) walked into the school and fired at students and classroom windows with an AR-15 rifle.
The shooting is one of the deadliest school massacres since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, according to TIME.
FGCU Dean of Students Michele Yovanovich said about 90 students have graduated from MSDHS, and 37 currently live on campus.
The day of the shooting, Yovanovich sent an email to the former MSDHS students offering her support and invited them to visit the Dean of Students Office (DOSO) on a walk-in basis.
“Words cannot express the deep sadness associated with a horrific situation such as this,” she said. “The fact that it occurred so close to home and that you likely still know people there at the high school makes the situation even more upsetting.”
Though the shooting impacts every student differently, White said FGCU’s resources like Student Government, CAPS and DOSO are prepared to help.
“I’m sure my thoughts reflect many others,” White said. “It’s such a tragedy and I’ve been praying for peace and strength for their families. I’m still speechless that this keeps happening in our country.”
 
 
In memory of:
 
Alyssa Alhadeff (14) – Student
Scott Beigel (35) – Geography teacher
Martin Duque Anguiano (14) – Student
Nicholas Dworet (17) – Student
Aaron Feis (37) – Assistant Coach
Jaime Guttenberg (14) – Student
Chris Hixon (49) – Athletic Director
Luke Hoyer (15) – Student
Cara Loughran (14) – Student
Gina Montalto (14) – Student
Joaquin Oliver (17) – Student
Alaina Petty (14) – Student
Meadow Pollack (18) – Student
Helena Ramsay (17) – Student
Alex Schachter (14) – Student
Carmen Schentrup (16) – Student
Peter Wang (15) – Student

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