Classroom of Compassion
A Parkland Tribute
Grover Cleveland High School
Reseda, CA
On February 14, 2018, Valentines Day, 17 students and staff were killed in a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
A year later, 65 students from Grover Cleveland Charter High School and their principals came together to create and share an immersive art installation in celebration of the stories and lives lost that day: in celebration of Love.
Over a month-long workshop, students and staff designed individual school desks inspired by the life and love of each person lost in the tragedy. While creating their tributes, each designer discussed the personal effects of gun violence on their every day existence in a safe and welcoming space and participated in compassionate meditations and exercises. At the end of the workshop, the students and staff wrote about their chosen person, providing a beautiful biography to accompany the art. Each desk was a practice in honoring life: each desk was a lesson in Love.
Classroom of Compassion
A Parkland Tribute
On February 14, 2019, the finished desks, and one golf cart, were displayed in the school cafeteria for a two week immersive exhibit and open to the school and community. By project’s end, the entire student body had come out to help honor the 17 fallen--to shower the space with their love. Following this exhibition, the pieces were hosted at the San Fernando Valley Arts and Cultural Center as part of the “Reseda Rocks” festival.
Alyssa Alhadeff
Rembering Alyssa Alhadeff
Alyssa Alhadeff was smart, kind, and passionate about life. She loved soccer, the beach, and doing face masks and her nails. Never afraid to speak her mind, she was an excellent math and spanish student, and captain of her soccer team (No. 8). Her favorite place in the world was the Deerfield Beach pier.
“[That] was Alyssa's second home," said her mother, Lori Alhadeff. "She would come here all the time with her friends and just walk around and play in the water.”
Alyssa was personable and spunky, easing others with her amazing sense of humor.
"[Alyssa] would always make us laugh," said Laurie Thomas, Alyssa soccer’s soccer coach. "Everything was funny to her. She brought our team together and she always brought humor if her teammates were down, and she could have a really good conversation and offer people advice."
Artist: Auri Brown
Alyssa Alhadeff was smart, kind, and passionate about life. She loved soccer, the beach, and doing face masks and her nails. Never afraid to speak her mind, she was an excellent math and spanish student, and captain of her soccer team (No. 8). Her favorite place in the world was the Deerfield Beach pier.
“[That] was Alyssa's second home," said her mother, Lori Alhadeff. "She would come here all the time with her friends and just walk around and play in the water.”
Alyssa was personable and spunky, easing others with her amazing sense of humor.
"[Alyssa] would always make us laugh," said Laurie Thomas, Alyssa soccer’s soccer coach. "Everything was funny to her. She brought our team together and she always brought humor if her teammates were down, and she could have a really good conversation and offer people advice."
Artist: Auri Brown
Scott Beigel
Remembering Scott Beigel
Scott Beigel was an extraordinary man. Not only was he a geography teacher and cross-country coach at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, outside of school, he worked as a counselor at Starlight Summer Camp in Pennsylvania.
“He wanted to be a teacher because of his positive experiences at the summer camp,” said his mother, Linda Schulman. “He loved going to camp, and he loved working with the kids. He is 35 and he still goes there.”
He was a loving, welcoming son and brother, who impacted the lives of everyone around him. “He was a hero before he saved these lives,” said his sister Melissa Zech.
Scott opened his classroom door, like he’d always opened his heart, to shelter students, and lost his life in the process. He ushered them into his classroom and saved them with his life, and he will always be remembered for his kindness and his sacrifice.
Artists: Hayde Gallardo, Lizet Catalan
Scott Beigel was an extraordinary man. Not only was he a geography teacher and cross-country coach at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, outside of school, he worked as a counselor at Starlight Summer Camp in Pennsylvania.
“He wanted to be a teacher because of his positive experiences at the summer camp,” said his mother, Linda Schulman. “He loved going to camp, and he loved working with the kids. He is 35 and he still goes there.”
He was a loving, welcoming son and brother, who impacted the lives of everyone around him. “He was a hero before he saved these lives,” said his sister Melissa Zech.
Scott opened his classroom door, like he’d always opened his heart, to shelter students, and lost his life in the process. He ushered them into his classroom and saved them with his life, and he will always be remembered for his kindness and his sacrifice.
Artists: Hayde Gallardo, Lizet Catalan
Martin Duque
Sky Walker
Statement: Martin Duque was a natural hero--a 14 year creation of kindness and hard work. Martin enjoyed watching football and soccer, going to church, and was an esteemed member of JROTC. He was born in Mexico but now walks the skies (hopefully with his favorite Star Wars characters) in the company of his fellow heroes. For these reasons, we chose to split the top of the desk in half: one side is a grassy field of flowers (representing the peace and beauty Martin brought into this world) while the other half is a galaxy, complete with two lightsabers table legs. The chair is painted as the flag of Mexico because Martin loved his home country and it loves him back. Strewn across the top are other small decorations, included to paint a picture of the ins and outs of who Martin Duque was and still is in our hearts.
Artists: Brittney Vo, Jay Lee, Myrend Cornelio, and Jason Baca
Statement: Martin Duque was a natural hero--a 14 year creation of kindness and hard work. Martin enjoyed watching football and soccer, going to church, and was an esteemed member of JROTC. He was born in Mexico but now walks the skies (hopefully with his favorite Star Wars characters) in the company of his fellow heroes. For these reasons, we chose to split the top of the desk in half: one side is a grassy field of flowers (representing the peace and beauty Martin brought into this world) while the other half is a galaxy, complete with two lightsabers table legs. The chair is painted as the flag of Mexico because Martin loved his home country and it loves him back. Strewn across the top are other small decorations, included to paint a picture of the ins and outs of who Martin Duque was and still is in our hearts.
Artists: Brittney Vo, Jay Lee, Myrend Cornelio, and Jason Baca
Nicholas Dworet
Remembering Nicholas Dworet
Nicholas Dworet was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. A gifted swimmer, he was committed to attending the University of Indianapolis with a full swimming scholarship. He was the captain of his school’s swim team and won first-place honors for the 50 and 100 yard freestyle at the 2017 Broward County Athletic Association swimming and diving championships. The Sun Sentinel named him the second-team All-County swimmer in Broward County for his time in the 100 yard freestyle. He had a purpose and a focus for himself. He planned to study business. He also hoped to one day compete in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo for Sweden, where he also had his citizenship. He spent hours practicing, hoping to make his dream come true. In order to motivate himself, he made the 2020 logo his screensaver in order to remind him of his goal.
When Nicholas wasn’t swimming, he would talk about different clothing brands like Supreme and Adidas, or text his girlfriend, Daria. Daria described him as a perfect man who loved her unconditionally--someone who spent hours crafting the perfect Valentine’s gift for his girlfriend. He wrote his goals and planned his week on a whiteboard in his room. Many described him as a charismatic and likeable young man with many friends because of his humor and personality. He had an excellent relationship with his family and his friends.
During practice, he always encouraged his swim team to do better and push themselves further. To honor his memory, his family created a 501c(3) charity called Swim4Nick. This memorial fund is dedicated to providing free instruction to middle and high school students in learning how to swim and giving swimming scholarships to students from Stoneman Douglas and other organizations.
Group names: Elliott Hyun, Julia Gavin
Nicholas Dworet was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. A gifted swimmer, he was committed to attending the University of Indianapolis with a full swimming scholarship. He was the captain of his school’s swim team and won first-place honors for the 50 and 100 yard freestyle at the 2017 Broward County Athletic Association swimming and diving championships. The Sun Sentinel named him the second-team All-County swimmer in Broward County for his time in the 100 yard freestyle. He had a purpose and a focus for himself. He planned to study business. He also hoped to one day compete in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo for Sweden, where he also had his citizenship. He spent hours practicing, hoping to make his dream come true. In order to motivate himself, he made the 2020 logo his screensaver in order to remind him of his goal.
When Nicholas wasn’t swimming, he would talk about different clothing brands like Supreme and Adidas, or text his girlfriend, Daria. Daria described him as a perfect man who loved her unconditionally--someone who spent hours crafting the perfect Valentine’s gift for his girlfriend. He wrote his goals and planned his week on a whiteboard in his room. Many described him as a charismatic and likeable young man with many friends because of his humor and personality. He had an excellent relationship with his family and his friends.
During practice, he always encouraged his swim team to do better and push themselves further. To honor his memory, his family created a 501c(3) charity called Swim4Nick. This memorial fund is dedicated to providing free instruction to middle and high school students in learning how to swim and giving swimming scholarships to students from Stoneman Douglas and other organizations.
Group names: Elliott Hyun, Julia Gavin
Aaron Feis
A Homage to a Selfless Hero
The Offensive Guard
This memorial is dedicated to Aaron Feis, one of the educators who fell victim to the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Aaron Feis, admired by students and staff for his hardwork and dedication, worked as an assistant football coach and security guard. Additionally, during his free time, he mowed lawns to help people in his community. Aaron Feis died courageously, protecting students by throwing himself in front of gunshots. Accordingly, his memorial portrays some of the ways he helped others: A football field with bleachers to represent his work as a coach, and a patch of cut grass traced by a lawn mower spelling out “FEIS” to represent his public service. The title of this piece, “The Offensive Guard,” alludes to a position in football whose job is to block the opposing team from executing their plans, just as Aaron Feis selflessly blocked gunshots from harming students. This piece is in remembrance to Coach Feis, whose timely life decisions will have an everlasting impact on his community.
Artists: Justin Ocampo, John Rhee, Caaren Muyunga
The Offensive Guard
This memorial is dedicated to Aaron Feis, one of the educators who fell victim to the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Aaron Feis, admired by students and staff for his hardwork and dedication, worked as an assistant football coach and security guard. Additionally, during his free time, he mowed lawns to help people in his community. Aaron Feis died courageously, protecting students by throwing himself in front of gunshots. Accordingly, his memorial portrays some of the ways he helped others: A football field with bleachers to represent his work as a coach, and a patch of cut grass traced by a lawn mower spelling out “FEIS” to represent his public service. The title of this piece, “The Offensive Guard,” alludes to a position in football whose job is to block the opposing team from executing their plans, just as Aaron Feis selflessly blocked gunshots from harming students. This piece is in remembrance to Coach Feis, whose timely life decisions will have an everlasting impact on his community.
Artists: Justin Ocampo, John Rhee, Caaren Muyunga
Jaime Guttenberg
Remembering Jamie Guttenberg.
Jamie Guttenberg was an independent and intelligent girl, with a big heart and a big talent for dance.
“I dance because it makes me feel possibilities are endless and limits don’t exist. Every time I leap, I feel as though I’ve touched the stars.”
In addition to her 13 hours a week practicing dance, she was a straight-A student with aspirations of being a pediatric physical therapist.
Her aunt described her as, “a pretty girl with the world’s best smile and her soul was sensitive and compassionate. She always looked out for the underdog and the bullied.” She and her brother volunteered with The Friendship Initiative, a program pairing neurotypical students with special needs kids.
“Jaime was quite an amazing human being,” remembered Jeb Niewood, president of The Friendship Initiative, “she had a maturity and compassion far beyond her years. She had an aura, a glow, that radiated from her smile and her eyes, she was beautiful in every way.”
Jamie Guttenberg was an independent and intelligent girl, with a big heart and a big talent for dance.
“I dance because it makes me feel possibilities are endless and limits don’t exist. Every time I leap, I feel as though I’ve touched the stars.”
In addition to her 13 hours a week practicing dance, she was a straight-A student with aspirations of being a pediatric physical therapist.
Her aunt described her as, “a pretty girl with the world’s best smile and her soul was sensitive and compassionate. She always looked out for the underdog and the bullied.” She and her brother volunteered with The Friendship Initiative, a program pairing neurotypical students with special needs kids.
“Jaime was quite an amazing human being,” remembered Jeb Niewood, president of The Friendship Initiative, “she had a maturity and compassion far beyond her years. She had an aura, a glow, that radiated from her smile and her eyes, she was beautiful in every way.”
Chris Hixon
Heroes Don’t Just Fly (They Ride Golf Carts)
By Cindy Duong & Stephanie Slaughter
Husband. Father. War veteran. NASCAR enthusiast. Coach. HERO.
Chris Hixon lived his life in service to others and died protecting the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14. When he heard the sounds of gunfire that Wednesday, rather than seek his own safety, the athletic director and wrestling coach did what he could to safeguard the students he loved. He drove a golf cart toward danger--the first adult to run into the freshman 1200 building.
It was there, at 2:22 PM, that he was first shot. And then shot again.
Mr. Hixon was 11 days shy of his 50th birthday, but in that abbreviated time, he lived a life worth admiring. As his wife shared, “He was running there to try to save other people. He was always that person. He always gave 110 percent.”
An administrator at the school stated, “He was all about the kids. He would do anything for them.”
One former colleague indicated, “He was trying to move kids out of the way of the shooter and that is 100 percent Chris because he was looking out for them and they adored him for genuinely caring about them.”
Mr. Hixon, a veteran of the Navy who served in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield, gave to the young adults of Parkland the same regard he gave to his country. Once named Broward County’s Athletic Director of the Year, he was the kind of person who did what he could for the students who needed him. When there were coaching vacancies, rather than deny young adults the opportunity to participate, he stepped in and coached the cross country, track and field, volleyball, and basketball programs. When these students searched for a hero, he stepped in and sacrificed himself.
Art Display
Heroes Don’t Just Fly (They Ride Golf Carts) By Cindy Duong & Stephanie Slaughter
We selected items to represent various aspects of Mr. Hixon’s life and to symbolize his last few minutes on that fateful day one year ago.
Golf cart: instead of running away from the sounds of gunfire, Mr. Hixon used the school golf cart to run towards his imminent peril, shielding students from harm.
Timepiece: 2:22 symbolizes the time Mr. Hixon entered the 1200 building and was first shot.
Cape, helmet, belt, shield: A hero in every sense, we chose to create a cape in the school colors for Mr. Hixon. Heroes often have helmets, and this time we selected a wrestling headpiece to represent the sport he played and later coached at the time of his death. We chose a wrestling championship belt as he was supposed to lead the school’s team in a District tournament the day after the shooting. We selected a shield to embody Mr. Hixon’s protective, self-sacrificing nature, while the items on the crest depict facets of his life: his naval career; the many sports he coached; the three hearts—his wife and two sons—he left behind; his love of NASCAR. Birthday decorations/gifts: Mr. Hixon was set to enjoy his 50th birthday on February 25th, so we wanted to celebrate his life and mark the milestone event he never got to experience.
Athletic trophy: The trophy has dual meanings. First, it represents the Athletic Director of the Year recognition he received one year prior to his death. More importantly, it symbolizes the Chris Hixon Athletic Scholarship Fund set up by his family. The annual award goes to student-athletes selected from the three high schools he once worked at: Blanche Ely, South Broward, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
Artists: Cindy Duong (Principal) Stephanie Slaughter (Assistant Principal)
Husband. Father. War veteran. NASCAR enthusiast. Coach. HERO.
Chris Hixon lived his life in service to others and died protecting the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14. When he heard the sounds of gunfire that Wednesday, rather than seek his own safety, the athletic director and wrestling coach did what he could to safeguard the students he loved. He drove a golf cart toward danger--the first adult to run into the freshman 1200 building.
It was there, at 2:22 PM, that he was first shot. And then shot again.
Mr. Hixon was 11 days shy of his 50th birthday, but in that abbreviated time, he lived a life worth admiring. As his wife shared, “He was running there to try to save other people. He was always that person. He always gave 110 percent.”
An administrator at the school stated, “He was all about the kids. He would do anything for them.”
One former colleague indicated, “He was trying to move kids out of the way of the shooter and that is 100 percent Chris because he was looking out for them and they adored him for genuinely caring about them.”
Mr. Hixon, a veteran of the Navy who served in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield, gave to the young adults of Parkland the same regard he gave to his country. Once named Broward County’s Athletic Director of the Year, he was the kind of person who did what he could for the students who needed him. When there were coaching vacancies, rather than deny young adults the opportunity to participate, he stepped in and coached the cross country, track and field, volleyball, and basketball programs. When these students searched for a hero, he stepped in and sacrificed himself.
Art Display
Heroes Don’t Just Fly (They Ride Golf Carts) By Cindy Duong & Stephanie Slaughter
We selected items to represent various aspects of Mr. Hixon’s life and to symbolize his last few minutes on that fateful day one year ago.
Golf cart: instead of running away from the sounds of gunfire, Mr. Hixon used the school golf cart to run towards his imminent peril, shielding students from harm.
Timepiece: 2:22 symbolizes the time Mr. Hixon entered the 1200 building and was first shot.
Cape, helmet, belt, shield: A hero in every sense, we chose to create a cape in the school colors for Mr. Hixon. Heroes often have helmets, and this time we selected a wrestling headpiece to represent the sport he played and later coached at the time of his death. We chose a wrestling championship belt as he was supposed to lead the school’s team in a District tournament the day after the shooting. We selected a shield to embody Mr. Hixon’s protective, self-sacrificing nature, while the items on the crest depict facets of his life: his naval career; the many sports he coached; the three hearts—his wife and two sons—he left behind; his love of NASCAR. Birthday decorations/gifts: Mr. Hixon was set to enjoy his 50th birthday on February 25th, so we wanted to celebrate his life and mark the milestone event he never got to experience.
Athletic trophy: The trophy has dual meanings. First, it represents the Athletic Director of the Year recognition he received one year prior to his death. More importantly, it symbolizes the Chris Hixon Athletic Scholarship Fund set up by his family. The annual award goes to student-athletes selected from the three high schools he once worked at: Blanche Ely, South Broward, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
Artists: Cindy Duong (Principal) Stephanie Slaughter (Assistant Principal)
Luke Hoyer
(In Honor of) Luke Hoyer
The intention of our piece was to honor fifteen-year-old Luke Hoyer, one of seventeen lives lost during the Parkland shooting on February 14, 2018. This work has one central theme: basketball. Luke Hoyer, according to his family and friends, had the biggest heart and passion for the Miami Heat. After hearing this, the Miami Heat team actually gave the Hoyer family and Luke’s friends a tour of their stadium and presented them with a custom jersey with “Hoyer” and the number “3” on the back. We decided to draw inspiration from that for our desk, recreating Luke’s Miami Heat jersey with the number 3 on it, and adding the heart plaque, basketball, and backboard. Flowers and lights are also incorporated to reflect the beauty of Luke’s life and the light he brought to the world. Additionally, the flowers symbolize growth, as his grandmother claimed that he had grown “like a beanstalk” since the last time she had seen him. We also decided to place his photo on the desk, to provide the face of our lost story, and an Xbox controller, to show his avid love for gaming.
Luke was a lovely human whose presence was warm and welcoming. Our piece is a collection of the things that brought Luke Hoyer joy, and stands as a tribute to both the wonderful life he lead, and the long-lasting legacy he leaves. Our prayers go to the Hoyer family and his friends during this time. May Luke Hoyer and the seventeen lost love stories rest in peace.
Artist Names: Dana Astraquillo, Auri Brown, Jhon Chavez, Caitlyn Curioso, Gary Gomez, Jocelyn Gutierrez
The intention of our piece was to honor fifteen-year-old Luke Hoyer, one of seventeen lives lost during the Parkland shooting on February 14, 2018. This work has one central theme: basketball. Luke Hoyer, according to his family and friends, had the biggest heart and passion for the Miami Heat. After hearing this, the Miami Heat team actually gave the Hoyer family and Luke’s friends a tour of their stadium and presented them with a custom jersey with “Hoyer” and the number “3” on the back. We decided to draw inspiration from that for our desk, recreating Luke’s Miami Heat jersey with the number 3 on it, and adding the heart plaque, basketball, and backboard. Flowers and lights are also incorporated to reflect the beauty of Luke’s life and the light he brought to the world. Additionally, the flowers symbolize growth, as his grandmother claimed that he had grown “like a beanstalk” since the last time she had seen him. We also decided to place his photo on the desk, to provide the face of our lost story, and an Xbox controller, to show his avid love for gaming.
Luke was a lovely human whose presence was warm and welcoming. Our piece is a collection of the things that brought Luke Hoyer joy, and stands as a tribute to both the wonderful life he lead, and the long-lasting legacy he leaves. Our prayers go to the Hoyer family and his friends during this time. May Luke Hoyer and the seventeen lost love stories rest in peace.
Artist Names: Dana Astraquillo, Auri Brown, Jhon Chavez, Caitlyn Curioso, Gary Gomez, Jocelyn Gutierrez
Cara Loughran
Starfish
Our commemorative piece is dedicated to Cara Loughran. She was just 14-years-old, but already knew her passions: Irish dancing and the beach. Her love for the beach reminded us of another story, about a little girl trying to save a shore of washed up starfish before they dried out. People laughed at her for trying because there was no way that one girl could save all the starfish stranded on the beach. But that didn’t matter to her; even saving one fish made the whole experience worth it. Eventually people were inspired by her dedication and decided to join her, filling the beach with fish flinging helpers. Before long, there weren’t any more starfish to throw because the people had saved all of them. Cara reminded us of this story because she was that little girl. With her love for the beach and compassion for all things, she would’ve dedicated her life to saving every starfish in need. Now, in turn, her story inspires us.
Artists: Ted Alberon, Darla Lavi, Ry Howe, and Preana Ahmed
Our commemorative piece is dedicated to Cara Loughran. She was just 14-years-old, but already knew her passions: Irish dancing and the beach. Her love for the beach reminded us of another story, about a little girl trying to save a shore of washed up starfish before they dried out. People laughed at her for trying because there was no way that one girl could save all the starfish stranded on the beach. But that didn’t matter to her; even saving one fish made the whole experience worth it. Eventually people were inspired by her dedication and decided to join her, filling the beach with fish flinging helpers. Before long, there weren’t any more starfish to throw because the people had saved all of them. Cara reminded us of this story because she was that little girl. With her love for the beach and compassion for all things, she would’ve dedicated her life to saving every starfish in need. Now, in turn, her story inspires us.
Artists: Ted Alberon, Darla Lavi, Ry Howe, and Preana Ahmed
Gina Montalto
Rose Rests in Paradise
This table belongs to Gina Rose Montalto. Born April 22, 2003, she was 14-years-old when she was torn from this world. Gina never stopped smiling, and her brightness brought joy to everyone around her. Beloved by all for her friendly nature, she adored roses and attending school. She was an accomplished dancer, an illustrator, and an athlete.
In addition, Gina was a bright student, earning straight A’s and never missing a day of school.
The large rose stands for Gina: now, she will always be planted in her chair, never to be uprooted. While making this memorial for Gina, I was honestly stressed out, but looking at the picture of her smiling face, it helped me calm down realize why everyone loved her. No matter the circumstances, her smile brought peace to those around her. Her family misses her dearly, but now she is in a better place--a place where she can shinedown her smile on us all.
Artist: Thomas Nguyen and their mother
This table belongs to Gina Rose Montalto. Born April 22, 2003, she was 14-years-old when she was torn from this world. Gina never stopped smiling, and her brightness brought joy to everyone around her. Beloved by all for her friendly nature, she adored roses and attending school. She was an accomplished dancer, an illustrator, and an athlete.
In addition, Gina was a bright student, earning straight A’s and never missing a day of school.
The large rose stands for Gina: now, she will always be planted in her chair, never to be uprooted. While making this memorial for Gina, I was honestly stressed out, but looking at the picture of her smiling face, it helped me calm down realize why everyone loved her. No matter the circumstances, her smile brought peace to those around her. Her family misses her dearly, but now she is in a better place--a place where she can shinedown her smile on us all.
Artist: Thomas Nguyen and their mother
Joaquin Oliver
Rising Star
Joaquin Oliver tragically lost his life in the Parkland shooting. Our goal in this art piece is to remember him and everything he loved. A regular kid just like us, Joaquin enjoyed watching the Miami Heat and playing soccer. At the age of sixteen, Joaquin became a legal citizen of the United States after immigrating to this country from Venezuela. We wanted to incorporate this history into our art piece through the use of the colors of the Venezuelan flag, yellow, blue, red. There was so much more to Joaquin and his journey, and through the elements into our piece, we hope to keep his legacy alive.
Artists: Jamie Mitchell, Layla Mitchell, Florence Nalukwago
Joaquin Oliver tragically lost his life in the Parkland shooting. Our goal in this art piece is to remember him and everything he loved. A regular kid just like us, Joaquin enjoyed watching the Miami Heat and playing soccer. At the age of sixteen, Joaquin became a legal citizen of the United States after immigrating to this country from Venezuela. We wanted to incorporate this history into our art piece through the use of the colors of the Venezuelan flag, yellow, blue, red. There was so much more to Joaquin and his journey, and through the elements into our piece, we hope to keep his legacy alive.
Artists: Jamie Mitchell, Layla Mitchell, Florence Nalukwago
Alaina Petty
A Free Soul
We dedicate this artwork to Alaina Petty, a free-spirited, joyous young girl. Every individual aspect of our piece represents and corresponds to her spirit.
Because her life was taken at the age of 14, we splattered different colors of paint to represent how she was transitioning from a joyous child to a young lady. There are multi-colored, fluffy balls to show the goofiness and childlike traits Alaina had. Around the rails of our chair, there are lights--the light inside of Alaina. She was bright and did everything she could to make others happy, and these bulbs demonstrate the hope and ambition that Alaina had towards caring for others. The white curtains are a representation of Alaina’s doorway to heaven, while the white flowers show her innocent soul.
Alaina was also a part of the JROTC at Parkland. According to her peers, Alaina was very competitive, ambitious, and determined, and strong, standing as the backbone for her family and friends. We chose to wrap red flowers around the four legs of the chair, symbolizing the four aspects of her character. She held everyone together, just as the support from the legs of the chair holds everything up. Without the legs, the chair could easily fall apart.
In the middle of the legs, we hung a picture frame of Alaina which reads, “The girl who never frowned”. Alaina was known to always have a bright smile on her face that lit up a room. Even on her bad days that smile was there. We chose to include this frame to commemorate the happiness that accompanied Alaina everywhere, regardless of the circumstances she was in.
On the seat of our desk, there are phrases that friends and family made to describe Alaina such as “diamond in the rough”, “strong”, “determined”, etc. Above the seat there is a heart made of flowers. We included this to especially show the love Alaina had received from everyone who cared and loved her. On the actual desk, we included the words, “In loving memory of Alaina Petty, 08-22-03 to 02-14-18”. We included this to pay our respects to Alaina and her family. There are small vases and boxes of flowers that we included to represent the purity, happiness, hospitality, and joyfulness of Alaina’s character.
Alaina was taken at a very young age, but we hope, that even in heaven, she is still as happy and caring as she was when alive. We dedicate this piece of art to Alaina Petty and her family, may Alaina Rest In Peace. We hope you know how loved you are Alaina.
Artists: Vanessa Hernandez, Tania Reyes, and Veronica Rios.
We dedicate this artwork to Alaina Petty, a free-spirited, joyous young girl. Every individual aspect of our piece represents and corresponds to her spirit.
Because her life was taken at the age of 14, we splattered different colors of paint to represent how she was transitioning from a joyous child to a young lady. There are multi-colored, fluffy balls to show the goofiness and childlike traits Alaina had. Around the rails of our chair, there are lights--the light inside of Alaina. She was bright and did everything she could to make others happy, and these bulbs demonstrate the hope and ambition that Alaina had towards caring for others. The white curtains are a representation of Alaina’s doorway to heaven, while the white flowers show her innocent soul.
Alaina was also a part of the JROTC at Parkland. According to her peers, Alaina was very competitive, ambitious, and determined, and strong, standing as the backbone for her family and friends. We chose to wrap red flowers around the four legs of the chair, symbolizing the four aspects of her character. She held everyone together, just as the support from the legs of the chair holds everything up. Without the legs, the chair could easily fall apart.
In the middle of the legs, we hung a picture frame of Alaina which reads, “The girl who never frowned”. Alaina was known to always have a bright smile on her face that lit up a room. Even on her bad days that smile was there. We chose to include this frame to commemorate the happiness that accompanied Alaina everywhere, regardless of the circumstances she was in.
On the seat of our desk, there are phrases that friends and family made to describe Alaina such as “diamond in the rough”, “strong”, “determined”, etc. Above the seat there is a heart made of flowers. We included this to especially show the love Alaina had received from everyone who cared and loved her. On the actual desk, we included the words, “In loving memory of Alaina Petty, 08-22-03 to 02-14-18”. We included this to pay our respects to Alaina and her family. There are small vases and boxes of flowers that we included to represent the purity, happiness, hospitality, and joyfulness of Alaina’s character.
Alaina was taken at a very young age, but we hope, that even in heaven, she is still as happy and caring as she was when alive. We dedicate this piece of art to Alaina Petty and her family, may Alaina Rest In Peace. We hope you know how loved you are Alaina.
Artists: Vanessa Hernandez, Tania Reyes, and Veronica Rios.
Meadow Pollock
Remembering Meadow Pollack
Meadow Pollack was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas; she was known to many as a vivacious, gifted, and spirited girl. She was confident and sassy with a smile like sunshine. According to Meadow’s friends, she was the one to mend friendships after confrontation. She had a glitz and glam attitude as well as a passion for working out--traits that embodied her honest and quirky personality. For her prom, she wanted to wear a pink dress with slender slits down the side. It had a mermaid design with a delicate halter neckline and open back. Everyone agreed that this dress represented her spirit.
She and her boyfriend of four years were close. She worked at his family’s motorcycle repair business and was very hard-working and driven. She was the youngest of her family and seen as the baby. She was cherished by her family, and they adored her so much. Her family was also everything to her and she often highlighted this on social media, posting a humorous text conversation with her mother and a heartwarming picture with her grandma. Her dream was to become an attorney and she was also expected to attend Lynn University in Boca Raton in the fall.
One way of taking action in honor of Meadow Pollack for the community is raising money for Meadow’s Movement. This organization was created by Mr. Pollack who wanted to create a children’s playground in honor of his daughter. His intentions are to remember her joy and personality and celebrate her life rather than grieving. This memorial playground would preserve her memory within the community.
Above all else, Meadow Pollack was a fighter. Her memory and warm heart lives on and serves as a testament to her spirit.
Group names: Elliott Hyun, Julia Gavin
Meadow Pollack was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas; she was known to many as a vivacious, gifted, and spirited girl. She was confident and sassy with a smile like sunshine. According to Meadow’s friends, she was the one to mend friendships after confrontation. She had a glitz and glam attitude as well as a passion for working out--traits that embodied her honest and quirky personality. For her prom, she wanted to wear a pink dress with slender slits down the side. It had a mermaid design with a delicate halter neckline and open back. Everyone agreed that this dress represented her spirit.
She and her boyfriend of four years were close. She worked at his family’s motorcycle repair business and was very hard-working and driven. She was the youngest of her family and seen as the baby. She was cherished by her family, and they adored her so much. Her family was also everything to her and she often highlighted this on social media, posting a humorous text conversation with her mother and a heartwarming picture with her grandma. Her dream was to become an attorney and she was also expected to attend Lynn University in Boca Raton in the fall.
One way of taking action in honor of Meadow Pollack for the community is raising money for Meadow’s Movement. This organization was created by Mr. Pollack who wanted to create a children’s playground in honor of his daughter. His intentions are to remember her joy and personality and celebrate her life rather than grieving. This memorial playground would preserve her memory within the community.
Above all else, Meadow Pollack was a fighter. Her memory and warm heart lives on and serves as a testament to her spirit.
Group names: Elliott Hyun, Julia Gavin
Helena Ramsay
The Sweetness of Her Soul
Intention and Story: Throughout our time working on this project, we have met many admirable and influential people that have supported us on our journey of this artistic commemoration. It’s been a pleasure to meet Noah and Dave, the organizers of this heartfelt tribute, and it has been a pleasure to meet many other like-minded students who want to take part in honoring the lives lost in the Parkland tragedy. However, most importantly- we’ve met Helena Freja Ramsay- an intelligent, kind, compassionate, loving, and beautiful girl who brought to this world on January 19th, 2001. Although we have never encountered Helena in person, we have had the unimaginable pleasure of meeting her through representing her through our art. We’ve never spoken, but I know what kind of person she was because of the kindness and love that radiate from every page written in her memory. No combination of words could wholly captivate or come close to encompassing Helena’s loving nature. With our art piece, we wanted to shine light on who Helena was: sweet, caring, a lover of nature, friendly, and bright. We wanted to express everything about her- from her love of candy, to the fact that she died saving her friend. Helena’s story is one of utmost bravery, courage, love, and kindness which we tried hard to emulate with this piece. Helena was taken away from this world too quickly and it is important that we remember her loving nature, compassion, and the sweetness of her soul.
Artists: Mayzie Angel, Hannah Eisenberg, Diksha Dahal
Intention and Story: Throughout our time working on this project, we have met many admirable and influential people that have supported us on our journey of this artistic commemoration. It’s been a pleasure to meet Noah and Dave, the organizers of this heartfelt tribute, and it has been a pleasure to meet many other like-minded students who want to take part in honoring the lives lost in the Parkland tragedy. However, most importantly- we’ve met Helena Freja Ramsay- an intelligent, kind, compassionate, loving, and beautiful girl who brought to this world on January 19th, 2001. Although we have never encountered Helena in person, we have had the unimaginable pleasure of meeting her through representing her through our art. We’ve never spoken, but I know what kind of person she was because of the kindness and love that radiate from every page written in her memory. No combination of words could wholly captivate or come close to encompassing Helena’s loving nature. With our art piece, we wanted to shine light on who Helena was: sweet, caring, a lover of nature, friendly, and bright. We wanted to express everything about her- from her love of candy, to the fact that she died saving her friend. Helena’s story is one of utmost bravery, courage, love, and kindness which we tried hard to emulate with this piece. Helena was taken away from this world too quickly and it is important that we remember her loving nature, compassion, and the sweetness of her soul.
Artists: Mayzie Angel, Hannah Eisenberg, Diksha Dahal
Carmen Schentrup
The Desk of Erised
Carmen Schentrup was a 16-year- old senior of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school, one of the two youngest seniors of her class of 2018. She was going to the University of Florida in the fall as a pre-med major because she had the lifelong dream of curing ALS. She was quite an intelligent student, and had been a part of Health Occupation Students of America and was a National Merit Scholarship finalist. She liked Star Wars and Harry Potter, and she was hoping to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando for her grad night trip with her closest friends before starting her journey as a doctor. She would’ve graduated on June 3rd, 2018.
“The Desk of Erised,” is based on the mirror of Erised from the Harry Potter series; it was a mirror that showed the desires and passions of those who looked at it. With that being said, the “Desk of Erised” contains objects and knick knacks that would’ve described who Carmen was and what she liked. From a Harry Potter fabricated chair, to the emblem of the college she was supposed to go to, this school desk is truly her.
Artists: Carla Jimenez and Joshua Fajardo
Carmen Schentrup was a 16-year- old senior of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school, one of the two youngest seniors of her class of 2018. She was going to the University of Florida in the fall as a pre-med major because she had the lifelong dream of curing ALS. She was quite an intelligent student, and had been a part of Health Occupation Students of America and was a National Merit Scholarship finalist. She liked Star Wars and Harry Potter, and she was hoping to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando for her grad night trip with her closest friends before starting her journey as a doctor. She would’ve graduated on June 3rd, 2018.
“The Desk of Erised,” is based on the mirror of Erised from the Harry Potter series; it was a mirror that showed the desires and passions of those who looked at it. With that being said, the “Desk of Erised” contains objects and knick knacks that would’ve described who Carmen was and what she liked. From a Harry Potter fabricated chair, to the emblem of the college she was supposed to go to, this school desk is truly her.
Artists: Carla Jimenez and Joshua Fajardo
Alex Schrater
Life is Like a Roller Coaster
A poem by Alex Schachter
By Max Schachter
This is a poem Alex wrote.
Life Is Like A Roller Coaster
A Free Verse Poem By Alex Schachter
Life is like a roller coaster
It has some ups and downs
Sometimes you can take it slow
Or very fast
It may be hard to breathe at times
But you just have to push yourself
And keep going
Your bar is your safety
It’s like your family and friends
You hold on tight and don’t let go
But sometimes you might throw your hands up
Because your friends and family will always be with you
Just like that bar keeping you safe at all times
It may be too much for you at times
The twists,
The turns,
The upside downs,
But you get back up
And keep chugging along
Eventually it all comes to a stop
You won’t know when
Or how
But you will know that it will be time to get off
And start anew.
Life is like a roller coaster.
A poem by Alex Schachter
By Max Schachter
This is a poem Alex wrote.
Life Is Like A Roller Coaster
A Free Verse Poem By Alex Schachter
Life is like a roller coaster
It has some ups and downs
Sometimes you can take it slow
Or very fast
It may be hard to breathe at times
But you just have to push yourself
And keep going
Your bar is your safety
It’s like your family and friends
You hold on tight and don’t let go
But sometimes you might throw your hands up
Because your friends and family will always be with you
Just like that bar keeping you safe at all times
It may be too much for you at times
The twists,
The turns,
The upside downs,
But you get back up
And keep chugging along
Eventually it all comes to a stop
You won’t know when
Or how
But you will know that it will be time to get off
And start anew.
Life is like a roller coaster.
Peter Wang
His Legacy
Peter Wang was a 15 year old JROTC cadet who sacrificed himself for his classmates. He held the door open for them as he was being shot. We decorated the front of the desk with military medallions and folded a JROTC uniform on top of the seat to represent his contributions to the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. The folded uniform on the seat also has a deeper meaning— the remnants of his selfless actions still carry over today. Our intention was to keep the desk as natural as possible—keeping it as if Peter was still here as a student.
Near the center of the table is a page of paper with lyrics from a hip-hop song to show that he loved hip-hop. We put a Lakers backpack behind the seat to show that he enjoyed basketball. On the head of the seat is a design of the American flag to demonstrate his service to the country and that he paid the ultimate sacrifice—his life— so that others could survive. Additionally, there is a red lunch box that include the characters of his Chinese name; inside, we included some of the food that could be found in his parents’ Chinese restaurant.
Near the center of the table, we included his acceptance letter to West Point—a prestigious military academy. He was admitted as an honorary student; this shows that his dreams still continue. The vines and foliage around the metal legs of the chair represent the amount of the time that has passed since his death. However, Peter Wang is not gone. His legacy is still here—alive and enduring.
In memory of Peter Wang- Parkland shooting
For the fifteen year old student that held the door open for the rest when escaping danger, you will never be forgotten after February 14, 2018. Peter Wang was a JROTC Cadet who had major aspirations to join the US forces along with his courageous, humble, and helpful personality. It was all so spontaneous as his dream school, US Military Academy at West point, accepted him. With all of the potential that was weighted into Peter’s uniform, it is very devastating to find out that he was a victim to a growing crime that involves the instability of mental health and gun control in the world. Any other student could have been at risk of such circumstance, especially when a school is vulnerable to its power and the number of bright futures that occupy each and every desk on a frequent basis.
The Parkland shooting does not only spotlight the 17 victims to this tragedy, but it also makes the present audience wonder about the causes to which it took gunshots to find peace and disorder in different parts of the world. Peter Wang watches from above happily as he may be informed by the awareness spreading about the important safety measure that must be taken in the present ways of life.
If the mentally ill remain their ways, that may influence the the future that will lose the ability to logically think of anything. No matter what side this story is seen, gun being the killer, or the one in possession being the killer, everyone is left with the killed that were never at any fault of the anger inside someone. Mental wellbeing has become very important since people that are struggling with it tend to find a way of harm, internally and/or externally.
In the event that will be demonstrated in memory of the Parkland shooting, the experience behind putting everything together had a much different push. It was no longer a school event: it was a moral act of kindness, remembrance, and love for every single person that rests in peace all so suddenly. Personally, this really affected the way of seeing things as if it were happening locally. There would only be so much security and administrators can do before a gun is raised to their heads. If seventeen reasons why is not enough, then how long will it take America to reach universal peace?
-Saud Taranjeet
Artists: Helena San Roque, May Lee, Toni Lee, Jude Flores, Saud Taranjeet
Peter Wang was a 15 year old JROTC cadet who sacrificed himself for his classmates. He held the door open for them as he was being shot. We decorated the front of the desk with military medallions and folded a JROTC uniform on top of the seat to represent his contributions to the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. The folded uniform on the seat also has a deeper meaning— the remnants of his selfless actions still carry over today. Our intention was to keep the desk as natural as possible—keeping it as if Peter was still here as a student.
Near the center of the table is a page of paper with lyrics from a hip-hop song to show that he loved hip-hop. We put a Lakers backpack behind the seat to show that he enjoyed basketball. On the head of the seat is a design of the American flag to demonstrate his service to the country and that he paid the ultimate sacrifice—his life— so that others could survive. Additionally, there is a red lunch box that include the characters of his Chinese name; inside, we included some of the food that could be found in his parents’ Chinese restaurant.
Near the center of the table, we included his acceptance letter to West Point—a prestigious military academy. He was admitted as an honorary student; this shows that his dreams still continue. The vines and foliage around the metal legs of the chair represent the amount of the time that has passed since his death. However, Peter Wang is not gone. His legacy is still here—alive and enduring.
In memory of Peter Wang- Parkland shooting
For the fifteen year old student that held the door open for the rest when escaping danger, you will never be forgotten after February 14, 2018. Peter Wang was a JROTC Cadet who had major aspirations to join the US forces along with his courageous, humble, and helpful personality. It was all so spontaneous as his dream school, US Military Academy at West point, accepted him. With all of the potential that was weighted into Peter’s uniform, it is very devastating to find out that he was a victim to a growing crime that involves the instability of mental health and gun control in the world. Any other student could have been at risk of such circumstance, especially when a school is vulnerable to its power and the number of bright futures that occupy each and every desk on a frequent basis.
The Parkland shooting does not only spotlight the 17 victims to this tragedy, but it also makes the present audience wonder about the causes to which it took gunshots to find peace and disorder in different parts of the world. Peter Wang watches from above happily as he may be informed by the awareness spreading about the important safety measure that must be taken in the present ways of life.
If the mentally ill remain their ways, that may influence the the future that will lose the ability to logically think of anything. No matter what side this story is seen, gun being the killer, or the one in possession being the killer, everyone is left with the killed that were never at any fault of the anger inside someone. Mental wellbeing has become very important since people that are struggling with it tend to find a way of harm, internally and/or externally.
In the event that will be demonstrated in memory of the Parkland shooting, the experience behind putting everything together had a much different push. It was no longer a school event: it was a moral act of kindness, remembrance, and love for every single person that rests in peace all so suddenly. Personally, this really affected the way of seeing things as if it were happening locally. There would only be so much security and administrators can do before a gun is raised to their heads. If seventeen reasons why is not enough, then how long will it take America to reach universal peace?
-Saud Taranjeet
Artists: Helena San Roque, May Lee, Toni Lee, Jude Flores, Saud Taranjeet
As both alumnus of Grover Cleveland High School, this was a very personal and special project. We walked those same halls and learned from those same teachers; we created and distributed Valentine’s day grams. Because we attended at different times, we never got to spend a Valentine's Day together, but this project was our way to honor both our love story and the love stories of the 17 lost. To tell the community of Parkland: I hope u know how loved u are. Our mission to make others always feel welcome, heard, and honored. To spread compassion and seed action. To continue sharing stories. Stories that connect us and unite us--that push us to change and inspire. To imagine a better future, by creating a better today.
We had the most incredible time working with our high school, our teachers, and the students of Grover Cleveland to bring this beautiful space to life. I hope u know how Brave u are. I hope u know how Brilliant u shine.
