By Reese Cohen
Last Valentines Day, February 14, 2018, 17 people left their house ready to go to school, expecting a normal day. A couple hours later, a gunman opened fire at their school, Marjory
Stoneman Douglas High School. Their lives were lost, but their memories were certainly not forgotten.
In response to the tragedy, some students turned to advocacy, holding marches across the country and making their voices heard on issues relating to gun violence.
On March 14th, some students at Schechter participated in a walk out that focused on memorializing the events that had taken place. Scott Beigel, one of the victims, was a division leader at Camp Starlight, which some SW students knew from their summers at Starlight. Other SW students had friends that were at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. While all school
shootings affect individuals in different ways, this particular shooting hit home to many because of the personal connections students had to the community there.
Regardless of actions taken after the shooting, the 17 victims’ memories will live on.
May their memories be for a blessing, Zichronam L’Vracha.
Alyssa Alhadeff, 14
Alyssa was a caring friend, responsible student, and loving daughter and sister. She was a standout soccer star and dreamed of being on the US Women’s National Soccer Team one day. She also participated in her debate class and loved to volunteer at homeless shelters.
Martin Duque Anguiano , 14
Martin was a loving, supportive family member to a large family. He was an active member of the JROTC and aspired to become a Navy SEAL. He was known for his positive personality, compassion for his friends, and wonderful sense of humor.
Nicholas Dworet, 17
Nicholas was a loving son, friend, and boyfriend. He had a passion for swimming and was captain of his school’s team. His dream of one day competing in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo felt in reach when he was offered a scholarship to swim at the University of Indianapolis.
Jaime Guttenberg, 14
Jaime was a loving friend and a joy to her family. She loved dance and spent 13 hours a week at practice. She was a strong student who hoped to one day become a physical therapist.
Luke Hoyer, 15
Luke was known for his contagious smile and sense of humor; he always looked to make the people around him smile. He loved basketball and chicken nuggets, and had plans to try out for his school’s football team.
Cara Loughran, 14
Cara was a ray of positivity to everyone around her. She loved Irish dancing and gymnastics, and looked up to many female Olympians. Her laugh was contagious and left a smile on everyone’s face.
Gina Montalto, 14
Gina was a cherished daughter and friend who was always looking to leave a positive impact on others. She was involved in her school’s color guard, Girl Scouts, and St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. Also, Gina had a passion for art and books.
Joaquin Oliver, 17
Joaquin left the morning of February 14th with a special gift and date he had planned for his girlfriend. He was a loyal son, brother, and friend. He had a passion for writing love poems and short stories, and was known for his talent on the basketball court and diverse taste in music.
Alaina Petty, 14
Alaina was described as bubbly and bright. She was an active volunteer for Hurricane Irma victims and loved her JROTC class. She loved her dogs, crime shows, her country, and helping others.
Meadow Pollack, 18
Meadow loved exercise, the color pink, and playing with cats. She was bold and aspired to become a lawyer one day. She was a loving friend and the glue to her friend group, described to have a vibrancy that shined wherever she went.
Helena Ramsay, 17
Helena was a good friend with a great sense of humor. She loved K-pop, trying new food, and fostering kittens. She also participated in her school’s First Priority Club and Model UN club.
Alex Schachter, 14
Alex had a passion for music, cars, and athletics and had a dream of one day qualifying for the DECA states. He hoped to one day go to the University of Connecticut, his dream school. He was loved by his family and friends.
Carmen Schentrup, 16
Carmen was a strong student and a National Merit Finalist who loved to shop and sing in her church’s choir. She was accepted into the University of Florida Honors program and hoped work to find a cure for ALS.
Peter Wang, 15
Peter loved anime, basketball, was an active member of JROTC, and embraced his Chinese heritage. He hoped to one day attend the US Military Academy at West Point and serve his country as a pilot.
Scott Beigel, 35
Scott was a beloved friend, fiance, teacher, cross country coach, and counselor at Camp Starlight. He never failed to make the people around him smile and had the best sense of humor. He touched the lives of everyone he met, and acted as a mentor to all his campers. The Starlight family misses you, Scott.
Chris Hixon, 49
Chris was a husband, father, friend, and coach. He was also a Navy veteran, having served from the age 18 to 44. His co-workers described him as hardworking, a role model, dedicated, and kind.
Aaron Feis, 37
Aaron was a husband, father, friend, football coach, and security guard. The students adored him and his athletes were inspired by him.
