March 2018

PARKLAND MAYOR
CHRISTINE
HUNSCHOFSKY
Never did I expect to be
addressing a school shooting
in Parkland. The City of
Parkland, the City of Coral Springs,
and countless communities throughout
Broward were affected by the horrific
and devastating tragedy that took
place on 2/14/18. Together we faced an unspeakable tragedy
that none of us could have ever imagined — the attack on our
school where 3,300 of our children go each day to learn, better
themselves, build a future, and interact with their friends and the
teachers who care for them.
Our hearts are heavy, as they will be for a long time, for the
families who lost a loved one. We are also heartbroken for
those who were injured, the students, teachers, staff, and
first responders who saw things no one should ever have to
see. We also feel for those who suffered the loss of a friend, a
teammate, a student, a teacher, a neighbor, a coworker. We feel
for those who waited excruciating lengths of time to hear from a
loved one, not knowing if they were safe.
As we grieve, each of us in our own way, it is important we
understand everyone grieves in different ways and in different
time. We should all be understanding and respectful of
the grieving of others —realizing there is no wrong way to
grieve. No one should be left to feel guilty for the way they
are processing this tragedy. This is not a time for judgment or
critique, but a time for extending kindness and offering support.
That will serve to unite us and that is how we will get through
this together.
have seen our strength and determination. They have seen our
wonderful students speak out eloquently about the need for
change so this never happens again.
We have a long and difficult road ahead. Many in our northwest
Broward community are suffering and grieving. We must ensure
they have the support and resources to navigate through this.
Our community has always risen to the occasion to help others
and I know we will be strong and help each other. Together
we will get through this with our community support and the
support of our extended family.
There are many names I could mention at this time. People
who have been heroic, supportive, and instrumental in so many
positive things that have transpired in such a short span of time.
And I know they will understand if I mention only 17 names in
this column. #ParklandStrong. #MSDstrong.
Alyssa Alhadeff, Scott Beigel, Martin Duque Anguiano, Nicholas
Dworet, Aaron Feis, Jaime Guttenberg, Chris Hixon, Luke
Hoyer, Cara Loughran, Gina Montalto, Joaquin Oliver, Alaina
Petty, Meadow Pollack, Helena Ramsay, Alex Schachter,
Carmen Schentrup, and Peter Wang P
Parkland has always taken great pride in being a close-knit city
of families. We see families at every event in the City, we see
them biking together, we see them in the grocery store. On
Wednesday, February 14, 2018, the Parkland family grew much
larger. In the immediate aftermath of the events on that day
and continuing now, so many people and organizations have
reached out to our City with assistance and support. Many of
them from distant places, but all of them reassuring us that we
are not alone, that we have family all across the country.
To our immediate family — the students, faculty, and staff of
Stoneman Douglas High School, the residents of Parkland, our
neighbors in Coral Springs who suffered the impact just as we
did — we are here for you to move forward together. To our
extended family of those around the country who have offered
a sympathetic hand, we welcome you and are strengthened
by your compassion and the piece of our heart that you now
occupy.
As the nation, and the world, has watched news coverage of
our community, they have realized what a special place this
is. They have seen our community rally together quickly. They
2
MARCH 2018