Brick Students Mark Parkland Shooting Anniversary

BRICK, NJ — While cameras captured student walkouts across the nation on Wednesday, Brick Township students quietly marked the one-month anniversary of the Florida high school mass shooting with tributes and what school officials described as a show of solidarity.

In a news release Thursday, the district shared photos of students holding hands and of signs placed on the front lawn of Brick Township High School. Other events and tributes were held at the rest of the district's schools.

"The day’s events were the result of a collaborative effort between students, staff, administration, and law enforcement" to mark the massacre on Valentine's Day at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that killed 17 students and staff members. "The goal of this collaborative effort was to provide a safer alternative to a mass walkout and to maximize the students’ participation and expression."

"As a district, we are extremely proud of our students and staff. Our students showed the utmost respect and understanding of what it means to be united and to take action in a civil and productive manner," the district said. "Our students united our community and filled us with great pride."

Students and staff members bought ribbons in the colors of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, with funds raised being donated to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Victims’ Fund. There were age-appropriate class discussions with topics such as school safety, drills, and proper procedures in the event of an emergency, officials said. The district's elementary schools focused on being grateful for first responders and thanking them by making cards to acknowledge their tremendous contributions to the communitym the release said.

At Lake Riviera Middle School, the day of activities was anchored in the theme "Divided by Miles — United By Heart." At 8:17 a.m. "Imagine" by John Lennon played over the loudspeaker as Lake Riviera students and staff silently converged into the gym. Students stood for a moment of silence in memory and solidarity for all the students and victims at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Each victim’s name was read aloud and a candle was lit and a yellow rose was held high to honor the victims. The roses were then placed facing south around the school's flagpole by the Character Education Troupe, led by Principal Alyce Anderson and Teacher/Adviser Ron Heitmann.

A banner of support featuring thumbprints of Lake Riviera student will be sent to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, officials said.

Principal Renee Kotsianas and teacher Michael Lazur led 1,100 students at Veterans Memorial Middle School as they joined arms om the halls of the school, creating a human chain, with a 17-second moment of silence in remembrance of the 17 victims. A banner incorporating photos and signatures of all the students will be displayed, signifying the school’s unity and commitment to change.

Both high schools announced the names of the 17 victims and showed a brief highlight of their lives via the TV studio. This was followed by a moment of silence. In addition, Brick Memorial showed a video sent by students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School specifically created for students at Brick Memorial. Students at Brick Township High School created posters, pinwheels, and wrote letters focusing on school safety. The posters, signs, and pinwheels were placed on the front lawn of the high school "for the community to share in the support of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School," the news release said.

Each high school was given a banner created by the Township of Brick, which shows the schools united. Students were encouraged to sign the banner during lunch, and the banner will be sent to the principal of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. At both high schools, the TV production classes captured the participation, creativity, and expression of the day, which will be made into a short documentary.

A town hall for students is set for March 26 at Brick Memorial High School. It had been planned for March 13 but a predicted snowstorm led to a postponement.

Photos provided by Brick Township School District