Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

‘Message for the World': Past, Present Stoneman Douglas Students Unite in Powerful Video

"We will persevere in these trying times," the school's principal says

In a powerful and sentimental video, past and present Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students and staff shared a message of solidarity and strength.

The Parkland school, whose staff, students and teams are known as the Eagles, was the target of a mass shooting in which 17 people, mostly teenagers, died on Feb. 14 – Valentine's Day.

However, MSD's durable community and history were visible in a nearly four-minute video directed by Ryan Blitzer, who graduated in 2013.

"We have a message for the world," the video reads.

The senior class president of the 1992 founding class was first to speak in the video.

"I just want you to know that thousands of Stoneman Douglas alumni are standing with you – so proud of the way you're handling this unspeakable strategy," he says.

What follows is a compilation of MSD students from throughout the country.

Messages include: "We are with you!" "MSD strong!" and "Stay strong, Eagles."

"I just want to remind you, through thick or through thin, real Eagles always fly together," an alumni says.

MSD Principal Ty Thompson shared a resounding message of support.

"I promise you. I will hug each and every one of you as many times as you need and I will hold you as long as you need me to for all 3,300 of you and your families and we will get through this together," Thompson said. "Our community is strong. Our students are strong. We will persevere in these trying times."

Dozens of shooting survivors are not allowing themselves to be treated as victims. Some are standing up and taking charge in hopes to prevent a similar tragedy in the future. About 100 students traveled to Tallahassee to push for gun reform.

The last message of the video summoned the person after which the school is named: "There is always the need to carry on." – Marjory Stoneman Douglas.

Contact Us