fbpx

Rocking Parkland

When the anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting came in February, 16-year-old twins Becca and Molly Marks’ thoughts returned to their former teachers.

Now students at American Heritage School in Plantation, the girls knew they had to do something special for those affected by the tragedy—not just MSD but all the Parkland schools. In the aftermath of the first anniversary of the shooting, the girls not only wanted the teachers to feel appreciated but also wanted them to remember something positive.

“They never got recognition for what they went through, only Douglas did,” Becca says. “So we wanted to do something for all of them.”

As co-presidents of the Parkland chapter of Communiteens, an organization for teenagers wanting to perform community service, Molly and Becca came up with a project called Teachers Rock. This project honors teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, celebrated in the first week of May. With the help of a member of the parent teacher organization at Heron Heights Elementary, the girls were able to get a headcount of how many teachers and administrators there were at each of Parkland’s schools.

Then, over the course of three months, the twins purchased 900 rocks from Home Depot. They wrote various messages on the rocks such as, “You are loved” and, “Be joyful” with oil based permanent markers. They sprayed each rock with sealer to make them shine, and wrapped them in clear plastic bags with a tag signed “love, Becca and Molly” or, “Teachers Rock.”

“You can keep rocks,” Becca says of choosing to write the messages on rocks. “They don’t tear apart or disintegrate.”

During Teacher Appreciation Week, the girls delivered the rocks to Heron Heights Elementary, Riverglades Elementary, Park Trails Elementary, Westglades Middle and MSD. “I got a text of a picture of what I did with a really nice message,” Becca says.

“Feb 14 might be a hard day but it’s going to be OK, you can be happy,” Becca says as she reflects on the first anniversary of the shooting. “Making these rocks made us feel better. Even though we couldn’t talk to the teachers, these rocks spoke for us.”

As they begin their junior year this fall, Molly and Becca hope to keep contributing to the Parkland community through their club.

“It feels so good.” Molly says, “It made us feel inspired and empowered to do more to help this community.”

You May Also Like
W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach to Host Post Tortuga Party

The Tortuga Music Festival on Fort Lauderdale Beach will bring thousands of concertgoers to the area for a weekend of live musical entertainment. The popular event is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with headliners Eric Church (Friday), Shania Twain (Saturday) and Kenny Chesney (Sunday), each performing for more than 25,000 fans. However, the party

Read More
Paws Enchanted Masquerade Ball to Benefit the Humane Society of Broward County

The annual PAWS Gala benefiting the Humane Society of Broward County occurs at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale. This year’s theme is the “Enchanted Masquerade Ball,” presented by Spirit Airlines. Chairwomen Alyse Lemstrom and Sheryl Maher and their committee have organized the event with proceeds

Read More
Dan Marino Foundation Celebrates Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month

The Dan Marino Foundation in Fort Lauderdale will celebrate the autism community with various initiatives and events during Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month throughout April. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of children, teens, and adults with autism. When Dan and Claire Marino created the nonprofit in 1992, the prevalence of autism

Read More
Visit Lauderdale Celebrates Broward’s Cultural Diversity

Did you know Broward County is home to a rich, vibrant tapestry of cultures, with people from more than 170 countries speaking 147 languages living here? This dynamic array of diversity is not only prevalent in every corridor of the county — it’s proudly celebrated in the attractions, festivals, and food the destination offers. And

Read More
Other Posts
Jack & Jill Center to Host Team Pouncey Bowl for Change Fundraiser

Jack & Jill Center’s Young Professionals Network will host its annual charity bowling tournament from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, at Manor Lanes in Fort Lauderdale. The Team Pouncey Bowl for Change community event will feature a day of bowling, a live DJ, arcade games, a raffle, a full bar and

Read More
Gutenburg Burger Opens at Time Out Market Miami

Gutenburg Burger, a German-American burger concept, recently debuted at Time Out Market Miami, home to chef-inspired events, arts and culture, and live entertainment. Chef Jorge Kauam launched the eatery to honor Germany’s history of high-quality beef and highlight the hamburger’s proclaimed roots in his new menu.  “Our buns are a mix of a brioche and potato

Read More
Gulfstream Park Village’s Free Cone Day Returns Next Month

Gulfstream Park Village’s popular Free Cone Day will return on Wednesday, May 17 at Häagen-Dazs. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy one free mini cone or cup with the ice cream flavor of their choice. Additionally, Gulfstream Park Village Center will transform into a family-friendly village carnival with free entertainment

Read More
NAMI Broward to Hold Annual Artful Minds Event in Dania Beach

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Broward County will host the Second Annual “Artful Minds” event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at MAD Arts in Dania Beach, 481 South Federal Highway. The art exhibit showcases the relationship between art and mental health through artwork in various mediums created by artists

Read More