Below contains Run 4 Beigel, Temple of Time, MSD Mural with rock garden, Project Grow Love & Gun Violence Awareness Picnic
Run 4 Beigel
In 2018, a heartbreaking incident unfolded at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, claiming 17 lives. Among them was the cherished cross-country coach, Scott Beigel. While his sudden demise was deeply mournful, Beigel was more than just a casualty of that tragic day. To those who had the privilege of knowing him - his runners, colleagues, and students - he was a guide, an educator, and a confidant, leaving a lasting impression that surpassed his relatively short tenure.
Beigel's approach to coaching was distinctively shaped by his emphasis on team cohesion and constructive communication rather than rigorous performance standards or rivalry. He had a knack for creating a common ground, spotting leaders, and integrating those who might perceive themselves as outsiders. On his initial meet at Pine Trails Park, he warmly introduced himself to his runners, setting a welcoming tone. He encouraged them to impart to him their knowledge of cross-country running, lightening the atmosphere with humor, as he quipped, "I think you should just run faster." This mix of candidness and modesty swiftly resonated with his team, who saw in him a comrade and a fellow enthusiast of the sport.
Beigel's love for running sparked in his mid-20s when he set out to shed some extra pounds. Gradually, he evolved into a true aficionado of the sport, enrolling in classes, delving into research on training techniques, and exploring nutritional, flexibility, and strength training regimes. His sister recalls that he swiftly transformed into a picture of health, with an impressively low 7 percent body fat.
Nevertheless, Beigel never focused on performance or rivalry. He ran for his personal health and satisfaction, and to motivate others to do likewise. His influence continues to be felt through initiatives like the bi-annual Run 4 Beigel event that commemorates his life while raising funds for the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund. This fund supports scholarships and other educational endeavors in his honor. Despite the abrupt end to his life, Beigel's imprint on his runners and the community he served is indelible.
Sources: Runners World, Run 4 Beigel
Temple of Time
May 19th, 2019
David best - Artist
The Temple of Time is the inaugural piece in a unique public art initiative titled 'Inspiring Community Healing After Gun Violence: The Power of Art.' This project, spearheaded by the cities of Coral Springs and Parkland in Florida, was conceived to aid the healing process in their communities after the devastating mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last year. On May 19, the Temple of Time, a 35-foot temporary art installation designed and built by internationally acclaimed artist David Best, in collaboration with 1,000 community members, was symbolically set ablaze in a ceremonial fire. This transformative art project has been made possible thanks to a $1 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies awarded to the City of Coral Springs, in conjunction with the City of Parkland and Coral Springs Museum of Art, as part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge.
MSD Mural with rock garden
"On March 17, 2019, a poignant mural dedicated to the 17 victims of the tragic Feb. 14, 2018, shooting was unveiled by the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The mural, situated at 2449 NE 13th Ave, Wilton Manors, Florida, was the brainchild of the school's former art teacher, Lauren Rosa, who first suggested the idea to her students. Initiated in May 2018, the project reached completion in early March 2019. The students diligently recreated the victims' favorite images on the mural, incorporating the victims' preferred background colors. When Rosa relocated to Japan for teaching, the project's reins were handed over to Emily Melamed, a senior student. For many society members, like Alexa Rappaport and Emily Hollander, their participation in the mural was a heartfelt way of expressing their emotions and affection for their lost schoolmates, known as the fallen eagles. The mural, now accessible for public viewing, serves as a serene space to remember the lives lost on that fateful day. The NAHS hopes that the mural will provide solace to all who come to visit and reflect."
Gun Violence Awareness Picnic
Jun 27th, 2021
March For Our Lives is a youth-driven initiative that emerged in the wake of the heartbreaking school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida in 2018. Its primary mission is to encourage civic participation, education, and direct action from young individuals to eradicate the crisis of gun violence. The organization envisions safe, healthy communities where gun violence is a thing of the past.
In the aftermath of the Parkland tragedy, the founders of March For Our Lives recognized the urgent need for action to prevent such catastrophic events in the future. They rallied millions of youths to advocate for a future devoid of gun violence. Since its inception, the organization has successfully influenced the creation of more than 250 life-saving laws, and they're only beginning.
The guiding philosophy of March For Our Lives is the conviction that no more lives should be lost to needless gun violence. They insist on an end to the sorrow of losing a loved one and the anxious wait for a message that never arrives. They are dedicated to forging a safe, empathetic nation for all its citizens.
Taking a leaf from the 1960s Freedom Riders' book, the founders of March For Our Lives orchestrated the Road To Change tour across America. They interacted with relatives, community leaders, and survivors of gun violence, broadening their understanding of the disparate impact of gun violence across communities. Over 50,000 new voters were registered during the journey, bolstering their advocacy for justice.
The organization's endeavors have yielded substantial outcomes. March For Our Lives sparked an unprecedented surge in youth participation in the 2018 midterm elections, marking a 47% increase over the prior midterm election and the highest youth voter turnout ever recorded. The voters sent a powerful message that the existing state of affairs was intolerable, resulting in a record 46 NRA-endorsed candidates losing their elections that November.
With hundreds of student-led chapters nationwide, March For Our Lives propels change at a local level. Members stage school walkouts, advocate for enhanced campus safety measures, draft statewide legislation, and voice their concerns at school board and city council meetings. The movement extends beyond a single election; they are cultivating their grassroots power at local and state levels and will persist until their demands are met. Their ultimate objective is to extinguish the scourge of gun violence in America, a goal they believe necessitates collective advocacy for sensible gun violence prevention measures.
Project Grow Love
Project Grow Love, a community-driven memorial garden paying tribute to the victims of the 2017 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, was established by former psychology teacher Renit Reoven and alumnus Tori Gonzalez. The garden provides a sanctuary where community members can cultivate whatever plants they choose. Gonzalez, who tragically lost her longtime boyfriend, Joaquin Oliver, in the shooting, turns to the garden as a source of solace and joy. Additionally, local gardens like this not only foster community engagement but also positively impact the environment by attracting pollinators.
Despite its significance, three years after its establishment, school authorities have relocated elements from the garden to make room for what they term a rejuvenation project. This decision has sparked criticism from Gonzalez and Manuel Oliver, Joaquin's bereaved father. They contend that the garden has been a communal beacon to remember and honor the victims, and its displacement signifies a disregard for their memory. Further, this decision by the school officials has provoked an outcry within the community, with numerous people voicing their dismay and indignation on social media platforms.
Nevertheless, the supporters of Project Grow Love remain resolute in their commitment to maintain the vitality of the garden. They have initiated a petition opposing the school officials' decision and are lobbying for the garden's recognition as a permanent memorial. Advocates argue that the garden acts as a sanctuary for healing for those impacted by the tragedy and as a constant reminder to the broader community of the significance of unity during challenging times. Amidst the ongoing controversy, it is unequivocal that Project Grow Love has emerged as a symbol of hope and resilience for the Parkland community and beyond.
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