Statement from Florida PTA President, Cindy Gerhardt re: Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas H.S., Broward County, Florida.

 

This afternoon I received a text that no one who leads the largest child advocacy association in this state would ever want to read.  The school shooting tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School has set each and every parent, grandparent, sibling, family and community member back on their heels.  The heaviness of this horrific act has suffocated us with grief, sadness, hopelessness and hurt. 

Florida PTA has a long and successful legacy of fighting for the safety, health and well-being of ALL children in our state, but today we feel like we have fallen short.  Children left their homes that will never return.  Our hearts are mourning for each and every victim and their families and loved ones.  There are simply no words that one can offer at this time to a mother who has lost her baby boy, or a father who has lost his Valentine.  Our minds are struggling to find answers but more importantly, our determination is stronger than ever to ensure that this tragic moment is never repeated.  Our children are not statistics and enough weeping has occurred to fill the Gulf that surrounds our state.  Enough.

While you may not recognize the faces or know the names, each and every person involved will be impacted in ways we cannot fathom and they will need our support.  Kim Potanovic, PTSA President at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School says, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims of this horrific event.  We condemn this senseless loss of life, and we plan to do whatever we can to help the staff, students and families affected by this tragedy."

We ask that you please keep them in your hearts and find ways to honor them with your advocacy and actions.