University of Alabama students gathered to remember those lost in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting and celebrate their lives Monday.
The candlelight vigil took place two weeks after the tragedy and was organized by alumni from Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school and members of SGA. Speakers encouraged those in attendance to focus on becoming a new generation of leaders as well as remember the 17 lives that were lost.
Stoneman Douglas alumni Nicole Serwinowski, a sophomore majoring in chemical engineering, reminded attendees to love those that could one day be lost, and continue to support her community. Along with her, seven UA students who graduated from or know people at Stoneman Douglas attended the vigil. As it came to a close, attendees assembled in a circle and participated in 170 seconds of silence to remember those who were lost and their families.
Serwinowski reached out to SGA members to help organize the event. She said that events like this are an integral part to show that students have power. She has also organized to take students from the University to join the march at Washington D.C. on March 24.
“There was a sense that a lot of people wanted to organize to show support, so that’s what we did,” Serwinowski said.
Ashley Skolnick, a junior majoring in business, said that the vigil was a great way to show the University of Alabama’s support for the people of Florida and all the families affected.
Carly Louis, a senior majoring in elementary education, went to high school fifteen minutes from Stoneman Douglas. She said to her it was terrifying, as she is currently training to be a teacher. Despite that though, she is proud of the unity of her community. Her sister, who attends a school close by, is on one of the many high school lacrosse teams that have come together to support Stoneman Douglas.
“It’s really nice to see people from other schools in the area come together to support each other,” Louis said.
Gene Fulmer, the SGA director of engagement, said that Serwinowski’s voice was worth hearing, and that’s why SGA was excited to help support her in organizing the event.
“When one member of the UA community is affected, we all are,” Fulmer said.
