Catholic Central News Flash: March 2018

Yesterday, March 14th, instead of participating in the 17 minute school walk out, the seniors of Catholic Central High School decided to organize an assembly.

The following is what was said during the assembly.

Introduction: Evelyn Rodriguez

On February 14, 2018, a 19-year-old former high school student, carried a black duffel bag and backpack loaded with ammunition. He arrived at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where he pulled out an AR-15 and began shooting students and teachers. He eventually discarded his rifle, vest, and ammunition in a stairwell and proceeded out the door with fleeing students, but not before a count of 17 students and teachers were murdered. We are gathered here today, not to talk about the shooter, but to honor and commemorate those who lost their lives to this devastating event. We ask you all to please be respectful and keep your political beliefs aside as the seniors share some information on the lives of those who were lost. Following the personal account of each victim we will observe a time of silence. After that we will recite the persons name and we ask you to respond with “May he/she Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Peter Wang: Chad Zirbel

Peter Wang was a 15-year-old freshman who dreamed of attending West Point Military Academy after high school. He was an ROTC cadet who showed courage that day as he held the door open for his classmates and teachers to escape. He was later honored with a full military funeral.

For Peter Wang: “May he rest in peace, Amen”

Aaron Feis: Frankie Koehnke

Aaron Feis had a very important role at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school. He was not only the assistant football coach, but also the security guard for the school. When Aaron heard shots the day of the shooting, he instantly began to run towards them. He shielded three girls to save their lives and was shot multiple times. Aaron Feis put others before himself and died a hero.

For Aaron Feis: “May he Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Nicholas Dworet: Tyler Reick

Nicholas Dworet a 17 year old senior, was the captain of the Douglas High school swim team. Earlier this year, he signed to continue swimming at the University of Indianapolis. He made second team all county for the 100 yard freestyle. He dreamed of making the Olympic swim team and going to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. His little brother was also harmed in the shooting.

For Nicholas Dworet: “May he Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Alyssa Alhadeff: Sophie Wagner

Alyssa Alhadeff, was a freshman and a talented soccer player, close to her teammates. She had played soccer since she was 3. The day before she died, her mom said, Alyssa had played the best game of her life. “Everything came together for her in that game — all her soccer technique and skills were perfect; everything she trained for her whole entire life was magnificent,” she said. Alyssa was described as passionate, intelligent, and kind to everyone. Alyssa planned to attend a soccer camp, this summer, where college scouts would watch her play.

For Alyssa Alhadeff: “May she Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Luke Hoyer: Sophie Wagner

The youngest grandson as well as the youngest of three children. “He was a good kid. He never got into trouble,” his grandmother said. Hoyer loved basketball, video games, chicken nuggets, and “anything sweet,” “He loved his family, his dogs and his friends.”
His cousin, Grant Cox, posted on Facebook that he was devastated and “in disbelief” that his Hoyer was one of the victims. “Tears will never show you how much I loved Luke. He had a whole life ahead of him and now I live through him,”

Luke's parents, Gena and Thomas Hoyer, searched for their son at hospitals before finally going to the law enforcement command center, where they learned he had died.

On the last day of his life, Luke Hoyer found a Valentine’s Day card and some of his favorite chocolates sitting by his bathroom sink. He called downstairs, “Thanks, Mom.” When his mother dropped her 15-year-old son off at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that morning, she told him, “I love you, Lukey Bear.” “I love you too, Mom,” he said. Luke, a freshman, was among the 17 victims in the school shooting that day.

For Luke Hoyer: “May he Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Gina Montalto: Sam Karl’s

Gina Montalto, 14-year- old freshman, was a member of the Winter Guard marching band. She was set to perform at the Winter Guard International regional band competition the following Saturday in Tampa. Her mother described her as a “smart, loving, caring and strong girl who brightened any room she entered.”

For Gina Montalto: “May she Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Scott Beigel: Bailey Bleser

A 35-year-old geography teacher, Scott Beigel, took immediate, selfless action as he worked to usher students back into his classroom when the shooting began. "Mr. Beigel was my hero, and he still will forever be my hero. I will never forget the actions that he took for me and my fellow classmates,” one student stated. Mr. Beigel spent his summer as a counselor at Camp Starlight in Pennsylvania.

For Scott Beigel: “May he Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Joaquin Oliver: Jenny Rebollar

Joaquin age 17 was born in Venezuela and he moved to the United States when he was three. He became a naturalized citizen in January 2017. Among friends at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, to his close friends he was known as Guac. His interests included football, basketball, the Venezuelan national soccer team, urban graffiti and hip-hop. An Instagram post dated December 31 was his final social media post -- a message to his girlfriend saying "Thank you lord for putting a greater blessing than I could ever imagine into my life this past year," he said. "I love you with all my heart."

For Joaquin Oliver: “May he Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Jaime Guttenberg: Franny Frederick

Jaime Guttenberg was a 14-year -old freshman and a dancer. She was described as being unique and tough as nails. Her cousin, Alexa, posted a tribute to her on Facebook: “You grew up to be the most beautiful, kind-hearted, driven, funny and sweet girl. You went out of your way to make everyone feel good and that smile... that smile lit up every single room you walked into. I will always cherish the time we had together. I will never understand why you were taken from us so soon but you will never be gone. You hold such a special place in my heart. My sweet baby cousin, may you sleep with the angels tonight and always.”

For Jaime Guttenberg: “May she Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Martin Duque Anguiano: Evelyn Rodriguez

Born in Coyuca De Catalan, Mexico, 14-year-old Martin Duque Anguiano was known as a fun-loving, extroverted young man. Martin enjoyed Star Wars, soccer, and he regularly attended church. He was a proud member of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School JROTC program. His JROTC awards included: The Medal of Heroism and the Leadership Development Ribbon. He was a thoughtful student and a well-liked cadet. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Martin and his family.

For Martin Duque Anguiano: “May he Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Carmen Schentrup: Jenny Rebollar

Carmen Schentrup, 17th birthday would have been on Wednesday February 14th. People talked proudly of her wit, her intelligence and sweetness. Carmen loved a good story and devoured books, routinely reading over 100 per year. Like most teenagers, she also enjoyed TV and movies, especially sci-fi, fantasy, and comedies. Carmen was artistic and loved music. She enjoyed drawing and visiting art museums. She played piano, violin, guitar, and sang in our church choir. She was a National Merit finalist among a select group of 15,000 students, but unfortunately the letter arrived in the mail the day after she passed, so she never knew that.

For Carmen Schentrup: “May she Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Cara Loughran: Evelyn Rodriquez

Cara Loughran’s 15th birthday would have been on February 21. She was a shy individual who loved the beach and was full of life and love. Cara was an Irish dancer at the Drake School of Irish Dance. TRANSITION BETWEEN THESE TWO THOUGHTS... Cara’s brother Liam, a senior, was also at the school on the day of the shooting. Hours later, outside the school, he was waiting for word on his sister with their mother.

For Cara Loughran: “May she Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Alaina Petty: Brynn Messi

Alaina was the youngest of four and has been noted to be “the light of her family’s life”. She loved to assist others and volunteered her time to help those that were impacted by Hurricane Irma. She was also apart of the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. Friends and family called her a smart and caring, down-to-earth girl.

For Alaina Petty: “May she Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Meadow Pollack: Mikelle Miles

A senior in high school, 18 year old Meadow Pollack was preparing for graduation. She looked forward to her future and what it held; she planned to attend Lynn University in the fall. She had a big family that loved her. Her father is taking action to increase safety for schools. Meadow was described as a star with a smile like sunshine. A playground will be built in her honor, one that is suitable for a princess like Meadow.

For Meadow Pollack: “May she Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Chris Hixon: Charles Robinson

Chris Hixon was the athletic director and wrestling coach for Stoneman Douglas High School. He also served in the Navy during Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf. When the school was faced with the potential cutting of sports programs due to coaching vacancies, Hixon took it upon himself to be the coach. He coached 5 additional sports to ensure that his students would have an opportunity to participate in something they enjoyed and he received no extra pay for his work. His selfless behavior was shown once again on the day of the shooting. After hearing gunshots, Chris got into a golf cart and drove in the direction of the shots. As he drove the cart towards the shooter in an attempt to disarm him, Hixon was killed.

For Chris Hixon: “May he Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Alex Schachter: Lucas Hines

A member of the high school marching band and orchestra, Alex played baritone and trombone. Parkland high school band director told the paper: "I felt he really had a bright future on the trombone." In remembrance, a scholarship fund has been created to help other students experience the joys of music.

For Alex Schachter: “May he Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Helena Ramsay: Amanda Hintz

Helena was a studious, quiet, and serious girl who loved to travel and read. She had turned 17 just 26 days before she was killed. In her final moments she did not turn to protect her own safety, but the safety of her friend. As the gunman shot through glass of the door and entered the room, Helena instructed her friend Samantha to pick up books and shield herself. The book was enough to save Samantha’s life. She was injured, but not killed due to the selflessness of her friend. That moment of bravery is what her friends keep pointing to as they remember this joyful girl that was always laughing.

One of her friends said “she had so much ambition for a successful life and career after high school. She wanted to be sure she attended the best college, got the best grades and have the best career possible. All those dreams perished with her last week.” Helena’s brother concluded the funeral service with “Helena died a hero.”

For Helena Ramsay: “May she Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Closing: Marcus Robinson

13, 32, 27, 49, 58 and now 17, a group of numbers mathematically unrelated, and yet a group of numbers that could not be more connected in their deeper meaning. To restate them in a slightly different way, Columbine, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, Pulse, Las Vegas, and now Parkland. Each of which were places previously unaffiliated with one another in any way and yet today are locations on a grief stricken map, with each standing for a horrific mass shooting. It is truly through grief and pain that they are connected, and we here today to raise our voices as testament to that pain as well as to the binding power that grief has on a community. In particular, today we speak in mournful remembrance of the number 17 and the name Parkland, both of which now stand for each individual life and future lost on February 14, a month ago today. It truly is this senseless loss of life, above all others that should speak and shake us as Catholic Central High School Students. That is because this number seventeen stands for seventeen deaths each of which occurred in a high school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, one not unlike our own. Furthermore, 14 of those killed were students, ages 14 to 18, each of which shared our same hobbies, sports, and interests, and each of which shared their own unique dreams for their future, a future that was so abruptly and mercilessly taken from them. The remaining three were teachers and coaches, hero’s that deliberately chose to put themselves in the line of fire in order to protect the lives of their students....Ladies and gentleman, fellow students, this very easily could have been us. It is that stark reality that moved me, and that same reality that most likely moved all of those that you heard speak today, as well as the thousands of high school students all across the country who chose, at 10 o’clock, to no longer sit
idle but rather take action and make sure the ever important voices and opinions of high school students are finally heard and respected. It is also in that stark reality that this day above all others calls for our unity as a high school, as Catholic Central High School. We are called together as fellow students, classmates, brothers and sisters in a school founded on understanding, caring, and loving one another - ideals we are now called to live out more than ever, as it was shown in the Parkland shooting, even as high schoolers we are never promised tomorrow, so live out your best self today. Furthermore, as a high school with the words “Catholic Central” in its title, we are called to be united even more than others, as faith, love, and prayer are to be benchmarks of our relationships with one another and common ground to ensure the tragedy of Parkland never happens again, in this nation and especially not in this school. So yes, today we mourn and remember the seventeen students and staff members of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that were forever lost, but at the same time we are united in our mourning and it is through being united that we emerge stronger and more determined as a high school than ever before.
It is in that spirit of unity, faith, and remembrance that we are all called together now in prayer and we would ask that you would join hands as a high school community while reciting a prayer we know and can all be united in saying with new meaning: the our father.