Parkland Seniors Held Their Prom — While Honoring Lost Classmates
A memorial for Meadow Pollack, one of the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, sits in a park in Parkland, Florida on February 16, 2018. Image by RHONA WISE/AFP/Getty Images
Marjory Stoneman Douglas seniors attended on Saturday the prom that they’ve been eagerly anticipating since the start of high school — but did so while honoring their four classmates who were slain in the mass shooting at the school in February.
“I could barely get myself to come here,” Andrew Pollack, the father of victim Meadow Pollack, told ABC News. “I’m here, though.”
Pollack came to see his deceased daughter’s friends off in a limousine colored magenta — a color Meadow loved. The windows were covered in fuchsia paint with the words, “We love you Meadow.”
“I would have just worn a simple black dress. But I know Meadow would have argued with me that it would be too plain,” said Carley Ogozaly, one of Meadow’s closest friends. “Me wearing this pink sparkly thing and me doing my nails the way Meadow would have is my way of making sure Meadow doesn’t miss prom.”
Ogozaly added that she and Meadow had discussed shopping for their prom dresses in the hours before the shooting.
The Parkland high school reportedly considered forgoing this year’s prom, but local businesses donated items and services, helping to reduce the event’s costs. The event was held in the main ballroom at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, and had an enchanted forest theme. A room was set aside for anyone needing quiet reflection.
Along with Meadow, senior class victims Nicholas Dworet, Joaquin Oliver and Carmen Schentrup were honored.
Contact Haley Cohen at hcohen@forward.com
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