Author: Beth Black

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Couple Pays Tribute to MSD Victims at Wedding

Memories of Marjory Stoneman Douglas and the tragic Valentine’s Day shooting last year are those of pain and heartbreak for many people. For former students Jason and Stephanie Hoffman, however, the school has a special place in their hearts because it was there that their love story began ten years ago.

The two Seniors did not know each other until they were paired up by their teacher, Ivy Schamis, for a project in their World Geography class. Schamis said she didn’t see any chemistry between them. “It was a big surprise being invited to the wedding,” Schamis said. She not only taught Jason but his two sisters as well. The connection with Schamis and the Hoffman family grew following the shooting. Schamis’ lost two of her students that day. Cheryl Hoffman, Jason’s mother, was instrumental in helping Schamis cope and restore her classroom supplies through various fundraising activities.

Schamis, who has been teaching at Marjory Stoneman Douglas for 18 years, said Jason and Stephanie are inspirational and she uses their story as an example when she pairs students for group projects. Schamis purposely does this to bring students together who might not connect otherwise.

Schamis shared the story of Lexi Gendron and Helena Ramsay, whom she paired for a project in her Holocaust class. The class was given old pictures from the Holocaust showing shoes, clothing, luggage, and other personal belongings of the victims. The assignment was to create stories of what their lives might have been like. Lexi and Helena fabricated a salacious story of a couple but when it came time to share the story, Helena was concerned that it was disrespectful. Helena would be one of the 17 victims on February 14. Following the shooting, Lexi tearfully went to Schamis thanking her for pairing the two for the project saying that “she would never have had that memory with her” otherwise.

On November 10, 2018, Jason and Stephanie came home to marry at the Parkland Golf and Country Club. A large Marjory Stoneman Douglas flag served as a backdrop for a photo opportunity to be shared with their Eagle family. The couple chose to remember those lost by donating a portion of their monetary wedding gifts as a tribute. They will be working closely with Schamis to determine where the need lies for extra resources.

Jason and Stephanie were deeply affected by the shooting. The two speak of how difficult the tragedy is to comprehend because of the number of friends and family who grew up in the school. The pair never imagined that during the wedding preparations they would be dealing with unimaginable events including the funeral of Jason’s football coach, Aaron Feis. “He was a big part of my life,” Jason said. As we continue to grieve for such a tragic loss, perhaps in healing we can all take a cue from Schamis and reach out to a stranger. You never know how much you might gain.

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Coral Springs High’s First Graduating Class to Celebrate its 40th Reunion

Preparations are underway for a special occasion in September for some Coral Springs High School alumni. The class of ‘78, which was the school’s first graduating class, will celebrate its 40th reunion with a full line of festivities to take place on Ft. Lauderdale Beach. Native Floridian, Andrea DaSilva along with former classmates Susan Lipinski Swiderski, Kathy Kittredge, and Cindy Foster have been busy organizing the event filled weekend. DaSilva jokingly said that Mike McCormick is also on the committee, but “he is really just trying to get the football team together.”

Coral Springs High School had yet to be established so students were shuffled around a bit from Coconut Creek to Pompano Beach. The decision was made in 1975 to build the school but it was not ready for the start of the school year for the class of ‘78. The students spent their sophomore year in portable classrooms, but enjoyed the newly built facility for their junior and senior years. Being the pioneers of the school, the students had the opportunity to contribute to the development of the school including choosing the school colors, mascot, and other traditions. This class was the first to experience many things including the first edition of the school’s newspaper the Pony Express and the first student government. While this class looks forward to reuniting in September, DaSilva takes a moment to look back.

“It was so much fun growing up in Coral Springs,” DaSilva said. She recalls her Dad teaching her to drive on two lane roads and there was cow in the middle of the road. “I always say the people in Parkland have great soil because it was all cow pastures out there,” DaSilva said. According to DaSilva, Coral Springs really only began to evolve once the high school was built. Going out to dinner or to the mall involved a trip to either Sunrise or Pompano Beach. Not having a local school was not always easy and DaSilva said that having split sessions at Coconut Creek also made it difficult to adjust. Even though her 10th grade was spent in a portable classroom, DaSilva said it was “the best” because everyone was finally together. DaSilva talks about their first hangouts being Danny’s, Little Italy, and the bowling alley. “You would be surprised how many of the students still live here,” DaSilva said, adding that on any given night you can go into the old Danny’s, which is now J.D’s, and run into former classmates.

The committee is hopeful that classmates both near and far will enjoy meeting old friends and making new memories. DaSilva shares stories of some of the classmates including their one local celebrity, Pete Prisco who is now a Jacksonville sports announcer, hinting that it would be really nice if he would come. It remains to be seen who will turn out for the event, but it is certain to be a fun time for all.

A First Class Cocktail Party will be the first opportunity for classmates to reconnect at 7pm on Friday, September 21 at Bahia Mar Resort followed by a day at the beach on Saturday. Everyone is encouraged to bring food and coolers to this free beach party where the “Colts” will have the opportunity to have some fun in the sun. Saturday night will be a flashback to the 70s with dinner and disco, the D.J. is also a member of the first graduating class. Sunday morning coffee on the pool deck will be the last time for the first class to mingle and say their goodbyes.

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Handling the Fear

Walking into a store the other day I, and the woman next to me, stopped when we saw a fire truck, ambulance, and police car outside. We looked at each other and questioned whether it was safe to go inside. The conversation continued, and she told me that even though she works in a busy hospital, she never goes anywhere alone. She has her husband or grown son accompany her. The anxiety of the past year has taken its toll on her and she explained that getting her nails done by herself was a monumental step. If an adult woman struggles to go in the outside world, how do young children step inside of a school? How do we make them feel good about it?

The American Psychological Association urges parents to speak honestly with their children and to keep the level of detail age appropriate. Allow them to speak without interrupting and try to make home a haven where they can have a respite from the outside world. Following a crisis, children’s habits may change including sleep patterns, study patterns, and changes in appetite. Keeping news to a minimum and allowing children to express themselves through forms of art are some of the suggestions to help parents navigate this difficult time.

Christopher Gannon, a music teacher at Eagle Ridge Elementary and a band/color guard instructor at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, has been connecting with children at every age level during the recent crisis. “February 15th feels like it was yesterday,” Gannon said, referring to the day after the shooting. Because of his position as a music teacher, he sees children from pre-k to fifth grade and indicates that many of the children are discussing the tragedy at home.

Recently, the school had a day for children to wear orange for gun violence and Gannon remarked that an overwhelming number of children wore orange. “Maybe some parents just told their children they were wearing orange to school that day, but I think that most of the children were aware of the reason,” Gannon said. The fear, sadness, and awareness differ for each child he said, which may be due to the amount of discussion or exposure at home. “There is no right or wrong how parents handle it,” he said.

Gannon has not witnessed any major changes in his students. While it may be in the back of their minds, he feels that the children believe everyone is doing their best to protect them. One common denominator among children of all ages is their resilience, particularly among high school students. “They are driven by the right things, whatever they believe that is,” Gannon said.

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas band recently gave their last performance for the year and a tribute was played for the victims. The practices were highly emotional, and, at times, students would have to leave the room to collect themselves but would then return. During one of the practices an instrument was dropped and thinking that it was a gunshot there were some screams and a moment of fear, but that the students quickly regained their calm.

Gannon, who comes from a family of musicians, is a firm believer that music has provided a form of release for them. “Being involved in any form of art allows one to creatively express themselves,” he said. Gannon offers a reminder and some reassuring words: “These kids are positive and powerful.”

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The Courage to Speak Out

During a time in which we are experiencing a surge of political correctness, speaking honestly about topics deemed taboo requires a certain level of bravery. Gil Epstein, 13, chose to take that risk when he openly discussed the constant challenges he faces as the sibling of a disabled older sister Sari. The arena he chose to share a raw account of his life was not during a quiet conversation with his family but as the keynote speaker for a recent JAFCO fundraising event.

Gil credits his parents Eric and Erika for his ability to speak freely saying that he could always express himself without judgment. Eric said that for better or worse they never kept secrets from Gil and they were always honest about his sister’s condition. Her illness included numerous surgeries and is accompanied by frequent outbursts. Gil said that he didn’t want to “sugarcoat” what life is like living with a disabled sibling and that he felt that the message might be better received coming from a teenager. He shares how hard it is not to have time alone with his parents and events that most of us take for granted, such as an evening out for a dinner and a movie, is uncertain because of the anticipation of an outburst from Sari.

Eric describes life as “always waiting for the other shoe to drop.” He spoke about how Gil’s friendships suffer because of not wanting to being associated with his sister for fear of ridicule. Eric said on a rare occasion he asks Gil to meet his sister at the school bus, but he refuses and locks himself in his room. Gil admits that no one actually does make fun of him and when pressed about how he might be able to confront this situation in a different manner he responds, “this is something I will continue to have to work on.”

Trying to help Gil cope with a situation that he considers unfair, the Epstein’s brought Gil to JAFCO’s SibShop to meet other children whose lives were similar to his. When it came time for his bar Mitzvah, Gil chose SibShop as his Mitzvah project and was asked to be a leader for the younger children. His experiences with the group would be reflected through some of his Torah readings, most notably the story of Samson who derived strength from his hair, but through fate it was cut off.

Gil questions his fate of having a disabled sister but has come to recognize that good still comes from this. “Sari will never judge anyone,” Gil said. “She will be spared some of the negative emotions and experiences others have because she doesn’t know how to feel it.”

Sari did not attend the bar Mitzvah. “It was one of the most important days of my life and I just didn’t want her there,” Gil said. He didn’t want to deal with the worry of what might happen. He was grateful for this rare occasion when for a change it was all about him. There will probably be more public speaking in Gil’s future, as he and his parents believe it is important to share their experiences with others in the same situation. Both Eric and Erika have chosen to change professions and become mental health professionals in order to practice together counseling other couples on dealing with the challenges they face with a disabled child.

Gil was grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness not only concerning his life but the work done by organizations that assist disabled children and their families as JAFCO does. Because of the Children’s Ability Center, which provides an array of services including art, fitness, computers, and overnight stays Gil and his family was able to go on a cruise together. The Epstein’s hopes that their honesty and openness about their life will continue to help others who share this challenging journey.

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“Roll Tide” for Local Student

With so many students participating in extracurricular activities, it is easy to overlook the fact that being on any type of team is more than just fun; it is a commitment. Time, money, and hard work are among the sacrifices made by both the students and their families, but the drive to excel is worth it for many. Former Marjory Stoneman Douglas student, Rachel Edrich, is one of those students. The now 22-year-old University of Alabama senior shares the journey that led her down what was previously an unexpected path.

Rachel had danced and played soccer but things took a turn when a neighbor saw her out spinning a flag and suggested that she try out for the color guard. Swapping a flag for a rifle, Rachel made the team. She admitted that she did not like it at first but decided to continue. When asked now what advice she would give to younger girls she responds, “Do not give up.” The career of many student-athletes ends in high school but the commitment to her practices, training, and competitions has taken her far beyond that point. Rachel Edrich

Upon acceptance to the University of Alabama, Rachel decided that she would try out for its color guard. Rachel was given a prior opportunity to prove herself when Alabama scouts attended one of her high school competitions being held in Ohio. Once she made it to Alabama and was given the opportunity, she became part of the Alabama Million Dollar Marching Band Color Guard.

With 37 young women on the team, Rachel describes it as being “one big sisterhood” where “everyone has your back.” Veteran members are teamed up with the incoming freshmen for what is called “Big Sister, Little Sister.” With daily practices, strength training, and a full academic schedule, the young women are there to help each other through any hurdles they might encounter. There are high expectations of this team as they are expected to maintain an image of being strong and fit as they represent the University of Alabama.

While maintaining the level of athleticism that is required to control their equipment and perform for a five-minute routine, there is still a lot of glitz and glamour that goes along with being part of the color guard. Every year the women receive a new uniform, custom made and studded with rhinestones. Rachel said that since she has been there, the big script A has remained a signature feature of the uniforms and that it always looks stunning and photographs beautifully when they are on the field.

Rachel expresses her excitement for game day. “The best thing I can ask for is to get out on the field every Saturday and be a part of such an existing tradition.” She said that one of the things she enjoys most is looking out from the field and seeing how the fan base is generational, spanning all ages.

Describing what it is like to be part of this team, Rachel explains that it is more than performing; it is about bonding with other people. Being part of the team has also taught Rachel valuable life skills that will help her continue on her journey. While she must try out for the team every season, for now Rachel will continue to greet everyone with a “Roll Tide” as is the tradition with ‘Bama fans.

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