Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade made a surprise visit at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School today, the site of a mass shooting that claimed the lives of 17 people just a few weeks ago.
For the past few weeks, Wade has been actively vocal in support of the victims, after one of the deceased students, 17-year-old Joaquin Oliver, was buried in a Wade jersey.
This is Joaquin Oliver. He was one of the 17 young lives that were lost tragically at Douglas HighSchool in Parkland. Joaquin was one of many that i heard was excited about my return to Miami and yesterday was buried in my jersey. This is why we will not just SHUT up and dribble! pic.twitter.com/X0tfTTao33
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) February 26, 2018
Here’s what Wade told the students during his visit today.
I just wanted to come and say I’m inspired by all of you,” he said in a video captured of his appearance. “As someone from here in the public eye, I’m proud to say I’m from this state because of you guys.”
I just had a great conversation with some of the students at Stoneman Douglas High School about some important/impactful things that they have planned. I’m looking forward to being more involved in the change that they WILL create. #MSDStrong 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
Our conversation about bridging the gap between the students from Parkland, Florida and Chicago was really impressive. These young adults GET IT. They understand the power of their voices for the ones that often go unheard!
The students seemed pretty stoked about Wade’s visit and shared their excitement on social media.
https://twitter.com/SInow/status/971446358019260416
NOTHING BUT RESPECT FOR MY PRESIDENT @DwyaneWade 💛💖💖💛💛💖💖💛💛💖💛💖💖💖💛💛💖💖💛💛💖💖💖💖💛💖💖💛💖💛 pic.twitter.com/neGjGo55X3
— rain (@rainvalladares) March 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/sebiloveschoco/status/971429898370895877
Greatest moment of my life. You’re the 🐐 @DwyaneWade #HeatLifer #MSDstrong #NeverAgain pic.twitter.com/RM0IS9Hpjx
— Joey Pelose 🇮🇹 (@JPelose22) March 7, 2018
@DwyaneWade thank you for the visit and your support!♥️ pic.twitter.com/8vl8voSfgH
— Lola S (@Lolasanabriaa) March 7, 2018
So, this just happened… thanks so much for coming to MSD, @DwyaneWade! The students really needed this & truly appreciated it!!! pic.twitter.com/OvdlL2Tmzg
— Sarah Lerner🟧 (@mrs_lerner) March 7, 2018
Pretty bro move on Dwyane Wade’s part. It’s always good to see athletes helping out in the community especially after tragic events such as the Parkland shooting.