It is during our darkest moments that we shine the light. Following the tragic mass shooting that took place at Stoneman Douglas High School, the world came to know the students of this high school were a bit different. Some jumped to action in the political arena. Others turned their efforts toward the arts. Many from both sides had significant roots in the drama department at Stoneman Douglas High School.
Two of those drama students, Sawyer Garrity and Andrea Peña, channeled their pain and anger into writing an original song called Shine days after the tragedy. What started as a personal healing journey quickly grew into an anthem met with an overwhelming response from Parkland and those who saw them perform at the CNN town hall on February 21, 2018. Sawyer, Andrea, their families and friends realized the power of healing through artistic expression, and the positive impact the arts has in inspiring hope and unity in the aftermath of tragedy.
We were inspired...
The mass exposure, and the clamor for a copy of “Shine” from around the globe, gave the girls their next big idea: releasing the song to the public right before the “March For Our Lives,” which will take place in D.C. later this month. They want to use any money raised to help kids heal through the arts.
— Erika Pesantes, Sun Sentinel
Our
Core Values
With that in mind, Shine MSD was born to raise relief funds for victims and their families and provide mental health programs centered around the arts at Stoneman Douglas High School and Parkland. We anticipate the healing and mental health needs in our community to be a continuous, ongoing effort with the potential to expand the scope of our work to other individuals and communities in need around the world.
Integrity
We will conduct ourselves in a way that is honest, transparent, and ethical. We will be true to the mission of our organization.
Community
We exist to serve the community of Stoneman Douglas affected by the tragedy of February 14, 2018 and stand ready to assist any student body in the area that may need our help.
Good Stewardship
We will be a good steward of the resources bequeathed to us. We will utilize 100% of any monies raised or donated for the healing of the Stoneman Douglas Community and create a model to be used in other communities.