The students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School were having lunch on Wednesday when they got a visit from someone special. Dwyane Wade took time on his off day to visit the students and tell them how much they have inspired him in the wake of the mass shooting that took place on February 14.
Dwyane Wade surprised the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas with a lunchtime visit
Wade also told students how proud he was of them.
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
The words of encouragement he offered the students meant a lot. And the excitement was documented by dozens of students who were around when Wade arrived.
“Thank y’all. I just want to come here today, and hopefully for a moment — for a second bring a little bit of this. Bring a little excitement, bring a little joy. What you guys have been going through has been amazing from afar, and I just wanted to come and say I’m inspired by all of you.”
It clearly meant a lot to the students who have had so much attention on them since the shooting, and their bravery to stand and speak in favor of gun control — even while being targeted by individuals who are against their message.
Wade has had special meaning to the students, including Joaquin Oliver, who tragically lost his life that day. Oliver was buried in his Dwyane Wade jersey, which not only touched the Heat star — but caused him to take action.
Wade explained how he’s happy to be back in Miami after being traded, and he’s out there in the community trying to make a difference and to tell these kids, who so many are trying to silence, not to lose their voices.
Wade’s surprise comes the same day as the school was visited by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who didn’t want to listen to the students.
Bravo, D-Wade.
