MSD 1200 Building - Emotional Healing for Parkland

The 1200 building on the campus of MSD is not only a constant reminder of the tragedy that took place, but it is also an eyesore that  continues to torment the emotional well-being of our community.

Although the numerous banners and signs that cover the fence now show the support and love that our community received worldwide, it doesn’t make the pain less tolerable.

Since the building is a live crime scene, unfortunately it’s required to remain in tact until the painful trial comes to an end. 

I am a mother of a rising Freshman at MSD this August. When I look at the building and fencing filled with constant reminders of the tragedy, I don’t know how to expect my daughter to walk right past the building each day when I can neither look at it nor look past it.  I’m concerned about her emotional well-being as well as that of the entire student body, staff and their families.

Lori Alhadeff, Alyssa’s mom, has suggested a brilliant solution of using a printed banner to mask the trauma associated with looking at the 1200 building so that it might assist with the healing of the MSD community. She would like to wrap the entirety of the fencing in banners with photos of calming landscape and beautiful greenery. (See photo above). Not only would this cover the fencing, but it would also assist in providing the community with a beautiful alternative to the status quo.

Our goal is to have the banners printed and installed before school starts on August 14th (or shortly thereafter). This leaves a very small window of time to raise funds. The project will require close to $20,000.00 to pay for the remainder of the cost of materials. Any monies leftover will be deposited directly to the MSD PTSO. 

Although nothing can erase the pain of what was experienced on February 14, 2018, I do believe that this minor surface beautification will be quite helpful to the entire Parkland community. 

Since starting to work on this project for Lori in April, I have felt better. A sense that I was doing something to help make a minor difference. Nothing - not a thing - will ever make the pain go away, but hopefully, contributing to this might help you feel like you’re doing something to help our community heal too.


With sincere gratitude,
Adrienne Auster