Student Cuts Out 3,200 Pieces of Paper, Tapes Notes to 3,200 High School Lockers
Only two months into 2018, the United States is already reeling from multiple school shootings. The latest episode of horrific violence in Parkland, Florida, has brought many people to their knees — and others to their feet.
With numerous rallies and marches scheduled to take place, numerous students are speaking out in no uncertain terms.
Some are shouting in outraged urgency and angry disbelief; others are attempting to provide some measure of solace, where words simply fail.
Meanwhile, at least one student is taking extraordinary action of a different sort. And her quiet, heartfelt gesture has instantly made a stunned, enraged, bewildered nation take notice.
Hannah Harrison is a senior at Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange, Florida. She chose to send her supportive message in the form of an all-inclusive valentine.
On Feb. 14, Harrison coordinated the placement of 3,200 handmade hearts on every single student locker.
Each one bore a brief but beautifully encouraging sentiment, such as “you are loved.”
Harrison told media outlets that she’d been preparing and cutting out the greetings for nearly two months, as a way to uplift and inspire her fellow classmates. “Can’t leave anyone out,” she said, noting that “if I didn’t do a hundred a night, I would double up on the weekends.”
Spruce Creek Guidance Assistant Melanie Porreco Turngren was among the first to herald the news on Facebook.
“My eyes cried real tears at this sight,” proclaimed her glowing post, which showed locker upon locker adorned with the colorful notes.
Turngren emphasized that people of all ages need to hear such loving affirmations daily — especially during these harrowing times. “I’m not sure if you realize the impact this has,” she said in one social media entry, “especially on a student who may not be receiving a ‘gift’ of flowers or candy or [a] stuffed animal today.”
Harrison told media outlets that “I just felt whatever I wrote on each heart is what that person needed that day.”
She also stressed that “people need to know they’re loved, and to believe in themselves.”
Judging from the outpouring of support all across social media, Harrison’s messages accomplished their mission. They carried a radiant glimmer of light and love, on a Valentine’s Day that wound up being incredibly dark for so many.
Even more incredible? Harrison planned her caring surprise long before a school shooting would take place in South Florida that same day.
Her own heart simply felt prompted to share these kindly, compassionate sentiments — and one might say they were delivered when a powerful reminder was needed most of all.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.
