On February 14, the world mourned as it learned of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. 

Now, just over a month later, the Stoneman Douglas world class guard will travel 200 miles north to Orlando, FL, for the 2018 WGI Southeast Power Regional, not only for another opportunity to perform but also for the chance to find some sense of normalcy after such a tragedy.

In a phone conversation, Stoneman Douglas director Manny Miranda said the guard was using this weekend's competition as an opportunity to get away from everything that happened 36 days ago.

"We are heading up on Friday," Miranda said. "We are approaching it as a chance to put some distance between us and what happened."

Miranda said that he feels like this weekend's competition will be the first opportunity for the guard to truly perform without the massive weight of the Parkland tragedy on its shoulders. The chance to get out and change locations is something its members are all welcoming.

Having lost several weeks worth of rehearsal, Miranda said that they have finally been able to complete their show and the guard is absolutely chomping at the bit to perform.

While there is no way to forget what happened, Miranda and his guard are simply trying to move forward. Now, Miranda just wants to say thank you to everyone who has helped the Stoneman Douglas community heal.

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My name is Manny Miranda, and I am the color guard director at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. We at Stoneman Douglas are a tight family. Like most programs, we spend countless hours together at rehearsal, in class, and at competitions.

Our little family is resilient and strong. Last month on February 14 our lives were changed forever. As we push on through these tragic times, there is one thing that we have never let go of, our love for each other.

Not only are we moving forward from tragedy with our love, but we are also moving forward with yours! We have received letters, dream catchers, paper cranes, ribbons, posters, banners, keepsakes, and much more. But most importantly we have received love, so much love. We are still receiving pictures of teams across the nation wearing maroon ribbons, or sitting in the shape of a heart, and even photos of decorated show props in memoriam for our beloved program.

There are no words to express how the tragic event at our school has taken a toll on us, but the extensive and continued support from all of you has made it easier to keep taking those small steps forward. Our students at Stoneman Douglas know the true meaning of family, love, and support thanks to our color guard family. As we move on and try to find our new definition of “normal,” we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything.

We are all connected through our love for this sport, which makes us all one big family. We are ready and excited to keep moving forward into the remainder of the competitive season! We are all #MSDStrong!

With love and gratitude, 

Manny Miranda 

Colorguard Director, 

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School 

Parkland, Florida