Stoneman Douglas School Shooting Survivor Plans To Graduate Even Though He Won't Return To Class

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

As the students return to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and try to resume their normal schedule, there is one student who does not believe that is possible - at least for the rest of the school year.

Samantha Fuentes, who is in her senior year of high school, was shot in the leg and shrapnel wounds during the February 14 massacre that left 17 dead, after a former student who had been expelled stormed the school. While still healing - and now walking with a cane - the student has decided to withdraw from the school campus.

"I want to be part of Stoneman Douglas and I want to continue the rest of my studies normally," Fuentes told CNN on Wednesday. "However, there is no longer any normality."

Students attend school on a modified schedule, but will resume their full schedule on March 7, according to a press release issued by the Broward County School District.

Fuentes, who has shrapnel lodged permanently in his face and behind his eye, confessed that he had mixed feelings about his withdrawal from school. The young woman assured CNN that she will meet her online academic requirements.

"Everyone will take the time to regroup and comfort each other, and appreciate each other's existence because we lost precious lives," he told CNN. "Instead of feeling dejected, I prefer to make a difference and advocate for my cause."

Fuentes has appeared on television several times advocating for better school safety and laws to prevent gun violence.

In particular, he says he wants "simple mechanisms we've had for a long time, like bulletproof windows and metal detectors, and live security cameras."

He also wants assault weapons to be banned, better background checks for gun buyers, and the minimum age of buyers to be raised to 21.

As I recover and take my courses online is when I would like to have the opportunity to travel and speak in front of large audiences, spread my message, speak to legislators, participate in demonstrations, be everywhere I need to be to that people hear me clearly,”he explained to CNN.