Students, saddened by the attacks in New Zealand, came together in solidarity to remember those who lost their lives. Students mourned the tragedy at two New Zealand mosques that killed over 50 people and left more than 50 injured.
Junior Abood Yasin and his sister, senior Heba Yasin, shopped for a tree and Heba designed a flyer to distribute throughout the school. Abood, Heba and senior Dunia Samra posted the flyers around the school. Then, on Thursday, March 21, as the school dismissed for spring break, over 100 students, several staff members, parents, alumni, and younger siblings planted the tree on the corner of 95th and Southwest Highway. The spot was chosen to be visible not only for the OLCHS community but everyone driving by. The group then planted 50 flowers around the tree for the deceased victims and placed small stakes with the names at each flower. The activity was primarily put together by school counselor Samantha Razik and the Muslim Student Association.
Dunia Samra said, “I am so glad we are able to do something peaceful to remember the victims without breaking any rules and having any consequences.”