Parkland school shooting teacher honoured at Tony Awards

CP240370401
CORRECTS NAME OF SCHOOL TO MARJORY FROM MARJORIE - Melody Herzfeld, drama teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, accepts the award for excellence in theatre education at the 72nd annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 10, 2018, in New York. (Photo by Michael Zorn/Invision/AP)

NEW YORK – A drama teacher recalled all the lessons she learned in the arts as she barricaded students in a closet during the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

Melody Herzfeld was presented with the 2018 Excellence in Theatre Education Award during the Tony Awards on Sunday.

She described how drama teachers create a circle of trust and during the shooting those lessons would be called upon “to set into action, letting the stronger be our collective voice and supporting the rest that needed time.”

She stressed the need for embracing all sides and for honesty.

Herzfeld saved 65 lives on Valentine’s Day when police say a former student went on a rampage, killing 17 people.

Her students appeared on the Tony stage to serenade her with “Seasons of Love” from “Rent.”

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles