By Jill Fox
Thanks to her video about school safety, a Marjory Stoneman Douglas senior is the recipient of the second annual Alyssa Alhadeff Soccer Scholarship awarded by Make Our Schools Safe.
Emily Burke of Parkland received the $888 scholarship from the nonprofit organization founded by Lori and Ilan Alhadeff in honor of their 14-year old daughter, Alyssa.
A star player and the captain of her traveling team, Alyssa, was number eight on the soccer field, which explains the symbolic amount of the award.
Teammates from the girls’ soccer team at Marjory Stoneman Douglas were offered an opportunity to create a 30-second video about school safety.
“Emily’s video was professional, on message, and focused on common warning signs,” said Lori Alhadeff.
Burke said the first thing that came to mind was prevention.
“I thought about what would need to happen for someone not to lose their friend,” she said. “We have to prevent it.”
Having been involved in soccer since age three, Burke played alongside Alyssa.
“She was my best friend,” said Burke.
Still deciding between Florida universities, Burke plans to study either pre-med and play either club or division two soccer.
“It’s such a great cause that Lori has started. I’m grateful for the financial aid and that I could be a part of it.”
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