By: Sharon Aron Baron

We will persevere through these trying times said Marjory Stoneman Douglas Principal Ty Thompson in a heartfelt video message after 17 students and teachers were killed by a shooter at the Parkland school on Wednesday.

He thanked students and the staff for following procedural protocols. “I truly, truly believe lives were saved due to those protocols.”

Thompson thanked the first responders and the local, state, and federal authorities.

“We’ve gotten such an outcry of support worldwide via email and social media and I thank you on behalf of the whole Stoneman Douglas community.”

He said that he’s received many media inquiries but right now his number one job is to be here for his staff, his students and his community in this time of need.

They lost 17 lives on Valentine’s Day and he wants to take the love that they lost and spread it over the days, weeks, months and years.

“I promise you, I will hug each and every one of you as many times as you need, and I will hold you as long as you need me to, and we will get through this together.”