Editor’s Note: Since the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, which killed 14 students and 3 adults, students across the nation are not only calling for action but also honoring those who died. At Wahlert, we are honoring the victims by learning a little about them during morning prayer. To give you a better idea of who these students were, we are also writing a short article to honor the victims.

Gina Montalto, a freshman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was killed in the Parkland shooting on Feb. 14. She was only 14 years old.

Gina is survived by her parents, Tony and Jennifer Montalto, and her younger brother.

“She was a smart, loving, caring and strong girl who brightened any room she entered,” Jennifer Montalto said of her daughter in a statement. “She will be missed by our family for all eternity.”

Gina participated in her high school’s Color Guard team, which performed choreographed flag routines to the music of the school’s marching band.

Her Color Guard instructor, Manny Miranda, wrote on Facebook, “ My heart is broken into pieces. I will forever remember you, my sweet angel.”

An eager reader, Gina was a fan of the Harry Potter series, the Hunger Games books, and Wonder Woman comics. Her love of reading led her to illustrate for a local magazine.

“Gina always took great pride in her education,” said her parents. “High grades and school involvement were a huge part of Gina’s life. She always looked for ways to help others.”

In remembrance of Gina Montalto, Tony and Jennifer Montalto have created a fundraising page to raise money for a scholarship fund in her name. By creating this fund, they hope to help other children further their education. If you wish to donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/ginamontalto.

Quotes found from CNN, Miami Herald, GoFundMe, Miami Local 10 News.