Crime News

Watch NBA Star Dwyane Wade Surprise Students At Parkland High School

Watch NBA star surprise the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

By Sowmya Krishnamurthy

The students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have returned to class three weeks after their school was the target of a mass shooting.

Following the tragedy, the Parkland, Florida teens have emerged as outspoken advocates about gun control and garnered the attention of politicians and celebrities alike. On Wednesday, NBA star Dwyane Wade surprised the students with a special appearance to share his love and support for them.

"I just had a great conversation with some of the students at Stoneman Douglas High School about some important/impactful things that they have planned. I'm looking forward to being more involved in the change that they WILL create," the Miami Heat star tweeted following the appearance. 

Here's video footage from the basketball star's cameo in the school cafeteria:

"I just had a great conversation with some of the students at Stoneman Douglas High School about some important/impactful things that they have planned. I’m looking forward to being more involved in the change that they WILL create," he tweeted afterwards.

He added, "Our conversation about bridging the gap between the students from Parkland, Florida and Chicago was really impressive. These young adults GET IT. They understand the power of their voices for the ones that often go unheard!"

Wade has a special connection to the students. As previously reported, 17-year-old Parkland shooting victim Joaquin Oliver was a huge D Wade fan. When he was laid to rest, he was buried in Wade's signature jersey. 

"You really can't put that in words. You hurt for the family," Wade told reporters at the time, according to ABC News. "If you ever get the opportunity to speak to them, you just try to hope the time where he was alive that you were able to bring some type of joy to his life and something memorable. A story that his family and you guys can talk about."

In honor of his Parkland fans, Wade wore sneakers with Oliver's name when the Miami Heat played the Philadelphia 76ers. The Heat won, and Wade sunk the game-winning jumper, according to ESPN.

[Photo: Getty Images]