Alyssa Alhadeff

Alyssa Alhadeff was a vibrant and ambitious student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, who tragically lost her life in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. She was an avid player of soccer and had a passion for the sport, often playing for her school team, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Eagles, and the Parkland Travel Soccer team. Alyssa's love for soccer was inspired by her favorite teams, including Manchester United and the United States women's national soccer team, and she often watched games featuring Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Her dedication to the sport was evident in her participation in various soccer tournaments, including those organized by the United States Youth Soccer Association and the Florida Youth Soccer Association.

● Early Life

Alyssa Alhadeff was born in 2006 in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, to Lori Alhadeff and Ilan Alhadeff. She grew up in a loving family with her parents and two brothers, and the family later moved to Parkland, Florida, where Alyssa attended Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Alyssa's early life was marked by her love for soccer, which she played with her friends and family, including her favorite soccer players, such as Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe. She was also an avid fan of the National Women's Soccer League and often watched games featuring teams like the North Carolina Courage and the Portland Thorns FC. Alyssa's passion for soccer was encouraged by her family, who often attended her games and supported her participation in soccer camps and clinics organized by the United States Soccer Federation and the Florida Soccer Association.

● Career

As a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Alyssa Alhadeff was an active member of the school community, participating in various extracurricular activities, including the school soccer team and the debate team. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society, and she often volunteered at local organizations, such as the Parkland Library and the Broward County Humane Society. Alyssa's academic achievements were recognized by her teachers and peers, and she was awarded several academic awards, including the National Merit Scholarship and the AP Scholar Award. Her love for learning was inspired by her favorite historical figures, including Abraham Lincoln and Rosa Parks, and she often read books about history and science, including works by Stephen Hawking and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

● Death and Legacy

On February 14, 2018, Alyssa Alhadeff's life was tragically cut short when she was killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, along with 16 other students and staff members, including Nicholas Dworet, Jaime Guttenberg, and Chris Hixon. The shooting was carried out by Nikolas Cruz, a former student of the school, and it sparked a national debate about gun control and school safety. Alyssa's death was mourned by her family, friends, and community, and she was remembered for her kindness, compassion, and love for soccer. Her legacy lives on through the Alyssa Alhadeff Memorial Foundation, which was established by her parents to support youth soccer programs and gun safety initiatives. The foundation has partnered with organizations like the National Rifle Association and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence to promote gun safety and reduce gun violence.

● Tributes and Memorials

Alyssa Alhadeff's memory has been honored through various tributes and memorials, including a soccer tournament held in her name, which featured teams from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and other local schools, such as Coral Springs High School and J.P. Taravella High School. The tournament was organized by the Alyssa Alhadeff Memorial Foundation and the Parkland Soccer Club, and it raised funds for youth soccer programs and gun safety initiatives. Alyssa's family has also established a scholarship fund in her name, which provides financial assistance to students who are pursuing higher education, particularly those who are interested in soccer and social justice. The fund has partnered with organizations like the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and the American Civil Liberties Union to support students who are passionate about soccer and social justice.

● Family Advocacy

Alyssa Alhadeff's parents, Lori Alhadeff and Ilan Alhadeff, have become vocal advocates for gun safety and school safety since their daughter's death. They have worked with organizations like the Everytown for Gun Safety and the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence to promote gun control legislation and support school safety initiatives. The Alhadeffs have also spoken at various events, including the March for Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C., where they advocated for stricter gun laws and improved school safety measures. Their advocacy work has been recognized by politicians and activists, including Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Emma González, who have praised their efforts to promote gun safety and school safety. The Alhadeffs continue to work tirelessly to honor their daughter's memory and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future, partnering with organizations like the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers to support school safety initiatives and gun safety legislation.