Like so many people all across the country, the students at Bi-Cultural Day School in Stamford were stunned and saddened by the senseless shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, two weeks ago that left 17 students and teachers dead.

“It is impossible to comprehend the genesis of events so horrific. We simply cannot fathom the unfathomable. Words fail us,” Head of School Jacqueline Herman wrote in a letter to Bi-Cultural families.

But the Stamford students were so moved by their grieving peers that they decided words would not fail them. Not this time.

And so, the day after the the shooting, Bi-Cultural’s students resolved to bring a ray of light to the students and families of Parkland, Florida. Under the guidance of third-grade teacher Beth Fritz and middle school teacher Adrianne Robinson, the student council contacted Stars of Hope, an organization that empowers children to bring hope to those in need through the power of art and messages of healing. Adopting the Stars of Hope program, the students’ first “pay it forward” project was to paint inspirational words and works of art on wooden stars provided by the organization. The Stars of Hope were then sent to the Parkland students. Following this experience, students also decided to become part of this “Pay it Forward” service that will bring healing and hope around the world.

“The goal is for our entire student body and staff to feel empowered by helping communities around the world in need of hope,” explained Fritz. “The world needs more ‘pay it forward’ acts of kindness and we’re so proud that our Bi-Cultural students have taken it upon themselves to help lift the spirits of thousands of people in their time of need.”

CAP: Bi-Cultural 8th-grader Ruthie Price paints a Star of Hope to send to the students at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.