Twenty years ago today

Twenty years ago today our we were blessed with our beautiful daughter. Gina came into this world with her eyes wide open, alert and ready to take on any challenge. Her arrival made us parents. All of the parents reading this remember the excitement and fear of the birth of their first child.

Tragically she was taken from our family when she was murdered at her school five years ago. We find it nearly impossible to believe Gina is not with us to celebrate her twentieth birthday. We miss her laughter, her sense of humor, and her hugs most of all.

We honor Gina’s kind and compassionate soul through the scholarships and grant programs provided through the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation. If you are able we ask you to donate and help keep Gina’s light shining as we help others reach their goals.

Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc.

#forever14

Thank you for your support.

From Darkness into Light: Creating the Gina Rose Montalto Gold Award Scholarship

Written by Jennifer Montalto

 Five years ago, our daughter Gina Rose Montalto, went to school at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Valentine’s Day. It struck her father Tony and I as adorable, how ninth graders still reveled in this pink-drenched day celebrating teenage relationships with teddy bears, balloons, flowers, hearts, and of course, candy. We had readied chocolate roses for Gina to take to school as we sat that morning at the breakfast table – our Valentine’s Day tradition. Off she went! Little did we know that within a few hours, February 14 would come to symbolize something different for us and the entire community when a gunman took Gina and 16 others from our lives.

Our Gina was like a light in the dark. She was generous of spirit, and genuine of heart. She was a talented artist, avid reader, active volunteer (especially for causes helping children), successful student, high school color guard team member, and of course, a Girl Scout. 

Whether punishment or a gift, time marched on following that terrible day. It took some time for us to discover how we believed Gina should, and would like to be, remembered. In her short 14 years, Gina had the ability to make connections with people from all walks of life. She was able to touch others in a personal and meaningful way. Honestly, she lit up a room! Gina was always first to say hello and welcome new friends, Gina was truly magnetic. She was a loving daughter to us, a kind and protective big sister, and a cherished member of our entire extended family.  

Gina had been a Girl Scout since kindergarten. She loved the camaraderie and enjoyed service projects and camping with her troop. By freshman year she was already thinking, and regularly chatting about, earning the Gold Award. Like most Girl Scouts her age, she had a lot of potential project ideas. We would smile, and often say “Oh, sweetheart, you’ve got some time for that.” She didn’t. Gina’s hopes of achieving The Gold Award were left unfulfilled, but her dreams of it went on to inspire us. 

Shortly after her murder, we began establishing ways we wanted others to remember Gina, not just the circumstances surrounding her death. Those details were hard to ignore—but Gina was much more than that dark day and we vowed to remember her and celebrate her life and her special light. With our family, we founded the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation. It has allowed us to remember Gina and support the things, people, and organizations she adored! Naturally, we thought of the Girl Scouts first. In 2019, we created a partnership with the Southeast Florida council to support all the scouts earning the National Silver and Gold Awards.

When Gina was working to earn The Silver Award with her troop, the council didn’t have a ceremony or event to celebrate these girls and their unique projects. The Foundation has allowed us to change that, by sponsoring the annual Silver Award Showcase. It is so much fun to meet the middle school Girl Scouts at this event. Each one has the opportunity to “show off” their project and has her moment in the spotlight to shine on stage as she receives her official pin. We wouldn’t miss it!

The Gina Rose Montalto Gold Award Scholarship has transformed our lives from the beginning. Our family has been overwhelmed in the best ways, and brought to tears of joy when we read the application essays from these amazing Girl Scouts. There’s nothing easy about selecting the annual recipient because we see the light that Gina had shining so brightly from other girls who are a lot like her. Our first four scholarship recipients are like an extended family to us, and we simply adore them all: Jillian Meloro (2019), Rachel Vogel (2020), Amanda Kopelman (2021), and Julia Yu (2022). 

Now, just two months into this unfathomable fifth year without our daughter, Tony and I are honored to announce a special change to the 2023 Gina Rose Montalto Gold Award Scholarship. This year the Foundation is able to award a four-year scholarship to a public university within the Florida College system. Based on the current in-state credit cost, this scholarship is valued at approximately $25,000. We know this scholarship is going to have a monumentally positive effect on the life of the Girl Scout who receives it. We also know that Gina’s light still shines by helping others achieve their goals! We so proud to have Gina’s bright life remembered with such a transformational opportunity and we’re excited to meet this year’s applicants.

Class of 2021

Our beautiful, smart and talented Gina will be missing tonight, as the Class of 2021 graduates from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. We congratulate her friends and classmates for their achievement, but the festivities only accentuate the emptiness we feel without her.

3 Years Ago, I Sent My Daughter to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for the Last Time

Every day, I live a life that is unimaginable for others but for me is reality, that Gina did not come home from school on Valentine’s Day February 14, 2018. My first-born child was ambushed by a 19-year-old man armed with a semi-automatic rifle, a weapon designed to kill, and plenty of ammunition. The shooter gained access to the MSD campus through an unlocked and unmanned gate. He came prepared to wreak havoc in the school’s hallways and classrooms, to murder and maim. How is it possible that these two people would ever encounter each other? There is no way on Earth that this will ever make sense to me.

From the moment I received a call alerting me that there was a shooting at MSD, I felt immediately that something was wrong with Gina. It was a feeling that I kept pushing down as I stood on a corner across the street from the school looking at every student’s face that passed by me as I searched for my daughter. I felt it, I knew it, I was denying it as many of the over 3,000 students and staff passed me by and there was still no word from Gina, not a call, not a text. My husband was home waiting, so I knew she didn’t walk home. Nothing. Silence, which was an indication that she was unable to communicate with us. I got a lead that Gina may have been take to the hospital, so with the help of my friends, we rushed over there.

My husband, Tony, arrived, and we were told that dreaded news that we did not want to hear: Gina was at the hospital, but she had died and would never be coming home with me again. Only a few hours after a wonderful start to Valentine’s Day, our lives had been turned upside down and things would never be the same. Our family would never be whole again.

In her 14 years on Earth, Gina was able to make connections to people from all walks of life. She was a kind and loving daughter to us, a protective big sister to her brother, and she was loved deeply by her extended family and friends. She was able to touch everyone in a personal and meaningful way. Always first to say hello and welcome new friends. Her life was brief, but her spirit should be cherished and honored through the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, created to keep her light shining and continue her legacy by helping others through higher education scholarships and supporting causes that Gina loved participating in, like Girl Scouts and helping children of all abilities.

On February 14, I ask that everyone reading this take a moment to remember all the victims of the Parkland massacre. Seventeen innocent lives taken in under seven minutes. I implore all parents to hug their children longer and more often. Kids, hug your parents and let them hug you. Step back and be present to share life with those closest to you.

I can only wish I still had a chance to do those things with my forever 14-year-old daughter, Gina Rose Montalto.

Two Years Later

It feels like just yesterday that we hugged our daughter Gina, and sent her on her way to school with some valentine’s chocolate. We never imagined that it would be the last time we would see her. The last time we would be together as a complete and happy family.

On that day, two years ago, multiple mistakes, some in the moment and some that had piled up over the years, would converge to create an incredible tragedy that left Gina and 16 other wonderful souls dead.

If you had been able to meet our daughter you would have seen that she was special girl who melted your heart with an infectious smile that lit up a room. Gina had a great sense of humor, and always made people laugh. She was instant friends with everyone she met and she was a kind spirit, always eager to lend a helping hand.

To honor our daughter, we created the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc. to keep Gina’s light shining by helping others. We award scholarships and support various causes that were important to Gina. Your generous donations help fund fantastic programs. Last year we awarded our inaugural scholarships: one for STEM and one for Arts, and the Girl Scouts Gold Award. We were able to support the Friendship Journey where Gina volunteered and sponsor the inaugural Girl Scouts Silver Award Showcase. Already this year the Foundation was the primary sponsor for the Fort Lauderdale Challenge Air for Kids and Friends fly-day, which allows kids with different abilities to experience the joy of flying an airplane.

Though the Foundation we have had the opportunity to work with great organizations, meet kindhearted volunteers and help caring, kind and capable young people to achieve their goals. These collaborations have helped our family realize there is still good in the world despite the terrible tragedy of our daughter being murdered at school. We hope you will continue to donate to the Foundation and help us keep Gina’s light shining by helping others.

Inaugural Gina Rose Montalto Gold Award Scholarship

Today we presented Jillian Meloro with the first annual Gina Rose Montalto Gold Award scholarship at the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Gold Award Ceremony.
We are grateful to everyone who has supported our organization. Being able to honor Gina by helping others was one of the best days we have had in the past 15 months.

Gina’s Sweet 16

“Happy Birthday, Gina!”

These are words we wish we could say to our daughter today. More than that we long to see her beautiful smile and hear her bubbly reply of “thanks Mom and Dad”.  She knew she was loved and had a humble attitude of gratitude for the many good things in her life.

The last few weeks should have been joyful for our family as we planned for Gina’s birthday, and possibly a trip to celebrate it. Paris was her destination of choice. Ironic that the terrible fire at Notre Dame occurred last week and bought that city into the news. Additionally, there would have definitely been talk of her driving test and subsequent licensing. This would have been nerve wracking, as well as caused some headaches with increased insurance rates, worrying about a teen driver on the road, borrowing the car and such. As other families struggle with these challenges of raising teens, all I can say is try to embrace those challenges, because we wish we could experience those struggles, too. Please remember that our children are priceless and we must never lose sight of that.

On a brighter note, we have begun interviews with our scholarship finalists for the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation’s Girl Scouts Gold Award Scholarship. It was a pleasure to meet these strong, capable young women who share the spirit of serving others that Gina had. One of them will benefit from your donations, which were used to create the Foundation and award scholarships that will help keep Gina’s light shining.

This weekend saw both Easter and Passover celebrations. Hopefully, most were able to reflect on their faith and share good times with family and friends. Gina loved family celebrations. The bigger the better. We hope that we all can remember to love those closest to us and be kind to everyone. While we can’t be sure, it is possible that this may have been Gina’s birthday wish.

We love you Gina Rose and we wish we could celebrate your special day with you.

First Commemoration

Gina was smart, kind, and wise beyond her years. She was selfless and caring. She adored spending time with her family and friends. She was a graceful dancer and an incredibly talented artist, yet she was humble when complimented. She was an excellent student who loved to learn and excelled in both STEM and the Arts. She would have undoubtedly contributed great things to this world.  She will be remembered as a gentle, caring and beautiful soul that was taken far too soon.

We miss Gina very much and ask that you help honor her memory by showing a little more kindness and compassion toward one another.

Please keep Gina and all the victims in your thoughts today.

Christmas Day Message

As your family gathers together today we ask that you all show patience and kindness to one another. You never know which of these get togethers may be the last for someone around the table. Our family is fortunate to have many warm memories of our previous Christmas celebrations. Many smiles and the sounds of laughter and joy are the sound track that accompanies these thoughts. We hope you all have similar experiences to warm you on these cold winter nights.

If you are not lucky enough to be in this position we encourage you to try and change that. Look to what you have that brings you together and set aside the differences. For those that host the holiday gatherings, please don’t let the pursuit of perfection ruin a great time. From all, we ask that you please try to be present with your loved ones today. Set aside the troubles of your work, school, or social media and enjoy those around you. Whether they be family or friends the people who gather with you this holiday are the ones who care about you most.

Thanks to all of you that offered kind words and support to our family in the wake of our horrible tragedy. Please keep us in your prayers because we need all the help we can get in order to work through everyday. Parents please hug your children a little longer today, and kids do the same with your parents. Your bond is forever but please never take it lightly. Reinforce it every chance you get.

Gina loved everything about Christmas from the decorations to the preparation (both spiritual and corporeal), and especially the family gatherings. So, in her honor, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving day 2018, our family will gather together. We will cook. We will share a meal. We will watch football and we will try to keep our traditions going. Unlike most families, we will struggle to find something to be thankful for in the wake of the tragedy that took our daughter from us. We will be missing the smile, the laughter, and the joy that Gina brought to these family gatherings.

The hole in our lives since Gina was taken from us will once again be exposed to the light of day and the wound that we carry - every day - will be raw and painful. There will be tears a’plenty as we think of the wonderful child that was tragically taken from us. Her absence has taken much of the joy from our lives.

Only by coming together and holding each other in support will we be able to move through this day. It is not much different than any other day for us. Moments of joy and moments of deep, deep, sadness. Today we will once again be reminded that our family is different than others. Our days of experiencing unbridled joy are over. The best we can hope for are days where the smiles edge out the tears. Where we can remember to love those that are here and still hold Gina in our hearts.

Today we are hopeful that the memories of our beautiful daughter bring more smiles than tears. We know that is what Gina would want for all of us.

Today is Gina’s Birthday

Our beautiful girl would have been 15 today. She was looking forward to many things this year: another trip to Universal Studios, FL for the roller coasters and Harry Potter stuff, surf camp, and our summer trip to NY to see her cousins, Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents. The thing she was most looking forward to was getting her driving learners permit. She was eager to learn and explore the feeling of empowerment.  It would have been another step toward her independence. My wife and I hoped our children would be brave, strong, smart, and caring. We are proud of them both.

While it is extremely sad and devastating that Gina is not with us today we are trying to remember the good times and sweetness she brought to this world. Our family has gathered in Parkland, FL to comfort one another and share the smiles that the memories of Gina bring to our faces.

Through The Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation our sadness is lifted, if only just a little. The Foundation will ensure that Gina’s purpose and spirit will not be lost with her passing. With your donations to the Foundation we will continue to inspire young adults to go on and accomplish greatness in life, something we are sure Gina would have done given the chance.

We will miss Gina every day and she will never be forgotten.

Happy Birthday Gina Rose!

March for Our Lives

Yesterday was a powerful day for this nation. At many locations around the country people gathered to show their support for a change in the status quo. Thank you to those of you who took part in these events.

We stayed at home in Parkland. I spoke at the March for Our Lives event here to thank our community for its support, and tell the student leaders how proud we are of them. I reminded the gathered crowd of the roll the victims’ families have played in helping to enact the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act into law here in Florida.

Most importantly to our family – I spoke to honor my daughter Gina. 

Spaghetti and Corned Beef

Today is St. Patrick's Day. It's a day we celebrate with family and friends, lots of laughter and good spirits. Needless to say today is different, celebrated with a heavy heart. 
Jen found a poem Gina had written a few years ago. The poem was titled "Where I'm From." In that poem there is a line that reads "I'm from Italy and Ireland, spaghetti and corned beef." Gina was proud of her Italian-Irish heritage. 
She loved St. Patrick's Day and our celebration. Each year since she was in 2nd grade she baked a soda bread for our family. She loved to tease her mom while cooking the corned beef and cabbage in the kitchen. Gina would say that St. Patrick's Day was her 3rd favorite holiday. 
At her funeral the Archbishop of Miami spoke of an Irish headstone which reads "death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Today we feel the truth of those words.

Be Kind to Everyone

Dear Grieving Students,
Thank you for all of the lovely notes and for sharing your memories of Gina. I would like it if you could do a few things for me. Please remember to hug your Mom and Dad every day. Go out and live your life like Gina lived hers. Be kind to everyone. Work hard at everything you do. Go on to accomplish great things in this world, because that is what Gina was going to do.