Call it #MSDWade. Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade paid a surprise visit to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Wednesday, and at least one overjoyed student declared on social media that it was the "Greatest moment of my life."
Wade's visit came on the first day of a full class schedule at Stoneman Douglas since the shootings on Feb. 14. Word that Wade was in the building was buzzing on social media, thanks to some of the school's students and administrators, who began posting photos of the Heat icon.
After posing for countless photos, Wade tweeted about the "great conversation" he had with the students.
He also drew a parallel to the ongoing gun violence in his hometown, Chicago, and hoped that the Parkland students' high-profile campaign for gun control and reducing violence would serve to amplify the Chicago students' voices.
Wade had already dedicated the remainder of this season to Joaquin Oliver, one of the 17 victims killed in the mass shooting. Oliver, 17, was buried in a Miami Heat Dwyane Wade replica jersey. Wade also met with Oliver's family on March 3 ahead of the Heat's home game against the Detroit Pistons.
Wade has been outspoken about his outrage over the shootings and his support for the students offering their own voices toward a safer society.
"As a figure in this state, as one of the top figures, it's my duty to make sure I continue to let my voice be heard," Wade said after meeting the Oliver family. "So I just wanted to get in front of them, meet them, talk to them, thank them and share some stories."
The reception of Wade's appearance at the school was in stark contrast to the largely critical social media posts from students about U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who also visited Stoneman Douglas on Wednesday.
