It's been over a year since the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High massacre in which a gunman opened fire and killed 17 students and faculty members.
Survivors and the victims' families are doing their best to move forward from the tragedy that unfolded on February 14th, 2018 at the high school in Parkland, Florida.
But the scars will remain, as students continue mourning the loss of close friends.
From the tragedy rose a powerful demographic of outspoken students like David Hogg and Emma Gonzalez, who led the charge by demanding stronger gun reform and organized marches like the March for Our Lives rally in Washington D.C. last year to advocate against gun violence.
As the lifelong healing begins, the fearless leaders of tomorrow continue to fight against a system that has failed them.
And the world is recognizing these young survivors, like 16-year-old Anthony Borges – the "hero" who was 15 when he took five bullets while protecting his fellow students. He miraculously survived his injuries.
Spanish professional football club, Futbol Club Barcelona, was so impressed by Borges's bravery, they honored the known "football fantatic" and his family with an invitation to a Barça match in Spain.
Borges, who was a student enrolled in the Barca Academy in 2016, inspired other youth soccer teams around the world and gave their supportive shout outs to the Parkland hero.
The FC Barcelona's team members had a special surprise for him.
After the Borges family arrived in Barcelona, the club fulfilled the young student's dreams with a tour of the stadium. He will also watch his first professional Barça match.
"The doctor told me, 'You can walk a little now, without crutches.' So one day I was home and thought, 'O.K., I can do this.' I stood up and started limping. I walked into a room and my grandpa and my grandma and my mom and dad were there, and they burst out crying."
He added:
"I was proud of myself. I had thought maybe I wouldn't walk again. But I went to physical therapy every day. Now I just have to get my strength back. I can't even lift weights yet."
We're rooting for you all the way, Anthony.
@jaketapoer/Bluesky
@BillAckman/Twitter