Nicholas Dworet honored at memorial week after Stoneman Douglas shooting
Family and friends gathered Wednesday to honor Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School senior Nicholas Dworet a week after he was killed by a gunman at school.
His funeral took place at Serenity Funeral Home in North Lauderdale, and later hundreds gathered for a memorial at the Parkland Golf and Country Club, which is about two miles from the high school where Dworet and 16 others died.
Dozens of cars lined University Drive in Parkland as people attended the private event. The family asked that attendees dress in colorful clothing.
Dworet, 17, was an accomplished swimmer and captain of the Stoneman Douglas team. He had plans to swim at the University of Indianapolis on a scholarship next year, according to the school.
“Today, and in the coming days, I hope you will hold Nick, his family, all of the victims, as well as the Parkland community and first responders in your prayers,” the university’s president Robert Manuel said.
Dworet had aspirations to compete in the 2020 Olympics, his family said.
In his obituary, Dworet was described as a leader and a “big brother” figure. He had a diverse taste in music, was close with his family and loved his girlfriend Daria. “He found joy in every part of his life,” his obituary read.
In lieu of flowers, Dworet’s family is asking supporters to instead donate to the Swim for Nick foundation by TS Aquatics at socialfuneralfunding.com/nicholaspauldworet.