Spaulding High contribution to Florida school recognized on Senate floor

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan delivers remarks on the Senate floor on Wednesday recognizing Spaulding High School students. (C-Span image)

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., took time out on the Senate floor on Wednesday to recognize Spaulding High students who raised more than $3,200 to send to a Florida high school ravaged by the Valentine's Day shooting that left 17 students and staff dead at the hands of accused gunman Nicolas Cruz.

Hassan praised the Rochester students and thanked them for their resolve to help those most affected by the shooting.

"I am incredibly proud of these young leaders," she said of the students, "and for their compassion and commitment to others."

Spaulding's band, Color Guard and Jr. ROTC community took leading roles in raising the money in just two days.

Music Department teachers Joanne Houston and Cheryl Richardson recently traveled to Parkland to hand over a check for $3,271 to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School principal and vice principal. They also presented them with the Music Department Glass Eagle Award and a Jr. ROTC challenge coin to mark the Florida students' "bravery and resolve."