The Unyielding Courage of Ms. Ivy Schamis: A Teacher’s Journey Through Tragedy and Beyond

A Desperate Plan Amidst Chaos

On that fateful day in February 2018, Ivy Schamis found herself face-to-face with unimaginable horror. As a gunman unleashed terror in her classroom at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Ms. Schamis, a Holocaust history teacher, witnessed the unthinkable. Two of her students, Nick Dworet and Helena Ramsay, lost their lives, and four others were injured. In the chaos, she devised a desperate plan: if the shooter returned, she would stand up and shout, “We love you.” Though she knew it was futile, it was her only weapon to show her students that an adult had fought for them.

A Lifeline for Survivors

The days and months that followed the shooting were fraught with grief and trauma. Ms. Schamis became an anchor for her surviving students, organizing support networks, arranging meet-ups, and even bringing in a service dog, Luigi, to provide comfort. She went above and beyond, helping students like Ally Allen, who struggled with nightmares, find solace in a service dog, Dakota. When Kelly Plaur panicked at a music festival, Ms. Schamis was there, coaching her to stay calm. For these students, she became more than a teacher; she was a lifeline.

Beyond the Classroom: Healing and Struggle

Ms. Schamis’s dedication didn’t waver, even as she faced her own struggles. She stayed at the school until the last of her students graduated in 2019, commuting each day with a ritual to ground herself. She eventually moved to Washington, D.C., seeking peace, but the scars remained. She joined a waiting list for therapy and even considered getting a service dog for herself. The trauma lingered, and the pain was compounded by the demolition of the school building where the shooting occurred, a decision that left her feeling bereft.

Testifying and Finding Strength

When the time came to testify at the shooter’s trial, Ms. Schamis stood tall, her voice steady as she recalled the events of that day. She identified photographs of her slain students, her emotions evident but controlled. Her resilience inspired her former students, who continue to lean on her. When one of them struggled with suicidal thoughts, Ms. Schamis intervened, navigating a complex system to ensure he received help. Her actions underscored her unwavering commitment to her students.

Legacy of Love and Strength

Years after the shooting, Ms. Schamis’s bond with her students remains unbroken. She has become a symbol of strength, not just for them but for herself. Jeff, her husband, reminds her of the profound impact she’s had, from supporting college applications to being a constant presence in their lives. Her journey, though marked by pain, is also one of resilience and love.

Remembering and Moving Forward

As the sixth anniversary of the shooting approaches, Ms. Schamis reflects on the past with a mix of sorrow and hope. She continues to support her students, like Lexi Gendron, who is pursuing a new path in nursing. Ms. Schamis’s story is a testament to the enduring power of compassion and the human spirit’s capacity to heal, even in the face of tragedy. She remains a teacher, a guardian, and a source of strength, proving that love and courage can transcend even the darkest of days.