Dwyane Wade Surprises Graduates at Parkland High School with Inspirational Speech

High school graduates in Parkland, Florida, got an unexpected surprise fromDwyane Wadeupon receiving their diplomas.

On Sunday, the crowd at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s graduation ceremony erupted in cheers as Wade, 37, stepped onto the stage todeliver a powerful and moving commencement speech.

“My life is bigger than basketball and that’s why I asked to come to Marjory Stoneman Douglas to do whatever was needed of me,” Wade said, according to ABC News.

After thetragic shooting in February 2018at the high school left 17 students and staff dead, the NBA star visited the Florida school.

ABC News

He continued: “I remember being so nervous to see and meet everybody. What would I say? I grew up in the inner city of Chicago and I’ve experienced a lot of awful things. But I’ve never experienced anything to the magnitude that you guys have just experienced.”

“Thank you for reminding me of my purpose. I’ll try to continue to be a leader and the fighter that Joaquin Oliver thought I was,” he added during his speech, according to ABC News. “What I loved most and appreciated the most was that you all became advocates. You became the faces and the voices for kids all around the world. I’m so proud to say the words ‘MSD strong.’ ”

Dwayne Wade.Courtesy

The Miami Heat star received a standing ovation from the Brooklyn crowd, which included Union, 46, as well as fellow players and friends Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, and Chris Paul.

source: people.com