CINCINNATI, OHIO: The International Thespian Society has awarded Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School of Parkland, Fla., with the Spirit of Thespis Award. The school’s drama teacher and troupe director, Melody Herzfeld, accepted the award at the Florida Thespian Festival on March 17.

The Educational Theatre Association’s International Thespian Society, founded in 1929, is the honor society for middle and high school drama students.

The Spirit of Thespis Award, which was last given in 2013, is a discretionary honor that recognizes up to three schools per year that demonstrate grace when faced with a serious challenge. The drama students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas have led the charge organizing the March For Our Lives demonstration in the wake of the school’s devastating shooting last month.

“We want to recognize and honor the self-confidence and passion that participating in theatre has instilled in the students under Melody’s direction and the inspiration they have all given to us,” said EdTA deputy director Doug Berlon in a statement.