BLACKSBURG, Va. – Nearly 11 years ago, students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School offered their condolences to the Virginia Tech community in the aftermath of the shooting that claimed the lives of 32 innocent people.
In 2007, students sent a handmade wooden book filled with condolences.
The community surrounding Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School is now grappling with a tragedy of its own. Seventeen students and staff members at the Florida high school were killed on Valentine's Day.
SEE MORE PICTURES OF WHAT STUDENTS SENT TO VIRGINIA TECH IN 2007
Reading parts from the book brings back many emotions for Tamara Kennelly.
"Thousands of students put their thoughts on paper and so it's one item but it represents so many people behind it reaching out to us," said Kennelly.
Kennelly is an archivist at the university. She says this book quickly came to mind after the tragic shooting at Stoneman Douglas this week.
"I think it's very moving people reaching out. And of course, our thoughts are with them now, " said Kennelly.
Virginia Tech President Timothy Sands said in a tweet, "We will never forget that you helped us to heal -- and we will always be here for you."
With heavy hearts, the @virginia_tech community embraces the students, teachers, staff, families, and community of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. We will never forget that you helped us to heal - https://t.co/VHIyEsolPo - and we will always be here for you.
— Timothy D Sands (@VTSandsman) February 16, 2018