Students at Palm Glades Preparatory Academy, where a 13-year-old girl who was shot and killed on a bus Tuesday attended, planned on releasing balloons in her honor.
Jordyn Alexander Howe, 15, is charged with manslaughter and and carrying a concealed firearm in connection with the shooting death of Lourdes Guzman. Howe waived the right to his first appearance in court on Wednesday.
Students who arrived for class Wednesday were grieving the loss
"It's really hard for me to be here," said Tymia West.
"She was a good friend for three years," said Oscar Almendares, "I'm in shock. I can't believe she died."
"I didn't know her, but I heard a lot about her, that she was a good student," said Henry Martinez.
Martinez was one of many students who came with a handful of balloons.
"We are just trying to show her respect, that we care for her," he said.
"I had a class with her," said Justin Lilavois, a student who also brought balloons, "I'm thinking of her family, her, her death, and her family's loss."
"Nice person, friendly, outgoing, and always wanted to do things," said Almendares.
"She was sweet. Always had a smile on her face," said Lilavois.
Students will release the balloons during a pep rally at the school after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.