My name is Dawne Orange, and I am the proud mother of Alex Orange. Today, I want to share some of my fondest memories of Alex and honor his legacy. Alex was love personified—a beautiful soul whose life was tragically cut short when he lost his life saving others.
Remembering Alex
When I think about my son, I think of love. Alex was the embodiment of love, courage, and compassion. He showed this love when, in his final moments, he sacrificed his life to protect others. During a party, Alex confronted a man who was about to shoot into a crowd. He grabbed the man, diverting the danger away from innocent lives, and in doing so, Alex was shot and killed. He gave his life for others—a true testament to his loving and selfless nature.
Alex was obedient, kind, and would have undoubtedly made a difference in the world. He loved his family and those around him deeply. When you speak of Alex, you spell it L-O-V-E because that’s who he was.
Alex’s Favorite Things
Alex had a passion for football that started in elementary school and continued through high school. He loved the sport. He played with such talent that many believed he could have gone professional. But it wasn’t just football. Alex loved life. His joy was infectious, and he brought light wherever he went. It was hard for me to accept his death because he loved life so much. Ultimately, he gave up what he loved to save others. Knowing the kind of person Alex was, I believe he would have made the same choice again.
Our Last Conversation
The last conversation I had with Alex was about the party he attended on the night he died. I had a feeling, a mother’s instinct, and told him I didn’t think he should go. But Alex, always loving and wanting to be with his friends, convinced me otherwise. Not long after he left, someone knocked on my door. I thought it was for Alex, but instead, they came to deliver the news that Alex had been killed. In that moment, my world fell apart.
If I Could Speak to Alex Today
If I could speak to Alex now, I would tell him how much he is still loved. He would be surprised to know how many people, even those who never met him, love him. Even 34 years later, his legacy lives on. It’s not about how long you live but what you do with the time you have, and Alex made every moment count.
How to Honor Alex’s Legacy
I am deeply grateful to organizations like Sandy Hook Promise for their support and the work they help us do through SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere). Their contributions and guidance have been invaluable in continuing our mission. They have taught me the importance of reaching out to our youth and providing them with Trusted Adults they can turn to when they feel something isn’t right. We must encourage our children to speak up and let someone know when they see signs of danger. Please join in the activities for National SAVE Day and Safe Schools Week.
You can also help ensure more students can take advantage of school violence prevention programs. Bipartisan legislators from both sides of the aisle came together to prevent school shootings by passing the STOP School Violence Act. It supports and funds lifesaving violence prevention programs. Because of this law, students around the country have access to no-cost suicide prevention and violence prevention training. If STOP has helped your community, please share your story here.
Every year, Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund asks Congress to continue funding this program. Without the STOP School Violence Act, more children are at risk. You can help make sure your elected officials support school safety.
