Nicholas Dworet was a 17-year-old senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, who had a bright future as an aspiring Olympic swimmer. He was one of the 17 victims who lost their lives in the horrific mass shooting that took place on February 14, 2018, at his school. His death shocked and saddened his family, friends, teammates, and coaches, who remembered him as a charismatic, talented, and kind young man.
A Passion for Swimming
Nicholas Dworet was born on March 24, 2000, in Minden, Louisiana, to Mitch and Annika Dworet. He had a younger brother, Alex, who also attended Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and survived the shooting. Nicholas moved to Florida with his family when he was a child and attended Coral Springs Charter School before transferring to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in his sophomore year1.
Nicholas Dworet had a passion for swimming since he was a kid. He joined the TS Aquatics swim club in Coral Springs and became one of their top swimmers. He was the team captain and a role model for his peers. He competed in various local, state, and national events and won several medals and awards. He specialized in freestyle and butterfly strokes and had set his sights on qualifying for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo2.
Nicholas Dworet had also earned a full scholarship to swim at the University of Indianapolis, where he planned to major in environmental engineering. He had signed his letter of intent in January 2018, just a month before the shooting. He was excited to start his college career and pursue his dreams. He posted a picture of himself wearing a University of Indianapolis shirt on his Instagram account, with the caption: “So happy to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Indianapolis. I can’t wait to spend the next 4 years here!”3
A Tragic End
On February 14, 2018, Nicholas Dworet was in his Holocaust history class when a former student armed with an AR-15 rifle opened fire at the school, killing 17 people and injuring 17 others. Nicholas Dworet was one of the fatalities, along with 13 other students and three staff members. His brother, Alex, was shot in the back of the head, but survived and recovered after undergoing surgery4.
Nicholas Dworet’s death devastated his family, who described him as a loving, caring, and funny person who always had a smile on his face. His parents said that he was their pride and joy and that they were very proud of his achievements and goals. His brother said that he was his best friend and his hero. His girlfriend, Daria Chiarella, said that he was the love of her life and that they had planned to go to the same college and get married.
Nicholas Dworet’s death also shocked and saddened his coaches, teammates, classmates, and friends, who remembered him as a charismatic, talented, and kind young man who had a positive impact on everyone he met. His swim coach, Andre Bailey, said that he was an all-around great kid who worked hard and improved tremendously in the sport. His swim club, TS Aquatics, said that he was a leader and a mentor who inspired others to achieve their potential. His high school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, said that he was a star student and athlete who represented the school with pride and excellence.
A Lasting Legacy
Nicholas Dworet left behind a lasting legacy of memorable performances, achievements, and dreams in the sport of swimming. He was a part of the golden generation of American swimmers who had the potential to make history in the Olympics and beyond. He was a promising swimmer who had a bright future ahead of him.
Nicholas Dworet also left behind a lasting legacy of love, joy, and hope in the hearts of his family, friends, and community. He was a beloved son, brother, boyfriend, teammate, and friend who touched many lives with his kindness and charisma. He was a courageous young man who faced adversity with grace and determination.
Nicholas Dworet’s life was cut short by a senseless act of violence, but his spirit lives on in the memories and stories of those who knew him and loved him. He will always be remembered as a shining star of the swimming world and a beautiful soul of the human world. He was Nicholas Dworet, a swimmer, a dreamer, and a hero.
