(CNN) On February 14, 2018, a 19-year-old gunman walked into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and opened fire, killing 17 students and faculty members.

Like any school shooting, the Parkland tragedy irreparably altered the community in which it took place. But the impact of the school, its students, and the friends and family members of the victims was felt far beyond South Florida. That's because many of the survivors immediately began speaking out and confronting lawmakers about gun control reform.

Friday marks two years since that deadly shooting, and students all over Broward County, Florida, will commemorate the tragedy by observing what the district is calling "A Day of Service and Love." A moment of silence took place at 10:17 a.m. and students were expected to be released early and encouraged to participate in volunteer service projects.

Students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School will also be dismissed early. Mental health staff and therapy dogs will be on hand for students and staff.

"This tragedy will forever be with us," Broward Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie told reporters outside the school Friday morning, "but as a community, I can tell you, the students have expressed a tremendous amount of courage, resiliency."