The Obamas Sent a Handwritten Note to Parkland Students: 'You’ve Helped Awaken the Conscience of the Nation'

As this weekend's March for Our Lives approaches, Mic has learned that the student organizers received a handwritten note of encouragement from none other than Barack and Michelle Obama. Since the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the young people of Parkland have become an inspiration to many across the country. George and Amal Clooney and Oprah Winfrey were early supporters of the march, each donating $500,000 to the cause.

This latest note from the Obamas (dated March 10) is addressed to all the students of Parkland, expressing the former President and First Lady's unwavering support: "We wanted to let you know how inspired we have been by the resilience, resolve and solidarity that you have all shown in the wake of unspeakable tragedy." They go on to say that these young people have "helped awaken the conscience of the nation, and challenged decision-makers to make the safety of our children the country’s top priority." The Obamas also want to make sure that the students don't get frustrated by the slow march of progress, something they're all too familiar with. "Throughout our history, young people like you have led the way in making America better. There may be setbacks; you may sometimes feel like progress is too slow in coming. But we have no doubt you are going to make an enormous difference in the days and years to come, and we will be there for you."

This isn't the first time that both Obamas have vocalized how proud they are of the Stoneman Douglas students. Back in February, they both took to Twitter to make their opinions known. Michelle Obama wrote that she was in "awe" of them and that the couple is "behind you every step of the way."

Former President Obama wrote, "We've been waiting for you. And we've got your backs."