PALMETTO BAY, Fla. -- Students at a South Florida middle school that was the scene of a grisly killing a year ago, wore white shirts, held hands and celebrated peace today.

"Their strength is amazing and I think this has been very, very helpful for them today," said Southwood Middle School Principal Kristal Hickmon.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the death of Jaime Gough, the 13-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed in the middle school bathroom.

Gough's mother cried today at the peace rally, where students gathered on the basketball courts to show support for her slain son. Gough's mother, father and sister ended the rally by releasing a basket full of butterflies.

Classmate Accused Of Murder

Friend and classmate Michael Hernandez is accused of slicing Gough's throat. He is awaiting trial on a first-degree murder charge.

Hernandez had blood on his clothes and a bloody knife in his backpack when he was arrested in class after the Palmetto Bay school was locked down. A journal in the backpack outlined plans to kill Gough and another boy.

The teenager faces an automatic life prison sentence if convicted by a jury of first-degree murder.

The attorney for 14-year-old Michael Hernandez has filed motions saying he plans an insanity defense for the boy.