Nationwide School Walkout
17 minutes for 17 lives.
The tragedy that struck at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, led to a nationwide school walkout. On February 14, the day of love, students at Stoneman Douglas High School began their Valentines Day filled with hope but left heartbroken.
Nikolas Cruz,19, a formally expelled student, returned to the premises of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school and opened fire with his AR-15 in the school’s hallways and perimeter. Cruz then left the school, dropping his rifle and vest to blend in with the frantic students, only to be taken into police custody moments later. His killing spree left 17 fatalities; Alyssa Alhadeff, Scott Beigel, Martin Duque, Nicholas Dworet, Aaron Feis, Jaime Guttenberg, Chris Hixon, Luke Hoyer, Cara Loughran, Gina Montatlto, Joaquin Oliver, Alaina Petty, Meadow Pollack, Helena Ramsay, Alex Schachter, Carmen Schentrup, and Peter Wang.
To honor the victims of this tragic massacre, a nationwide school walkout was held on March 14, 2018; a month after the occurrence. Students showed their tribute to the victims by leaving school and protesting for 17 minutes; one minute for each of the lost lives.
While other schools were protesting for better gun control laws by walking outside, County Prep High School took the 17 minutes to better understand gun control and to honor the victims with a brief moment of silence. Members of the Student Council made speeches, bringing up former instances including the Sandy Hook Massacre(2012) and Columbine School Shooting(1999). The speeches made an impact on everyone in the gymnasium; all were moved by the touching stories told and motivational words said.
“ Guns are used to shoot our own kind, and it is not a good representation of humanity.”- C.P Freshmen Jether Cruz
After the 17 minutes, students were dismissed to their designated third period class. However, some students stayed back, believing that it wasn’t enough for this protest. They sat peacefully, while a few took to the mic to say their complaints. Filled with passion, they continued to sit as security started entering the gym. With their signs held up high, they protested gun violence even after the walkout.
One person stated, “The County Prep Administration only cares for looking good and liberal to the public eye. We are being censored. If our voices want to be heard, it starts with our administration. We are tired of being treated like children when we are expected to be adults.”
On March 24th takes place the “March for Our Lives Movement” which will be the second national walkout of the year. The March for Our Lives movement presents an opportunity for unity. The March For Our Lives movement is created by, inspired by, and led by students across the USA who will no longer risk their lives waiting for someone else to take action to stop the epidemic of mass school shootings that have become all too familiar. Families and children will take to the streets and demand that their lives and safety become a priority.
Although the walkout may not have united all nations and influenced everyone, our school walkout made a substantial impact and united County Prep.
Student Gina Estrada stated,
“The walkout was very motivational to me. I learned a lot from the speeches given and not only felt that I alone could make a change, but everyone around me too. Together, united as one, our voices will be heard and we can make a difference.”
17 minutes for 17 lives….In those 17 minutes justice was served, opinions were changed, and the County Prep nation was united.
