In support of the 17 fallen, schools around the country participated in walkouts, moments of silence, and other acts of kindness.
MHS had a walkout on Mar 16, 2018. Student leaders had prepared speeches and presented them over the intercom. The students then congregated in the glass hallway and stood in silence for 17 minutes.
photo by Peighton Noel
Students stand in the hallway in silence during the walkout on Mar 16, 2018. The students stood for 17 minutes in honor of the 17 victims. “There are rare times in our society where we can all gather as one for a cause, but this is indeed one of those times,” Student-Body President Ben Neal said.
photo by Peighton Noel
Despite the silence, students were very moved by the memorial. Student leaders who made speeches before the walkout began emphasized the importance of spreading kindness. “When just one student has hate filled in his or her heart, this hatred has the ability to spread and cause horrific damage to all,” Neal said.
photo by Peighton Noel
Sophomore Maddie Morris stands in silence with her peers. To Morris, seeing such a large group of high school students being so cooperative and respectful. “To me, the walkout meant that our school can really come together. Yes, there have been things that definitely made us all seem so apart, but in that moment we were all together,” Morris said.
photo by Peighton Noel
Freshman Grace Ferrand closes her eyes and stands in silence. Ferrand used the time to think about the lost lives and their friends and families. “The 17 minutes of silence and all of us coming together to remember those kids made me think about how I should treat people that are different,” Ferrand said.
photo by Peighton Noel
Junior Jalen Schuck stands thoughtfully during the 17 minutes of silence. Schuck used the walkout as a way to honor the people who lost their lives. “In honor of those victims, Upton brought up being kind to others. I do my best to be kind,” Schuck said.
photo by Peighton Noel
Freshmen Naomi Burton and Raina Mosof join hands as they contemplate the moments of quiet. Burton participated to be with her friend, Mosof. “I was thinking about the people who lost their lives.” Burton said.
