Local students prepare to participate in nationwide event
March 13, 2018
Following the recent events that took place in Florida at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, students around the nation have opted to participate in a walkout on March 14 at 10 AM across all time zones. The movement originates from EMPOWER, the youth branch of the Women’s March. The walkout will last seventeen minutes, remembering the seventeen victims of the Florida shooting.
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) President senior Olivia Taylor will be orchestrating a local walkout at Iola High School. Taylor said, “Many kids in our school don’t think about the world around them, and don’t care that children are dying across the U.S. I just wanted them to see that they can do something, and maybe even change someone’s mind.”
IHS principal, Scott Crenshaw is supportive of the walk out as a means of protest. “We are going to support, one-hundred percent, the student walkout concerning school safety. We are even going to take it one-step further, and walk around the square, so the community sees that the students have concerns. We’re trying to make it a really positive social interaction, and trying to use it as a learning opportunity for students to realize that they do have a voice, and that social reform can come about by peacefully voicing your concerns or opinions,” said Crenshaw.
As expected, students around campus are divided on the issue. “I think there [are] better ways to protest than by taking kids out of school when they should be getting educated,” said junior Blake Haar. Obviously, not every student shares this outlook. “I think the walkout is a very different and cool way to protest, and I’m curious to see the turnout,” said senior Mea Delatorre.
SADD will be having a preparation session on Tuesday for anyone interested in making posters for the walkout during seminar. Any students with questions can contact Olivia Taylor or Sloan Geddry, officers of SADD.
mike mcdonald • Mar 14, 2018 at 7:40 PM
having staged a walk out or two during my high school career, i just wanted to say i’m proud of the students and staff at iola high school and acrossed the nation. protesting in a peaceful way. talking to the press with well thought out answers and questions. pulling in national and global attention.
you do have a voice! this is the first step towards solving this terrible problem of gun violence,not only at schools but everywhere. the way you are handling yourselves gives me great hope for the future! it shows the country there is more to you than the few ignorant that eat detergent or some other self destructive act, to gain attention. unfortunately those few have pigeon holed your entire generation into a group of self centered, entitled,self destructive, spoiled brats. keep stepping over those ignorant few that would pull you down. show the country and the world who really are.
once again,i’m proud of you folks! you make my heart glad. keep up the good work and stay the course. there are more people on your side than you know.