By Sarah M., 7th Grade Student, Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation
“Everyone who was there understands. Everyone who has been touched by the cold grip of gun violence understands. No one could believe that there were bodies in that building waiting to be identified for over a day…. No one could comprehend the devastating aftermath, or how far this would reach, or where this would go,” Emma González, Stoneman Douglas High School student, tearfully remarked at the March for Our Lives in Washington D.C. on Saturday, March 24, 2018.
On March 14, 2018, students, teachers, administrators, and parents of the Krieger Schechter Day School (KSDS) of Chizuk Amuno Congregation participated in a national walkout in honor of the victims who died at the Parkland, Fla., school shooting a month earlier. A committee was formed to organize the memorial and ensure a meaningful program. Once outside, participants were handed a ribbon to clip on their shirts and a sign to hold protesting gun violence. Multiple speakers talked about the tragedy and memorialized the victims, referencing each by name and photograph.
The aftermath of the shooting and the subsequent memorials proved difficult as students, parents and school faculty related to those whose lives were tragically cut short.
Chloe L., a seventh grade KSDS student, discussed one of the most troubling things about the event, stating, “They were just regular teenagers with the rest of their lives ahead of them.”
Everyone had different reasons for taking part in the walkout, whether for themselves or someone else. However, all paid their respects to those who died and protested school shootings.
Brandon D., a 6th grade student, explained that his participation in the walkout was important to him. “It was my decision to participate in the walkout, and I did it for myself,” he said.
On the other hand, some decided to attend so that they could lead by example for their family members. Shannon C., a KSDS physical education teacher, said, “I participated for my son and me.”
Schools across the country held similar events, many of which were covered live on the radio, television and social media. When asked to explain why his participation in this walkout made a difference, Josh D. remarked, “My voice matters because if the school influences the state and the state influences the country, then I made a difference in the long run.”
KSDS was one of the many organizations that felt strongly about this cause and organized an event to act on it. KSDS’s participation in the walkout was the school’s way of showing support and paying homage to the victims of Parkland.
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