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Boonton High School’s walkout to demand action on gun violence and honor the 17 victims of the Parkland, Fla. shooting was delayed a month but that didn’t diminish the student body’s commitment and enthusiasm.
On Friday, April 13, one day short of the two-month anniversary of the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the majority of the student body and faculty convened in the football stadium to listen to speeches by students and to pay tribute as part of the #NeverAgain movement.
An electrical fire in the vicinity of the gym caused the postponement of the walkout. Classes for high school students were held on a half-day schedule at John Hill School, leading organizers to put off the walkout.
The first speaker, Ameena Qobrtay, said that “enough is enough” and reminded her classmates that “we are the future of America.” Qobrtay and the other student organizers encouraged everyone to vote so their voices would be heard. Voter registration information was handed out at the gate as students exited.
A moment of silence was held for the Parkland victims and students took turns reading off the names of the students and staff who lost their lives on Valentine’s Day.
Here is the text of Emma Visioli’s Parkland Walkout speech:
If you’re passionate on an issue, not matter what issue it is, the best way to express your opinion and start change is to get involved. With issues, political or non-political, there are an abundance of ways to voice your support.
The main one is to vote. Voting is a basic right, that is underutilized by many in the 18-30 age group. In New Jersey, registering to vote involves filling out a pamphlet once you turn 17. For your convenience, we have these papers for anyone who wishes to register today.
Another way to evoke change is one that all of you are currently participating in. Walkouts and protests send a message. A message that you will not stand any longer for gun violence and that it has no place in a school or community. Reaching out to the government can be a daunting task, but it’s one that can have real meaning if you voice your point.
One association, “Every Town For Gun Safety,” has an easy-to-fill-out form that can then connect you with your local officials and people in Congress. Contactthecongress.org also has a website on how to connect with government representatives. If you feel strongly on an issue, there is no excuse for us to stand back any longer. We need to take action, voice our opinions and show the world that, although we may not be adults yet, these issues still affect us.
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