Brandeis Middle Schoolers Participate in National School Walkout

On Wednesday, our middle school students joined together with students from our neighboring schools—St. Thomas More School and KZV Armenian School—to take part in the National Student Walkout to protest gun violence. This national movement was created to honor the victims of the Parkland shooting and to bring awareness for the need for increased gun control. The 380 students gathered at 10:00 a.m. at the Peace Statue in the park across the street from our school. Student-leaders from each school spoke to the group and led the group in saying prayers for peace. Then everyone joined together to sing the song "We Are the World," before observing a moment of silence. Many students were seen holding signs with words of peace written on them. At the conclusion of the gathering, students from each school exchanged notecards with hopes for peace with one another.

This student-driven event was quite powerful for all in attendance, particularly the moving display of religious unity as the schools joined together. Said Josie B., eighth grader and Student Community Board (SCB) secretary, "I am extremely proud of our community for standing up for what we believe in. I know that today we made a difference in America's history. Enough is enough." Added SCB Advisor Ali Frank, "I'm just really proud of our students for taking this on. It gives me even greater hope for the future. Kids seem to be the ones making the change, and I'm here to support them." MORE PHOTOS