Brewster High School students are participating in the National School Walkout for common sense gun control on March 14 at 10 am. This walkout is in response to the shooting at a Parkland, Florida high school on February 14, and countless other shootings over the past few years.
The walkout is student led with the main organization team consisting of Jill Pino, Hannah Jo Spatz, Aaron Lurin, Autumn Gerard, Thomas Froesell and Mollie Toscano. They came across the national walkout movement on a social media page for the Women's March Alliance reached out to each other and began planning immediately. "We are the generation of kids that watched others kids get shot in school on TV. We are not letting that happen to another generation," states Hannah Jo Spatz.
After the walkout, the students are planning a "Conversation on Student Activism" in the library. Any student who is interested will be excused from class to attend this event. "It hopefully will continue the momentum of our movement and inspire others to be leaders of their future," explains Aaron.
Efforts have been coordinated with Brewster School's administration. They are providing resources and facilities they will need for the day of the walkout. The student body reaction is varied -- some students are fully supportive but they have received a lot of backlash on social media. Their concerns typically stem from their personal disagreement with their stance on gun control.
Students must RSVP in order to participate in the walkout. Due to safety concerns, this specific walkout is only for BHS students and staff. Parents can help by allowing their students to have autonomy and make their own decision regarding the walkout.
Brewster High School Walkout Facebook Page