Students at Seminole High School stage walkout to protest gun violence

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Students at Seminole High School staged a walk out Friday to speak out against gun violence in the wake of the school massacre in Parkland.

The protest was coordinated with school officials after students asked administrators if they could protest.

Hundreds of students were gathered outside the school.

“Something needs to change. Our schools need to be safer. We walk in here and we are scared,” said student Amber Price.

Extra police were on duty to keep everyone safe.

The walkout lasted 17 minutes to honor the 17 victims of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

The 17 organizers each wore the face of a victim killed in the attack.

Malavika Kannen, a junior at Seminole High School, said the story of one of the Parkland victims hit close to home.

“Carmen’s story really spoke to me,” Kannen said.

Like victim Carmen Schentrup, she too is a National Merit semifinalist.

“I can imagine, we were both studying hard. We took the test on the same day,” Kannen said. “I’m going to get that scholarship. She never will. I really related to get story and I don’t want that to happen to anyone.”

The students had tables set up where students could write letters to legislators.

“We had letters written out with specific policy amendments we want our legislators to follow. We just encouraged our students to use their voice because together, we are a very empowering voice that can take on the NRA,” said Kannen.

It’s one of many student walkouts across the state as students and teachers call on lawmakers for stricter gun control and better safety measures at schools.

Cox Media Group