Students participate in March 14 walkout
Prayerful protest shows support for Florida
Walkout participants gather in prayer circle in support of both Stoneman Douglas and gun reform.
Just over a month ago on Feb. 14, tragedy struck — again. As the massacre in Parkland, Florida occurred, not only was the Majory Stoneman Douglas community affected, so was the entire nation.
Along with the devastation this shooting caused, a revolution was sparked. Almost immediately, students took to social media and several news outlets, calling for the protection of schools in form of gun reform.
To show support for the students in Florida, to speak up against a perceived lack of action from government officials and to try and change the world, students around the country staged a walkout at 10 a.m. on March 14. During flex, Cathedral also participated.
Senior Mary Ann McGinley was one of the students who took part in the walkout. She said, “I wanted to participate because I think it’s a nice comfort to those families affected to see how many people across the nation care and feel for their loss, and I think it’s important that we bring attention to the cause.”
Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors and staff all gathedred in the courtyard. However, while many such gatherings around the country were ones of protest, this was one of prayer. Students gathered in a circle while the names of the Florida victims were read. McGinley said, “I think the prayer was really nice and being in our circle on the courtyard like most prayer services made me feel like the faith was really strong.”
Before everyone dispersed, they were dismissed with an Irish blessing. McGinley continued, “I also thought the Irish blessing song was peaceful and left me at peace.”
