Since the Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012 there have been over 290 shootings at 

different schools. According to TIME magazine there have been 17 school shootings in 2018 alone. This issue has been brought to light after the shooting in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead.

Students from Parkland and all around the United States are taking action. Teachers, students, parents and administrators organized a march in Washington, D.C, on March 24. to show their support for those affected by gun violence and school shootings.

The March For Our Lives mission statement states, “We cannot allow one more child to be shot at school. We can not allow one more teacher to make a choice to jump in front of an assault rifle to save the lives of students. We cannot allow one more family to wait for a call or text that never comes. Our children and our teachers are dying. We must make it our top priority to save these lives.”

The march itself was very impactful. Over 200,000 people attended the march in Washington, D.C.. Among those supporting the cause were Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus and even Kim Kardashian. Students held signs and chanted together to show their passion for the topic.

Even some students from Wahlert took part in the March in Washington, D.C. Lauren Culbertson, ‘18, said, “The March for me was a very moving experience. It was very empowering to be a part of such a significant part of history. I know that this is something Iwill tell my children and grandchildren about.”

She added.  “My favorite moments were for sure the speakers. I was brought to tears by almost all of them. They were all very inspiring people, and it helped me to appreciate my life. It made everything I was hearing on the news a reality,” said Culbertson.

One of those speakers, Emma Gonzalez, spoke on behalf of her classmates who were killed in the Parkland shooting. She stood on stage for six minutes and twenty seconds to symbolize how long it took the shooter to kill the students. “Since the time I came out here, it has been six minutes and twenty seconds. The shooter has ceased shooting and will soon abandon his rifle, blend in with students as they escape and walk free for an hour before arrest. Fight for your life before it’s someone else’s job,” said Emma.

The March was not only put together to talk about people involved with school shootings; it was also to support people who have been affected by gun violence in their communities everyday. Edna Chaves noted that when she was in kindergarten she, “…learned how to duck from bullets before I learned how to read.”

Yolanda Renee King, the granddaughter of Martin Luther King, Jr., recalled her grandfather’s dream when she said, “I have a dream that enough is enough.”

Overall, the march advocated for universal background checks on gun purchasers, high capacity magazine bans and bans on assault rifles. The March was created to make a difference in the lives of people who have a run in with guns on a daily basis. The students who spoke out are doing their part in making the country a safe place for everyone everyday.