UPHS students participate in national walkout

            On March 14th, 2018 students and teachers across the nation took part in a walkout in response to the tragedy that occurred in Parkland, Florida. Seventeen people from Stoneman Douglas High School died when confessed shooter Nickolas Cruz came to the school and took their lives.

            The march took place on this particular day because it was exactly one month since the devastation. As schools across the country walked out of classrooms, each person walked with their own purpose.

            Students from the Upper Perkiomen High School chose to partake in this movement.

            Administrators and club leaders held multiple meetings in order to organize and discuss the vision of the march. The leaders came to the conclusion that they wanted to honor anyone who had lost their life during a school shooting and emphasize school safety.

            This march was also broadcasted as voluntary and anyone who did not want to participate could do so. At 10 o'clock, those who chose not to march waited inside the auditorium and could have a short study hall whereas those who chose to march would meet at the football field.

            News spread quickly around the school about the march. Students and staff were buzzing about it as the walkout came closer each day.

            Right before the beginning of the March Timothy Herbert, an English and Communications instructor at the High School, told his AP Literature class that "No matter what you choose to do, whether it be stay inside or go out, I am proud of all of you for taking a stand for what you believe is right".

            When the PA system announced the start of the march, every student stood up and made a choice. Outside on the football field many students and teachers came outside in cold temperatures to take a stand for something they believed in. Everyone circled around at the center of the football field and the march began with a moment of silence for those who lost their life from any school shooting.

            Following the moment of silence was the recognition of the 17 people who lost their lives in Parkland, Florida. As club leader Julian Brown announced each name, the other club leaders each silently walked a rose to the center of the football field.

            After all the flowers were placed, the women's choir sang a special tribute to honor the individuals who lost their lives. Brown then briefly spoke about the purpose of the march and what it meant to be standing outside as one.

            He stated that "Each and every one of you has an unimaginable amount of strength and a life worth fighting for". The message held the idea that despite the conflict within the country, students and staff could still come together for a genuine cause.

            At the conclusion of the march the women's choir and band performed the Upper Perkiomen Alma Mater. There was unity and this movement had power to it.