Geneva High School students walk out after Minneapolis, Minnesota shooting to raise awareness of gun violence in schools
There was a national call for students to take action against school violence, and some students in the Chicago area answered the call Friday, including students at Geneva High School.
It was the seventh hour at Geneva High School. Instead of being in classes or lunch, some walked out to call attention to gun violence at schools.
Just last week, two children were killed and more than a dozen hurt in a shooting at a church, while Catholic school students were attending Mass in Minneapolis .
"We need to bring attention to this. People need to be constantly talking about this; it's absurd the level of gun violence happens in schools," Geneva High School junior Rex Pomaro said.
The students carried signs and chanted. They say they want their voices heard.
"I feel safe at school, but just takes one angry kid and no one is safe anymore. And we need it to be safe for everyone," Lettie Klein said.
Student organizers informed administrators on Tuesday of their plans.
"I want people to hear us, and I want people to know that we want change and we need change," Emelia Bellino said.
"You try to be as prepared as you can, but unfortunately you never know where it's going to happen or when it's going to happen next," Principal Tom Rogers said.
The school's principal wanted to make sure as little lesson time would be lost as possible for the walkout, but he understands the action was a lesson in itself.
"I give them a lot of credit for standing up for what they believe in and encouraging their friends to join them," Rogers said.
About 100 students participated. They had their say and returned to class, hoping time away from class does help raise awareness about their concerns.
Some parents witnessed Friday's action.
"They have valued opinions; these are very smart kids. They know what they are talking about, and they care," Randy Pomaro said.
"Hopefully people understand this is a real issue, and they have every right to be concerned, and be here and express their thoughts about gun violence," Amy Klein said.
The principal said students did a similar walkout in 2018, after the Parkland school shooting.
Extra staff and administrators were outside Friday, and they simply observed.
The students spoke their peace and were back in class in 15 minutes.
