Esperanza Academy Charter School students planned and led a school walkout on the morning of Wednesday, Mar. 14, joining the broader National School Walkout movement that students across the country have led in the wake of last month’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
The walkout was opened and concluded with remarks from Jordan Smith, and included a speech by Rafael Tejeda calling for legislation that addresses both easy access to guns in the United States and the need for substantial support for those dealing with mental health issues.
“As young men and women we should not have to come to school daily and worry about our lives,” he said.
The walkout also included a moment of silence for those who have been killed during school shootings in recent years and a poem performed by Maria Valerio and Yashiramarie Hernandez addressing gun violence in the United States.
Esperanza is proud of our students for taking the initiative to plan and lead the walkout and for participating in broader conversations that are happening in our country.
Photo Credit: Joy Huertas