Students across America took a stand against gun violence by walking out at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Here in Wisconsin at Whitnall High School, they took their walkout a step further by creating a memento for Stoneman Douglas High School.
It's solidarity through silence and artwork. A banner that says "Let's have a hand for Parkland" will be sent to Stoneman Douglas filled with almost all the students' handprints. The Whitnall High School's Walkout Committee decided their student body would participate in a unique fashion.
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Around 9:50 a.m. about 300 students, counts Superintendent of Whitnall Public School District Lisa Olson, filled the auditorium to hear the plan of activism.
"Whitnall does not need to be the victim of a shooting to feel sympathy for those that are," said Anissa Garcia.
Garcia, a Whitnall Senior, is the walkout committee leader and explains to her fellow classmates the walkout. Participating in complete silence, they walked out to the school's courtyard, paint one palm, and then leave a handprint on the banner.
At 10 a.m. the students walked, reflected and painted in complete silence.
Normally, Whitnall Junior Jacob Budney is a big jokester. But he says Wednesday was serious.
"See like Matt right here. He kind of just came up to me. We're all here together," said Budney.
The turnout was larger than the committee expected, they were overjoyed. Olson says there was no doubt in her mind these students could do it.
"We're very impressed and have been impressed up until this day watching it play out here. I couldn't be prouder actually," said Olson.
Anissa says she's worried about her younger siblings and cousins. Her passion for this project is fueled by emotion, not politics.
Many students agree. Fellow walkout committee member and senior, Sara Aaron says she was impressed by her classmates' interest and loved the sense of reverence during the entire process.
Best friends Mia Giannaras and Emily Gonzales say they, like many others, are proud to participate in the walkout.
