A few hundred Junction City High School students gathered at the Al Simpler Stadium Wednesday morning to remember those who lost their lives in Parkland, Florida during a shooting at a high school one month ago. There was also reflection back to a shooting incident that left one person wounded at Junction City High School 25 years ago.
Social Studies teacher Reina Cruz told the students at JCHS that there are many layers to the problem. She was hopeful that people would let go of “being right” and think about what could be done to resolve it. “Correlation does not mean causation, but let’s talk about all the variables. Let’s stop picking sides and unit to tackle this once and for all. Let’s stop letting these numbers rise, because it’s not just the victims that are enacted. It’s all of society.”
Cruz told the students that they are her hope and the difference that our society is seeking. ” We need you all to stay engaged and continue to stand for what you believe in. But remember to be informed, be kind and be aware.”
Student Morgan Deering noted there is a cycle when tragedies occur in the United States, it is broadcast in the news, condolences are offered, nothing changes, life returns to normal and the society moves on. “We move on while there are still families grieving in affected communities.” Deering added the students of JCHS in compliance with the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, who organized the national March for Our Lives movement and many others across the nation are working to change the cycle.
Deering added JCHS is not immune to disaster. “We all love to say things like that would never happen here, or that could never happen to us. But it did, in 1993 it happened.”
Student Isaiah Poulson told the large audience at the stadium that chooses to open his eyes. “to work against the plague of death and loss, to feel the pain of my country and fight the pain of my peers. To work for love and to live humbly and graciously for the rest of my years. I refuse to let instability grow and we can stand up for those who can no longer share their voice.
The walkout and ceremony at JCHS was organized by students. It concluded with the reading of the names of the 17 people killed in the shootings in Parkland, Florida and the release of one white balloon into the sky for each of those who were slain. Loud applause from the audience punctuated the release of each balloon and the comments of the speakers.
