In response to the rising instances of school shootings and the devastating attack in Parkland, Florida, students are organizing across the nation to take a stand against gun violence. This Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., a March for Our Lives SGF demonstration will be held at Park Central Square in Downtown Springfield. Students of Drury are showing interest in attending and some have taken a step further in their efforts for gun reform and have planned a walk-out to occur Friday, March 23, in protest of gun violence.

Freshman Anna Meadows plans on attending the demonstration and shared her feelings about the march and gun violence in the United States.

“I think the March will be a great way to raise awareness and build community. I feel it is important to support peaceful protests, especially on issues as immediate and life threatening as gun legislation and school shootings. I support the Parkland survivors and all the effort they have put into March for Our Lives and bringing awareness to the overwhelming problems loose gun legislation brings,” Meadows said.

Representatives from March for Our Lives SGF foresee the event going well and hope for a large turnout. Caitlyn Chapman, sophomore at Hillcrest High School, is a part of the Teen Organizing Committee and explained what can be expected this Saturday.

“At the march, we will have parents, teachers, and students speaking, voter registration booths, and many other events to encourage people to take action. Overall, we see the event going very smoothly. We will have the whole square for our use and we’re really excited for this event,” Chapman said, “This event is peaceful and welcoming. We do not tolerate hate. Everyone is welcome. We look forward to seeing everyone there.”

In addition to the march, Drury and Central High School plan to have a walk-out from 10:15 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. on March 23rd at the green space on the northwest side of Central High School.  The purpose of the demonstration, explained on the flyer that circulated around Facebook, was “to make it clear to our school administration, city, government, and state legislature, that we demand common sense gun policy now.”

Freshman Jaxon Adams is passionate about gun reform and plans on participating in the walk out and the March for Our Lives. He elaborated on the issue of gun violence and gun reform.

“I think the fact that we are a nation that still has shootings is awful and disgusting. By walking out and attending marches, we are finally standing up trying to save lives.  I’m an activist and one of my favorite quotes summarizes why, ‘History is happening around you. Do you want to be a part of it or the guy who stands to the side. The guy who watched the civil rights movement, or the guy who marched in it,'” said Adams.

Our Drury students are active citizens ranging the political spectrum. If any students feel strongly about gun reform, take this opportunity to attend the March for Our Lives SGF this Saturday in the downtown square.