NASHUA – Holding up signs reading “Never Again” and “Time to Take Action”, close to a hundred Nashua High School South students walked out of school at exactly 10 a.m. Wednesday morning and formed a circle in front of the building’s entrance. There, they remained for exactly 17 minutes, one minute for every life lost during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, a month ago.

During that time, the five participating students who worked together to organize the walkout delivered speeches via hand-held microphones from atop a snowy bench, their voices resonating from the speakers situated between them.

“We stand here for change,” 18-year-old Hannah Hansen said. “We are doing this a hundred percent to make a difference.”

Each of the students had a different message to share with their fellow peers, though they all advocated for change and stressed a move toward action. One of the students emphasized the awareness they have of the issue and delivered a desperate plea for a change in policy and a shift in the conversation about gun control.

“Just because we’re kids, doesn’t mean we don’t know what’s going on,” said 17-year-old Ben Telerski. “Our peers are being murdered because of politicians who do nothing. We need to vote against people who value campaign money more than our lives.”

Another speaker, 17-year-old Haley Sweeney, highlighted the initiatives students could take part in despite not being old enough to vote.

“Just by being here, we are showing our government officials that we need change to happen to feel safe in our classrooms,” Haley said. “Each one of us can make a difference, whether it’s by protesting or volunteering to teach against gun violence at the local Boys & Girls Club.”

Abby Rowe, 17, called attention to the impact they collectively made by standing up together for a single cause and displaying signs that speak to their current frustration and hopes for the future.

“This has really brought our school together. I’ve never seen such unity,” Abby said.

With each new speech, the students raised their signs higher in hopes of having their voices heard even in silence. Some lifted signs that proclaimed, “Fear has No Place in our Schools” and “Time to Take Action.” Many hoisted statements that pushed for gun control such as “Thoughts and Prayers are Not Enough” and “Protect Students Not Guns.” One sign served as a declaration against the NRA, reading “I Will March Because I Want the NRA to Fear the People’s Stomp Vibrations.”

“We want to speak up for those who had their voices stolen,” said 17-year-old Lyssa Brogan, the first and last student to speak. “I think it’s important for students to have a voice. Together we unite with schools around the nation, because there needs to be an end to the fear of being at school. We have a right to safety.”

Lyssa concluded the walkout by leading students in a moment of silence after reciting the names of every student and staff member who perished during the Parkland, Florida, shooting. Students bowed their heads and wrapped their arms around the necks of friends close by in remembrance, before shuffling back inside.

“We hope this accomplishes any type of positive change,” Lyssa

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