After the shooting tragedy in Parkland, Florida last month that killed 17, thousands of students across the country have rallied in support of stricter gun laws and safer school environments.
Yesterday, “driven by the conviction that they should never have to run from guns again, they walked.”
Schools in New York City, Atlanta, Santa Monica, Chicago, Littleton (where the Columbine shooting occurred) and more, participated in National School Walkout Day.
“We have grown up watching more tragedies occur and continuously asking: Why?” said Kaylee Tyner, a junior at Columbine High School. “Why does this keep happening?”
While many think “walking out” is the answer to fighting school violence, one high school equipped with sticky notes and hearts for change chose to make a difference in their community by “walking up.”
Danielle Rae shared a few photos and a video snippet that captured the inspiring efforts of Arbor Preparatory High School students.
“Today our students participated in a Walk Up instead of a Walk Out,” Danielle wrote on Facebook. “They were each given 17 sticky notes to symbolize the 17 lives lost in Florida and encouraged to leave 14 notes for students and 3 for adults that would brighten their day.”
Facebook
“As I walked the halls I was overcome with pride for these kids. Not a single locker was untouched and they took special care to ensure that everyone from admin to the tech guy and custodian received some love. ❤️ #choosejoy #spreadlove #thefutureisbright”
Facebook
Since it was posted on Facebook yesterday, Arbor Preparatory’s beautiful approach to anti-violence has spread like wildfire, amassing nearly 1 million shares and likes within 24 hours.
Today our students participated in a Walk Up instead of a Walk Out. They were each given 17 sticky notes to symbolize…
Posted by Danielle Rae on Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Kudos to these stand-up students for fighting hate with the only force more powerful: love.
May their efforts be multiplied and inspire others across the country to not only “walk out” but also to “walk UP.”
