When the teens see school shootings continue to happen every year, and shootings that hit close to home like Uvalde, they want change.
“This should never have happened to us, this should never have happened to them,” Emma says. “I just think people in power, or people who have the power should do their work instead of having 17, 18-year-olds do their work for them.”
All of the teens agreed that legislation on assault-style weapons is a need, as shootings like Sandy Hook continue to unfold across the nation every year.
“I really thought Sandy Hook would wake people up, but it just keeps happening over and over and over again,” said Henry Terifay.
“The tragedy never ends,” Matt Holden emotionally says, talking about the faces missing from their classrooms, the parents who should have children graduating this year, the teachers who are gone, the parents who will never hug their kids again. “It’s never over.”
In recounting his time with the seniors, George Stephanopoulos emphasizes their need to get something out of the tragic event they were unwillingly made part of 11 years ago. All of the students have participated in discussions with lawmakers, senators, congressmen, and even Vice President Kamala Harris. They’re done with peoples’ “I’m sorry” messages, and focused only on making a change.
The students of Newtown High School graduated Wednesday. Along with a moment of silence, each of the slain students’ names were read during the graduation ceremony.
