Windsor Students Participate in #NationalWalkoutDay

Students in Windsor Central High School and Middle School walked out of class at 10am Wednesday morning in remembrance of the 17 victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14.

Students gathered in their school’s auditorium for a student-organized assembly. High school students held a moment of silence as pictures of each of the 17 people killed in the shooting appeared on a large screen at the front of the auditorium. The silence was followed by speeches from Student Council president Larissa Balachick and senior Jackson White. 
 
Larissa Balachick speaking at a microphone in an auditorium 

“No matter what your stance is on different political and social issues, we want to remember those whose lives that were tragically taken and send the message that we have the power to make a change. Most of the students sitting here today will be able to vote in the next Presidential election and we hope you can recognize the fact that you have a voice,” said Balachick.

White echoed the sentiment that each student can do something to effect change. However, he had another message to share.
 
“We are lucky. All of us. We all woke up today and took a breath. There are 17 people who did not. That could have just as easily been me, or you, or anyone we love. That idea should not be lost on any of us,” said White.

He went on to make a promise to those who lost loved ones in Parkland, Newtown, CT, Virginia Tech or wherever there have been victims of mass shootings.

“We are going to try our absolute best to make sure no one else has to go through what you are going through,” said White.

He also asked students to think about Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz and his life before the shooting: his troubled life, his expulsion from school and his status as a loner.

“Whether we want to admit it or not we all know kids like this, the ones who get kicked out of class, the weird kids, the kids who are just a little off. I challenge you to be their connection. That is the easiest way to keep our schools safe, to make every kid feel as though they belong,” said White.
 
High school students sitting in an auditorium 

In the Middle School, student leaders conducted an assembly about seeking ways to make sure every student feels connected and appreciated.  A majority of the student body voluntarily attended and participated.  

Students held a moment of silence, showed an inspirational video, passed out yellow-and -black ribbons for students to wear, and made known their intentions to collect student ideas on how they and their peers can help build stronger relationships with one another and the school community.  

“It’s important students know they have a voice, whether it be here in school or beyond,” said Windsor CSD Superintendent, Dr. Jason Andrews.

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