GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — On Wednesday, schools across West Michigan will participate in a national walkout organized in the wake of the Parkland, Florida mass shooting.
The demonstration is simple action that hopes to make a big statement. Marking one month since the Parkland shooting, it’s meant to honor the 17 people killed there and call for more gun control and mental health programs.
“I think a lot of us who don’t live in Florida felt like we had to also do something,” said Ellie Lancaster, a senior at Central High Middle in Grand Rapids leading the walkout.
She said part of the reason she is motivated is the actions of the Parkland survivors, who have been very vocal in the media and in Washington.
“This is an issue that hits home more than anything else I’ve ever dealt with,” said Gabriella Rabon, who also one of the leaders for the walkout at Central High Middle. “Every day we walk into school there is the potential for something that happen in Parkland to happen.”
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