PARSIPPANY — In the wake of the tragic events that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, a grassroots movement has emerged promoting a National School Walkout on March 14, 2018. This movement has gained support from students across New Jersey and in Parsippany-Troy Hills, as well.
Student leaders at Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School expressed their desire to stand with their peers from across the country on March 14. The goal of the students is to gather to honor the lives lost in Parkland school shooting and to raise their voices in a call for action to promote safety for all students in America’s schools.
At Parsippany High School the walkout was ultimately held in the auditorium due to snow. Students were given the chance to speak on gun violence, there was a moment of silence, and they watched a video of the student activists from the Parkland shooting on the walkout.
There was a 17 minute walk out to recognize the 17 lives lost at the parkland shooting
There was a high turnout and it was a positive experience for all the students attending. The experience gave the students a chance to address the issue of gun violence/mass shooting and show our solidarity.
“The walkout really did give students at my school the chance to feel heard. I feel so lucky to attend a school that keeps an open dialogue on the things that matter. While many students that attended the walkout certainly disagree on specific gun policy prescriptions, the important thing is that we all rallied behind the idea that something needs to be done. We had the chance to express how passionate we are about the issue which unites us and made the walkout a success,” said Junior Bella Rocco.
Parsippany Police was present to ensure security and to assist in closing off access to the school during this time. Visitors will not be permitted to enter the campus between 9:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to provide for the safety of our students and staff.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Superintendent Dr. Barbara Sargent said “The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District has developed a comprehensive Strategic Plan which strives to produce students who are problem-solvers and self-directed individuals, and to help all students become adaptable, confident citizens who embody self-awareness and strong interpersonal skills, capable of responsible decision-making and managing their emotions and behaviors. Toward that end, our schools support students who wish to participate in a peaceful and organized Walkout on March 14.”
Parsippany High School students organizing the event were Caitlin Crooker, Nicole Dugan, Emma Suarez, Bethany Goordman, Fiona Celli, Tyler Becker, Amanda Stover, Sarah Dipippa, Riley Ferguson and Kenny Slaman.
This also wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of Principal Dr. Mulroony and the PHS staff.
