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SNN: Actions speak louder than words

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Local students are pushing for change in the wake of the Florida school shooting.

Ellie Lancaster was 15-hundred miles away from the recent school massacre in Florida, but felt the emotional impact of the 17 who died as she went to classes at City High/Middle. The senior class president told SNN that every time there’s a school shooting students are a little bit afraid for a few days, even if they feel safe in their environment. There’s that feeling that this really can happen anywhere. She’s had that feeling before, like when 26 first-graders and adults were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary school.

But this time, Ellie and her classmates have had enough. They’re taking action to try to stop mass school shootings -- because the adults haven’t. They’re joining an army of protest led by students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in a National school walk-out March 14 for 17 minutes.

Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal announced the entire district will take part, to unite and send a clear message to lawmakers that action is needed.

Next month the “March for Our Lives” takes place in Lansing and in April, activities are being planned around the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre.

The students aren’t planning to stop. Ellie says they want people to realize they refuse to accept this could ever be the new normal.

Joy Walczak and Charles Honey for School News Network