Peace and positivity: the movement that sparked hope for change
Senior Holden Mikesell places a pinwheel in the ground to honor the lives of the 17 students and teachers lost in the Parkland shooting on February 14.
March 14, 2018
At 10 AM March 14, students began leaving their classes and meeting outside or in the commons for 17 minutes to honor the lives of those lost in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, and all violent acts within schools.
The movement started when the survivors of the attack planned and scheduled a national walkout. Student leaders and student council planned for Ford to participate as well.
Those who helped organize the event used it as an opportunity to promote kindness and positivity throughout the school, while promoting the idea of safety throughout the community.
“We need to reflect on life, safety, how lucky we are, and how we need to not take it for granted,” Principal Kenneth Cucchi said.
Since the shooting, two threats have been made against UCS, and while the two people who threatened the schools were arrested, students have had fears about their safety in their own school.
“I shouldn’t have to be thinking about an escape plan for every class I’m in when I go to school,” senior John-Paul Murray said. “No student should have to be scared to go to school.”
Administration worked with students to make sure everything was planned fully, and done professionally.
“I want our students to walk away with compassion for each other, and for them to know our school is a safe and positive place,” student council sponsor Christina Versele said.
Recent gun violence against schools has sparked outrage within students.
“This cause is important to me because school is supposed to be a safe place to learn,” junior Caitlin Johnson said. “Too many innocent lives have been lost due to school shootings. We deserve to feel safe.”
The school is promoting today as “Random Act of Kindness Day” to encourage kindness and positivity, so be sure to swing by the activities office and take a random act of kindness off the wall.
Remember the school rules in trying times like these: no hoods or hats, direct people to the front entrance for late entries, and do not make any threats, even if they are just jokes.