TOWAMENCIN- Hundreds of North Penn students joined forces with kids around the country on Wednesday morning as their silent actions sent a message loud and clear to Congress: it’s time to put an end to gun violence in schools.

With March 14th marking the one month anniversary of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, students in every state made the bold statement to walk out of classes to protest what little action they feel has been taken after this recent tragedy.

“The overall purpose of today was to remember the lives lost and say we had enough and need a change,” said sophomore and Democrats Club member Rachel Rubins. “We had a variety of events today to get people involved. From the walkout to voter registration forms to the public forum held after school, we let this topic become a point of discussion in our school.”

“It’s nice to know that North Penn isn’t just going to let this behavior that’s happening in the country slide and that we support the people who stand up against gun violence,” agreed senior Mariam Alamiri. “It’s polite to pay your respects, but it’s powerful to stand up against the root of the issue and not let this happen again.”

North Penn students gathered at the school courtyard by the cafeteria while six 10th graders, who helped organize the event, read the names and descriptions of the 17 victims killed last month. With the simple blow of a whistle, a hush fell over the crowd and students fell silent.

“I loved how they read more than just the names, but also what made each victim similar to people we might know so it felt really relatable and raw,” explained senior Nafisa Haque. “I know I teared up a little and I thought it was very beautifully done and respectful.”

The Democratic and Republic clubs also had some of their members at tables in the cafeteria during lunches where students could sign up to register to vote so that their voices can continue to be heard.

Along with the morning walkout, organizers held an open discussion on gun violence and related topics after school, and students were given the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback about what had happened that day.

“I think it kept the conversation about gun issues alive and made people want to get involved and take issues into their own hands so we, as teenagers who are feeling more and more in danger, could feel like we have a voice too,” added Haque.

Montgomery County Sheriff Sean Kilkenny and Ceasefire PA program director Jeff Dempsey answered questions that the students had and also helped to further educate themselves on what their rights are and how to use their knowledge to prevent such tragedies.

Principal Dr. Todd Bauer said he couldn’t be more proud of what his students had achieved during this event, whether they chose to walkout or not.

“I’m proud of the students that stayed in class because they didn’t feel that the walkout was aligned with their beliefs, and I’m proud of the kids that came outside. I think it was a lesson for everyone.” Dr. Bauer stated. “I thought it was beautifully done and respectful of the victims and their families, and it was a good civics lesson for our students. I just can’t imagine how it could have gone better.”