[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOGUJfjcN5w&w=560&h=315]

Here are the full remarks from this morning’s National School Walkout at Saegertown:

Thank you all for coming. For the next 17 minutes we will be honoring the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting that took place one month ago today. This is about unity and joining together as a community to show our support for Parkland and the families who lost their loved ones as well as taking a stand against school shootings. Our event is in no way motivated by gun control, but led to commemorate the students and staff who so tragically lost their lives on February 14. We ask for your respect during this time of grief and remembrance. We request that you remain silent for the time we are here together and take this time to reflect on the idea that schools should be safe places for all of us to learn and grow as people and a community.

1. a loved and respected member of Parkland’s travel soccer team.

2. a geography teacher and camp counselor in his spare time.

3. known for his kindness and humor in the Parkland community.

4. a talented swimmer who planned to attend the University of Indianapolis in the fall.

5. an assistant football coach at Stoneman Douglas. He was known for his selflessness and generosity.

6. loved by her community, especially by her mother, father, and brother.

7. the school’s athletic director and wrestling coach. He was a veteran who served in Iraq.

8. the youngest in his family and will be remembered by his constant happiness and optimism.

9. a member of the Drake School of Irish Dance and was always smiling.

10. a member of the winter guard on the school’s marching band and a gifted artist.

11. enjoyed football, basketball, and spending time with his girlfriend.

12. vibrant and determined, and she loved to serve her community.

13. an energetic young lady who planned to attend Lynn University in the fall.

14. smart, kind hearted, and thoughtful. She brought the best out of all who knew her.

15. played baritone and trombone in the school marching band and orchestra.

16. a national merit scholar semi finalist. She will be remembered for her outstanding academics and kind nature.

17. a member of the ROTC program. He was known for always making others  laugh.

(Those who are holding the orange hearts, please hold them up now in honor of the Parkland students and in hopes that this will never happen again).

Thank you all for attending the #NeverAgain walkout in honor of the fallen members of  Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. We appreciate your respect as we came together as a school to show our support for students and staff just like us. As we remember the students of Parkland today, let us also show support for each other and come together as a community to ensure that this devastating crime never happens again. Please return to your third period class in a respectful and orderly fashion.