By Victoria Mezera
Gun violence in America has recently become a huge debate nationwide. After the Parkland shooting, where 17 people were killed, people from the school and around the country have gathered attention by organizing marches, participating in walkouts, and more. On March 14th, there were walkouts across the country, with one taking place at Apopka High School. On March 24th, there were marches held across the country. One march was held locally, at Lake Eola, and many Apopka students attended the march.
The walkouts on March 14th were done across the United States, in support of the students at Parkland High School, in protest of gun laws, and to demand action from those in office. In Apopka High School, at 9:55, students gathered in the courtyard to hear speakers, and to honor the victims from Parkland. There was a moment of silence, along with the names of the victims being called out. Sophomore Lena Firlotte said that the presentation was “powerful, as it was amazing to see students coming together and taking a stand for something they believe in. However, some students had no respect, and it was hard to hear over people talking.” Sophomore Ciara Allen said something similar, “It was moving to know so many students cared, although some hooligans went just to skip class.”
The marches took place across the country on Saturday, March 24th. 
The local march was held at Lake Eola, and was an event to protest gun violence and call attention to those in government. People made signs, t-shirts, and showed up at the event ready to protest and make their presence known, with thousands of people marching. Ciara Allen said the march was, “amazing, the posters were hilarious and clever, and it was inspiring to see all the people that came together for a good cause. Maybe these marches and protests will finally bring some justice and action to the situation.” Sophomore Jonathan Gardon stated that he thought the march was “Very powerful. So many heartfelt and impactful speeches, and the march was beautiful. To be a part of it and see the people rally together for a passionate issue.”
However, these events did not just take place locally, they took place worldwide, with hundreds of marches across the world, and thousands of students walking out of class. In Massachusetts, there was a snowstorm on the day of the walkout, and school was cancelled. However, this did not stop students from showing up at a statehouse and protesting there. In Washington D.C., there was a march at our nation’s capital, where thousands of people showed up. Emma Gonzalez, a survivor of the Parkland shooting, gave a speech that was most notable for its moment of silence. There were other speakers as well, including Martin Luther King’s granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King, who is 9-years-old. It’s estimated that over 800,000 people attended the march in D.C., and there were also marches across the world, in places like Denmark, Madrid, Tokyo, Brisbane, and Rome.
Overall, students and people in the United States who wants to end gun violence are sick of the lack of action taken. They’re taking action themselves by walking out of class and peacefully taking to the streets, organizing one of the biggest youth protests since the Vietnam War. They’re registering to vote and threatening to kick those unwilling to take action out of office. This generation has started a movement that they say will not stop until the appropriate measures have been taken.