On April 20th, 2018, Mason City High school students held a walkout after their 4th period class to honor those victims who were involved in school shootings across America. The walkout marked the nineteenth anniversary of the Columbine shooting and was part of a nationwide event. Following the walkout, students were allowed to ask questions regarding school safety, mental health, and more to a panel of school and community officials.
The optional event was coordinated by the Social Activist Group, a new club at the Mason City High School. Before students “walked out,”, Daniel Stephenson, a leader of the Social Activist Group, said a few words about the purpose of the march. He thanked the group of more than 200 students for coming. He encouraged participants to ”think about the lives that were lost, that are lost everyday to violence” during the walk. He also stated,”Think about what happened to them back then, and what we can do now to change it for the future”. However, even with those words emphasizing remembering those lost, students were confused on the true intention of the entire event, considering that the local media gave the event the caption of “Teenagers join national protest of gun violence” while some members of the Social Activist group wore shirts that read “America Needs Gun Safety” during the entire event.
For the most part, the “walk out” was quiet and respectful, with no signs or yelling from the students who participated in the cause. At the assembly, a panel of which involved Mason City Police Chief Brinkley, Principal Dan Long, Senator Amanda Ragan, Mayor Bill Schiekel, Senator Sharon Steckman, and Mason City Superintendent Dave Versteeg. Members of the student body submitted questions in advance, a selection of which were asked by members of the Social Activist Group. Members of the panel had a chance to respond to questions and share their views, but some would have preferred more student interaction. Senator Ragan stated,”I would like to interact with the students to see what they have to say” as she gestured to the crowd of the packed students in the gym.
All of the individuals of the panel all agreed with what was all said, which ranged from the students having the duty of making sure we respect everyone around us and the topic on school safety. Due to increased student and community concerns about school safety, the school is initiating active shooter drills for students this spring. After the hour or so of the assembly, students left to go back to their classes, while those who were on the Social Activist group were interviewed by Mason City’s local media.