Students Participate in Gun Violence Walkout on February 26, Approximately Event on Facebook That Had Under 600 Students from Linn-Mar High 200 Confirmed Participants
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
LIFEMarch edition Students participate in gun violence walkout On February 26, approximately event on Facebook that had under 600 students from Linn-Mar High 200 confirmed participants. When School participated in a seventeen students poured out of the doors and minute walkout to raise awareness just kept coming, I was astounded about gun violence in America and by the support. My sister goes to to show support for the victims Excelsior and they had students of previous school shootings. who walked out in support as well. Seventeen minutes represented It just shows what a broad issue this one minute for every victim of the is,” says Schmidt. recent school shooting at Marjory Why does Schmidt think it is Stoneman Douglas High School in important for the youth of America Parkland, Florida. A small group of to speak out on gun violence? Linn-Mar students worked together “This is a really crucial time for to organize the event and then met us. Our voices are under-represented with the administration to ensure and not being listened to. The youth that safety measures were followed. of America can have such a big According to Ethan Schmidt, role. When we stand together, there senior, “The administration was is so much we can accomplish. This really supportive. We went in (fighting for common sense gun with counter-arguments ready for control) is something we can do; all their anticipated reasons why we’ve gained the realization that we they would not allow the walk-out have a voice and we need to use it.” but we were pleasantly surprised Schmidt is quick to point out with how accommodating they that he and others, by participating were willing to be. Both parties in this walk-out, are not advocating just wanted the walkout to go as getting rid of all weapons or the smoothly as possible. We would Second Amendment. have still walked out if they were “We are just advocating for not supportive but it was nice to common sense gun laws. Universal know that they knew where we were background checks done correctly coming from. The administration’s could prevent guns from getting cooperation made me realize how in the wrong hands. We also don’t much bigger this issue was, that it need weapons that shoot multiple affects not only students but teachers rounds in a matter of seconds; we and administrators as well.” don’t need bump stocks that turn Schmidt says he was shocked regular weapons into automatic and pleased with how the walkout weapons,” Schmidt said. came together and says that he has In addition to the walkout, the made strong friendships through the group sponsored booths in the Pride process. Rock Commons signing up students “It started with a tweet, which to vote and providing information led to a group chat with people so they can call their legislators. I didn’t even know and in some Many organizers also planned to cases, hadn’t even met before. We participate in the city-wide March came together and organized an for Life rally in late March. Senior Tia Lawrence, one of the organizers of Linn-Mar’s gun violence walkout, answered a questionnaire for the Linn-Mar Life student newspaper about her involvement in the event. See her story on Page 13. The Linn-Mar Life Lincoln Currie not afraid to share his opinions with others By Rachel Gulick terior but I’ve got feelings as well.” use language in a variety of ways. Lincoln Currie is a junior attend- When I write in certain patterns, or ing Linn-Mar High School. He has What are your hobbies? Reading, use wit in a joke.” great respect for academics, espe- writing, video games, crossword cially English, but is clear about his puzzles, poetry, baking, cooking, Favorite color? “Purple because opinions and isn’t afraid to share and watching sports. “I like talking of the Vikings. They’re like, a part them. Some may perceive him as with other people. I like conversing. of me. I think I’d trade five years off crass, but his confidence allows him That’s probably my favorite thing my life if they win the Super Bowl to express his ideas with eloquence. in general.” this year.” How long have you attended What is something you wish you Favorite type of movie? “Woody Linn-Mar? Since kindergarten. were better at? “Being outwardly Allen movies. They’re witty, smart, kinder to people without them hav- the dialogue is smooth, they’re just What is your favorite subject in ing to get to know me first.” great. It’s like watching a beautiful school? “English. I love the writ- painting. They’re excellent.” ten word. It’s one of my favorite Do you prefer to be by yourself or things. The English language is with others? “With other people, Favorite person? “Probably my such a beautiful and hard to pick up but I do enjoy being alone a lot of dad. He’s kind of a complex person, language because of the sheer num- the time. I don’t want to say I was but I like that. He’s very mature and premely talented. Shawn Mendes is ber of words and because there are born to be a writer but I really enjoy there’s times he can be funny and great; his songs are awesome. Ev- so many adjectives to say specific doing that. It’s a lonely thing. You joke around, but he can also be seri- eryone should listen to his songs. things. There is an exact right way can’t write with other people. Peo- ous. His number one belief is mod- Can’t wait for his third album to to say something in English and ple drawn to that profession have to eration. Don’t try to get too high come out.” you might have to think a bit harder be alone a decent amount of time.” or too low. Don’t do anything too much. It’s a valuable lesson.” Pet peeves? “People walking slow- to find it, but it’s there, and I think Do you motivate yourself or look that’s a cool thing.” ly in the hallway. People who don’t to others for motivation? “Myself. Favorite type of music? “I don’t care about anything and don’t have Who is the best teacher you’ve Doing better than others is fun, but have a type. I like country music any passion.” ever had? “Dee Wesbrook. Because Hemingway said there’s nothing from the ‘40s and ‘50s, Johnny her class is just fun and she teach- noble about being superior to your Cash. I like ‘80s and ‘90s rap like Where is someplace you’d like to es you how to write with meaning. fellow man. True nobility lies in be- Ice Cube, Rakim, and Scarface. visit? “Scotland. I’m one-quarter Writing concisely and with mean- ing superior to your former self.” Eminem is great. Django Reinhart. Scottish, and I love the countryside Bruno Mars. Stevie Wonder is su- there.” ing is something important I took Are you someone people go to for away from her class.” help? “Generally, no. I wish they What are your plans post-high would though. They probably see school? College at a university me as someone who wouldn’t care Pit orchestra gets little glory somewhere in the northeast. but that’s not the case.” By Rachel Gulick The “pit” orchestra is a group of both orchestra and band What are little things in life that Major? Journalism or English. members that performs the music accompaniment for the yearly make you happy? “Compliments, spring musical. The pit is an area beneath the front part of What is your dream job? To be a which are sparse. When just the the stage so musicians remain hidden from the audience. Although journalist for the New York Times. right song comes on that perfectly they are hidden, this makes them no less important than the actors on the fits your mood.” Why did you rip your academic stage. Being in pit is on a volunteer basis, so most are solo achievement award? “At the time What do you wish you knew more performers who are fitted with microphones. In recent years, the I did it because I disagree with the about? “People. How they work pit has performed shows such as The Music Man, The Little idea of the ceremony and part of and think. What they think.” Mermaid, and The Sound of Music. The music for pit players that is my upbringing. I was taught is typically of an advanced skill level, and utilizes the skills of to be proud of my own accomplish- What is the best piece of advice each player to perfect the score in only a few weeks’ time. ments. You don’t need a piece of you’ve ever received? You are Students audition for pit as a way to use the talents they paper to tell you did well. If you your brother’s keeper. have developed and to be involved in the musical while strengthening their skills on their instrument. Some may also be interested in know you did well yourself that’s a What is your biggest regret? much more powerful thing.” the performing arts in the future, and pit gives them experience “Starting to care and be kind to peo- preparing difficult music in a short period of time. Pit forces Would you do it again? “No. I ple too late.