BUCHANAN — At approximately 10 a.m. Wednesday morning, a crowd of unified students walked out of Buchanan High School.

Several students carried signs that read “fear has no place in our schools” and “common sense reform.” Others stuffed their hands in their pockets, hoping to avoid some of the chilling effects of the frigid temperature after they walked outside wearing sandals and a T-shirt.

“It’s to honor the 17 people that lost their lives in the Florida shooting and to get our point across that things need to change for the better, and we’re not going to stop until it does,” said Jaxon Rehmel, a senior at Buchanan High School, who was one of the first students to step out of the building.

In remembrance of the victims of the shooting that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida one month ago, the students stayed outside for 17 minutes. Additionally, they had a minute of silence.

During the peaceful protest, students passed around a megaphone to give speeches or lead chants such as “enough is enough,” “no more silence, end gun violence” and “no more excuses,” which rang throughout school’s courtyard.

“Outside of school, obviously we’re going to have political meetings,” said Sydney Anderson, 18, a senior at BHS. “Inside school, this is more for a school safety awareness. Outside of school, we all have our own individual opinions on what needs to be done, but right now we’re trying to keep it apolitical and unified out of respect for the 17 victims.”

The walkout at BHS was part of a nationwide initiative by the organization EMPOWER, the youth branch of the group that started the Women’s March in January of last year. According to the organization’s website, at the time of press students from 3,136 schools across the United States had participated in the walkout. Other area schools that participated in the walkout include Dowagiac Union High School and Ross Beatty Jr.-Sr. High School.

“We’re a very nice school and sometimes, because of the way we look, it doesn’t always come across that we’re open to change and different points of views,” said Emily Long, 16, a sophomore at Buchanan High School who helped lead the walkout. “And we just wanted to make that clear that no matter what, everybody’s lives are valued.”

While Emily Long led the students, her parents, Chris and Kate Long, watched what was taking place across the street from the school.

“I was really worried that nobody would come out,” Kate Long said with tears in her eyes. “I’m really glad that people stood up and walked out.”

“I think it’s important that they all understand the gravity of the situation and the fact that they are all willing to stand up and do something says a lot,” Chris Long said. “I think it’s very important to see all the kids come out. It’s amazing.”

As one of the organizers and leaders of the walkout, Emily Long first ran the idea of participating in the walkout by some of her teachers, who then brought it to the attention of the school administration.

“They called me in and I talked to Mr. Pruitt and the principal and I just had to explain to them what we’re doing and why [I thought] it was a good idea,” Long said.

While the school did not officially condone the walkout, the administration did not try to stop it.

“We were aware that this was possible, so we communicated it with our staff and also community police to be prepared for it — to ensure that we keep kids safe while we demonstrating and I think that we’ve done that effectively today,” said Timothy Donahue. “I congratulate our staff on their work to make this happen.”

Donahue also added that he as admiration for what the students are doing.

“I think they have to be able to express their concerns about safety,” he said. “I think it’s an American right to protest and they’ve done it in a dignified and peaceful way and I really respect that.”

After 17 minutes were up, students walked back into the building but, instead of going to back to class, were ushered into the auditorium to hear talks from Assistant Principal Brian Pruett and police Sgt. Harvey Burnett.

In Pruett’s speech, he mentioned that he wanted kids to think about their actions and what they had participated in that day. Even though the students were not punished for walking out, he wanted them to be aware that they could have been.

“Use today as a lesson,” he said during his speech. “What went on today, I want you to understand that there are consequences for your actions. Many of you went out there for a purpose. You went out there to stand up for something and when you did that you were willing to take the consequences for it. You were standing up for something you believe and you felt that it was strong enough.”

Next Sgt. Burnett told the students what they could do to help make sure that they stay safe while in the building.

“Safety starts with you all, so do what you can to make sure the school stays safe,” Sgt. Burnett said during his speech. “Don’t be afraid to saying anything [about abnormal or threatening behavior from students], take lockdown drills seriously and don’t let people in the building.”

After the talk, students were to go back about their day, unsure if their actions had any impact on society locally or nationally — only time will tell that.

“I think that I really respect the students’ voice on this,” Donahue said. “They are the ones that nationally are on the forefront of this worry of safety for our school kids, and I think it’s an American disgrace that we’re at this point, and I hope that this brings about effective change.”