On Wednesday, March 14, high schools across the United States will be emptying in protest to gun violence in schools – Boothbay Region High School will be among them. The 17-minute walk-out is as much a vigil as a protest for the 17 lives lost in the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. 

“The students have reported to me that the purpose of this activity is to honor and memorialize the students,” said Principal Dan Welch in a letter to parents. “... I am told that they intend to spend 17 minutes reading the names of the victims and holding moments of silence for each one.” 

Welch noted that while the school’s administration does not endorse the walk-out, students will not be reprimanded for participating. Students who do not wish to participate will have indoor supervision until classes resume. Students participating in the walk-out will have school supervision with officers present from the Boothbay Harbor Police Department.