Colts Neck’s Commemoration of the Tragedy in Parkland

The time following the school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida was obviously a tense time for all of us at Colts Neck High School and high schools all around America. Following the brutal massacre, Dr. Donahue came onto the loudspeaker in a call for a moment of silence and also discussed implementation of new safety procedures for our school, such as a more advanced check-in and early dismissal system for guests and students and more caution watching students enter the building in the morning.

While almost all students agree that schools should be as safe as possible, there were obviously many controversial opinions on how to achieve this, so I truly admire what administration did – let the students talk about it.

One month after the massacre in Parkland, Colts Neck hosted a series of debates and discussions about wide-ranging topics surrounding the controversy, such as free speech to gun rights to school safety. Moderated by LPS and AP Government students, these discussions gave students an opportunity to give their opinions on a matter they feel passionate about, something that ought to happen more in schools. It led to insights into other students’ beliefs and values and sparked some speakers’ passions for certain topics. All around, the debates allowed for students to discuss heavy topics that were on everyone’s mind in a civil and respectful way, which must be commended.

On the month anniversary there was also opportunities in students’ lunch periods to write letters to Congressmen and sign a banner to be sent to Parkland. Silhouettes of all 17 victims of the shooting still remain hung up on the windows of the courtyard as a daily reminder to the pain we all feel for our fellow students, teachers, and administrators in Parkland, as we all stand in solidarity to keep our students safe and on the path for success. Colts Neck High School stands with all the victims of the tragedy that occurred, as well as with high schools across the nation.