Unexpected Number Of Northport Students Support National Walkout

For Northport High School students, participating in the National School Walkout on Wednesday shows that their generation can make a difference, says senior Zoe Perles.

Perles, who organized the school's walkout with fellow student Ryan Dowling, told Patch a surprising number of Northport students have rallied behind the event. The Instagram page, @Northportwalkout, has gathered nearly 600 followers.

“We were surprised that it resonated with so many students, but we’re glad it did,” Perles said. “Whenever one of these events happen, I think there's a realization it could happen here. It could happen anywhere.”

Following the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last month, students across the country are participating in the walkout as a way to demand change.

“Though we can not speak for everyone involved, we are certainly in favor of more background checks, a ban on assault rifles, a law banning anyone with a history of domestic violence from owning a gun and other regulations to decrease the staggering number of people who die from gun violence in the US each year,” Perles said.

Northport High School’s walkout will last for 17 minutes and will take place at 10 a.m. About 100 to 200 students are expected to participate.

The school, which isn’t involved but supports the walkout, will have security guards outside while students participate.

“The reason why we are walking out of our schools is to symbolize that students across the country do not feel safe in their schools,” Perles said. “And after events like Parkland, it is now clearer than ever that lasting and effective change is needed.”

Image of students who planned Northport's walkout, courtesy of Zoe Perles