#iPrepStandsWithMSD

By Melanie Rodriguez, Senior, Editor in Chief

Given the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School, it is imperative that we, as a school, raise awareness of the issues surrounding this tragic event. As the Editor in Chief of The Phoenix Flyer, I believe the time to talk about “it” is now. We must make our voices heard and not simply be bystanders in order to create effective change. This is why we have decided to create this special edition of our newsletter, #iPrepStandsWithMSD, dedicated to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School especially to those lost to this massacre: Alyssa Alhadeff (14), Scott Beigel (35), Martin Duque (14), Nicholas Dworet (17), Aaron Feis (37), Jaime Guttenberg (14), Chris Hixon (49), Luke Hoyer (15), Cara Loughran (14), Gina Montalto (14), Joaquin Oliver (17), Alaina Petty (14), Meadow Pollack (18), Helena Ramsay (17), Alex Schachter (14), Carmen Schentrup (16), Peter Wang (15).

As someone who has personally been affected by gun violence, I know gun control is not a new issue. Gun control has been an issue with Columbine, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, and now Parkland among many others; however, this time we witnessed the uprising of student leaders fighting for change. Change is always met with resistance, but those who use the Second Amendment to silence us seem to forget it ensures “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms” not the right of the people to kill senselessly.

As a student-teacher for iPrep’s elementary speech and debate team, this past week my students ages 7-9 wanted to discuss the issue of gun control– I have never felt so insignificant. How can I assure my students that they are safe when our laws do not protect us? This Friday, Governor Rick Scott signed Bill 7026 into law. To me, this bill seems to be a way to quiet the cries of the crowd, but we will not be silenced until adequate and DETAILED gun reform is passed.
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The time is NOW. As Emma Gonzalez said, we must be willing to “call BS” and not let anyone silence or intimate us because of their position of power. We are the voice of the change. We have had #enough, and we will ensure #NeverAgain.