On September 4, 2024, a 14-year-old opened fire on many innocent students and teachers at Apalachee High School, murdering four people and injuring nine. In the wake of the tragedy, the fear of gun violence has escalated among many Chamblee students, causing them to feel unsafe within the school building.
“There’s just so much gun violence right now. Honestly, I’m scared sometimes to go to school, and that’s just not right. Something needs to be done about this,” said Cora Scherrer (‘26).
Other students, such as Frank Chavez (’27), shared the same sentiment, describing that students should not have to fear for their lives when going to school.
“Students should not be afraid to go to school; it should be a safe place. We live in a reality where people care more about guns than the well-being of children,” said Chavez.
On Friday, September 20, 2024, Chamblee students honored the four lives lost in the Apalachee High School shooting by engaging in a walkout to protest the lack of gun regulations in Georgia. In addition, students wore all black as tribute to the Appalachee victims.
“It was very important because a school shooting happened just over two weeks ago very close to our school, almost an hour away. I felt it was very important to express how we need to be doing something to change that,” said Noelle LaMarca (‘26).
The protest, organized by Ella King (‘26) was a way for students to highlight their opinions regarding school shootings and attempt to gain awareness among lawmakers. In her speech, King addressed fears among students and called for a change in legislation.
“We stand here in hopes of a future where we can go to school without the threat of not walking out those doors again or never seeing our parents again. We call for Georgia to implement gun safety measures and for an end to gun violence in schools. We simply ask to be able to feel safe,” said King in her speech.
Students specified that Georgia specifically should pass laws to make getting a gun a more extensive process
“I don’t know why people think that not actually making more gun controls is going to help anything. I think regulations [need to be put in place] for buying guns in the first place. [Restrictions on] who can have access to them need to be passed,” said Cora Scherrer (‘26).
Many students participated in the walkout, showing a united front for gun regulations. Students were energetic and passionate, chanting phrases like “No More Guns” and “Protect Students Not Guns.”
“I liked that everybody came together, I was not expecting so many posters, and we were all [chanting]. And I think it was a good show of unity against this issue,” said LaMarca.
Teachers such as Ms. Laura Lennard were inspired by the students’ spirit and Ella’s leadership during the walkout.
Ms. Lennard said, “Watching Ella leading the protest was cool to see because she has grown so much since I had her in my class freshman year. There’s something sort of amazing about seeing young people be so passionate and really trying to build a better world for themselves.”
Ella King’s Entire Speech is as follows:
Thank you all for participating in that moment of silence to honor the four lives that were taken just two hours from us, and thank you for coming out this morning for this walkout against gun violence. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Ella King and I am a junior.
On September 4th, 2024, two children and two teachers were shot and killed at Appalachee High School. Their names were Mason Schermerhorn, Christina Irimie, Christian Angelo, and Richard Aspinwall. Mason and Christina were 14 years old. All four of them should be alive today. All four of them should have been able to walk out of school at the end of the day. All four of them should be with their family and friends right now.
We stand here today to call the Georgia Government to implement gun safety measures to prevent school shootings. We should not have to go to school, a place for learning, enrichment, and self-improvement in fear. We all have the right to an education that is not threatened by fear of our safety.
When I was in 3rd grade, my teacher said, “The two safest places you can be are your home and school.” That statement is no longer true. School has become unsafe not only for students, but for our teachers and staff too.
Since 1999, there have been 417 school shootings. Over 365,000 students have experienced gun violence. When will those numbers be high enough for us to finally make changes?
After each of those 417 school shootings, they said, “Never again.” After 1999 Columbine, they said, “Never again.” After 2007, Virginia Tech, they said, “Never again.” After 2012 Sandy Hook, they said, “Never again.”
Will we say “Never again” to Appachee High School, in 2024? When will that word “never” be true?
We stand here in hopes of a future where we can go to school without the threat of not walking out those doors again or never seeing our parents again. We call for Georgia to implement gun safety measures and for an end to gun violence in schools. We simply ask to be able to feel safe.
Thank you for coming out today.
