Side by side, students from 16 schools in Wake County marched Friday to protest gun violence.

The students protested in solidarity, inspired by the activism of the Parkland, Florida school shooting survivors. They also commemorated the 19th anniversary of Columbine.

“We thought a united effort would make a bigger statement against gun violence because it shows people can put aside even school rivalries to say enough is enough,” said Green Hope High School senior Peyton Barish.

The event began in Fletcher Park. Students then walked to Halifax Mall for the Why Wake Walks rally outside legislative buildings. The rally was filled with performances, speeches, and remarks from local law makers.

Last months, students walked out of school during the National School Walkouts. Organizers said this event was purposefully held at the end of the day so that students from multiple schools could participate.

“We want to be the last kids that have to grow up with this kind of stuff,” said Isabelle Nechvatal, a senior at Broughton High School.

The students are calling on lawmakers to pass what they say are common-sense gun reform measures.

“We only seek reformation, not eradication. We want comprehensive background checks, the elimination of the gun-show loophole,” said one student speaker.

Students said they also want to see more funding for mental-health care resources in schools, such as having more psychologists on campus and extra mental-health training for teachers.

“We feel that as students of this issue, and we haven’t seen change,” said Broughton senior Sanzaru Aranyak.

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