National School Walkout: How Indiana students protested

Two messages were sent by Hoosier students walking out of class at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

One was a message of solidarity while honoring the 17 Florida students and staff killed by a gunman on Valentine's Day.

The other message, of a more politically charged tone, is one many students around Indianapolis hope to send to state and national leaders about gun control.

"Change just needs to come," North Central High School senior Drew Holl said. "Like we saw at the Parkland shooting it can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. It's scary. People shouldn't be scared going to school because they are worried about another shooting."

The National School Walkout protest Wednesday is taking place in hundreds of locations nationwide. IndyStar will cover area events live.

Walk Up Not Out: An alternative to walkouts

Silence and shouts: An in-depth look at the protests

Their own words: North Central High students speak out about walkout

At 10 a.m. Wednesday, a steady stream of students emerged from North Central High School as part of the walkout.

At Herron High School in Indianapolis, students held signs and chanted, "not one more" and "save education now."

At the Center for Inquiry School 2 in Indianapolis, a kindergarten through eighth grade school, students took to the streets to march and chant, "this is what democracy looks like."

One student, whose Twitter profile identifies her as a student at Franklin Central High School, shared her reasons for walking out:

Students shared photos of walkouts at other schools in the area, including Center Grove High School.

Decatur Central High School:

From Northwest High School:

From Crispus Attucks High School:

From Perry Meridian High School:

From University High School:

From Arlington High School:

From Southport High School:

From Westfield High School:

At Avon High School:

From Lawrence North HIgh School:

At Hamilton Southeastern High School:

At Brebeuf High School:

At New Palestine High School:

The official Indianapolis Public School Twitter account highlighted the student protest.

Zionsville High School:

Some adults encouraged students in their activism.

Former Colts player Matt Overton encouraged students to combine their protests with kindness.

Others doubted their motives.

Some suggested other forms of action.

But others pointed out America's long history of protest.

Call IndyStar reporter Emma Kate Fittes at (317) 513-7854. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.

Call IndyStar education reporter Arika Herron at (317) 444-6077. Follow her on Twitter: @ArikaHerron.

