At 10:10 am on Friday, December 19th, EHS students walked out of the building to support black and brown voices. Juniors Hallie Corneau, Bianca De Boulet, and sophomore Kanchan Pradhan organized the event. Speakers included social studies teacher Molly Edwards and Campus Support Specialist Manny Robertson. 

Bianca De Boulet said she organized the walkout to create an event that would stand out.

“We organized this event because we were tired of seeing the same pattern repeat itself,” De Boulet said. 

To a crowd of around 100, Hallie Corneau said she believes that the Essex Westford School District needs to do a better job at educating students and staff around the issue of black and brown voices that are ignored in the school and local community. 

“This work begins with us,” Corneau said. “It begins with asking the hard questions, with sitting in discomfort, and with choosing growth over ease.” 

Corneau said she did not have all the answers about what happens next, but remains committed to all voices being heard.

“It is about opening our eyes, our ears, and our hearts. It’s about amplifying voices that have long been diminished in committing to a community where everyone is seen, heard, and valued, not just today, but every day,” she said.

Kanchan Pradhan said she was excited to see the support from the students and make an impact.

“It means a lot to us that people are like, you know, putting aside their education to be here to listen to us,” Pradhan said.

 Counselors, support staff, administrators, and teachers were present at the walk-out. 

“I’m here to support students and their right to be able to assemble like this,” Restorative Practice Coordinator Ben Gillam said. “We want to make sure that everybody feels safe and heard.”

When asked about receiving unverified absences for attending the walkout, students said they didn’t mind. 

“If it means supporting this cause, it definitely is worth it,” sophomore Charlotte Sonick said.