By Alexandra Monfalcone
Students at Morristown High School marked Inauguration Day with a lunchtime political awareness event which, while peaceful, still reflected the tensions that have marked this tumultuous presidential campaign.
Three police officers, many security guards, and a few teachers came to the atrium to keep an eye on things after some boys sporting Donald Trump apparel exchanged words with black-clad supporters of Melanin Minds, the school’s African American Culture Club, which was distributing #Get Woke fliers urging students to awaken to social, political and global issues.
“This is our political awareness day, our ‘Get Woke’ initiative. The point is for each individual to identify what they want to see from their government. Students need to know that we have a voice despite our age,” said senior Nicole Williams, who runs the club with Bella Simon.
The event started taking shape on Tuesday. Many students wore black to signify their desire to become more informed about governmental events.
Fliers stated this day was for every student at MHS, regardless of political affiliation.
“It is important that we are all educated and informed citizens, not just concerned about what side we take. We must be aware of and informed on both sides,” said Kendall Rogers, another member of Melanin Minds and chief organizer of the event.
Slideshow photos by Trevor Stephney and Alexandra Monfalcone
Still, some students took offense to it. Small groups of boys wearing Trump caps or t-shirts began gathering in corners of the atrium.
“If Hillary won, we wouldn’t be doing this. You guys are crybabies,” one boy said. Some crude remarks were heard.
Others kept things civil.
“I’m just standing with friends in support of our president,” said Jack Hoeg, a senior.
A few students in black approached the Trump group and engaged in political discussions.
Ultimately, views were exchanged peacefully by students with different mindsets–a testament to their maturity and a cause for optimism.
“I love it when young people feel connected to the world, to government, and are motivated to have a voice,” said history teacher Kevin Rooney.
“I’d be more nervous is there was apathy. I like to see kids vibrantly alive and happy. I think it’s great, and this is coming from someone who is very politically active!”
If the rest of the nation can follow the example set on Friday by MHS students, the future should be bright.
Alexandra Monfalcone is a senior at Morristown High School and an actress in the drama program.
