Correction: A previous version of the story incorrectly stated that students had the option of staying home if they did not wish to participate in the walkout. It has been changed to say 'Students had the option of participating in the walkout or staying in the classroom.'
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Thousands of students across the country walked out of school Tuesday as part of a nationwide protest against gun violence.
Around 500 Jones County students took part in the school walkout. Students had the option of participating in the walkout or staying in the classroom.
Jones County High School students participated in this national school walkout day. The Jones County school board would not allow our cameras into the student demonstration that students had, but we did speak to a couple of students afterward. They said it was truly a time to meditate on the events that happened in Parkland, Florida.
"My mama always taught me you do what you can for people, and the least I can do is go and stand outside for these people for 17 minutes," said Quay Betha, who chose to participate.
Students took that time to not only remember the 17 victims at Stoneman Douglas High School, but also to release 17 balloons in their memory.
Senior Triston Skinner said for her, the walkout was all about respect. "I'm a very respectful person and any chance, like Quay said, any chance you get to respect other people, you should definitely give that respect towards that, to any situation," Skinner said.
Kevin Sterling, who is the assistant superintendent, said the walkout represents a stand against school violence, something Betha said he is always aware of. "Be grateful for every day you have on this Earth, because you never know what can happen, or when it can happen, or when you can be gone from this Earth," Betha said.
The walkout was also a time for students to introduce themselves to someone new to make sure no one is ever left alone.