“ICE OUT,” “FIGHT IGNORANCE NOT IMMIGRANTS,” “NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL,” read the signs wielded by Flintridge Prep students clustered by the Upper Lot gate. On January 30th, in the wake of national tragedies such as the murders of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, as well as the heightened inhumane treatment of immigrants by ICE (the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), students took initiative to advocate for a cause they felt passionate about. The 30th, a day of general protest for many characterized by widespread boycotts of businesses and institutions to advocate for immigrant rights, created a powerful atmosphere of determination amongst Prep students. The week leading up to this day was one filled with incessant buzz around advocacy and social injustice. The idea of a walk-out circulated in these same conversations—a possible remedy for the feeling of helplessness many students felt. Organized through social media and spread by word of mouth, students across the La Cañada area soon joined young people across the country in a mass movement. And as students flooded the front gate, a feeling of togetherness was established. The more this feeling sunk in, the greater the movement felt.

Shortly after leaving campus, Prep students made their way down Foothill Blvd. However, on their way to Hahamonga Park, the group was met by an exodus of students from La Cañada High School also carrying cardboard signs and chanting in unison. The two groups of students merged in an ecstatic moment of triumph and began the trek back up Foothill to Memorial Park. The train of students crowded the sidewalks as they marched their way through La Cañada—a sight impossible to ignore. Although 80-degree weather was far from ideal, students relentlessly walked almost two miles to their destination. There, the group was met by an adult crowd, gathered to protest for the same cause. Together, the groups demonstrated peacefully, waving signs and chanting, occasionally.

Remembering the experience, one student thought, “While we didn’t collaborate directly [with other schools], it all worked out through strong mutual support for the cause. I really loved how the widespread support on Instagram actually translated to the event.” Another student explained, “It’s important to take action to make the change we want to see in America. [Change] won’t happen if people just sit at home and do nothing.”

For many, the walk-out was a first protesting experience. For others, it was something they felt comfortable doing. Regardless, students showed up with and for each other in an incredible display of youth activism. On this day, students truly embodied the phrase “think globally, act locally,” proving how a collective effort of unified civic action led by empowered students can inspire a community.