More than 900 Dartmouth High students united for a rally on March 19 to commemorate the 17 victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida.

The event was organized by a group of students with the support of high school administration. Student Noah DeRossi-Goldberg led the 17-minute rally with a declaration to end senseless acts of violence. He and fellow students held a moment of silence for the victims.

“Regardless of which side of the political spectrum you’re on, everyone should be against these senseless acts of violence,” DeRossi- Goldberg said. “It’s everyone’s hatred of these heinous acts that should bring us together.”

The rally was free of mention of political issues like the second amendment or the National Rifle Association. It’s what Principal Ross Thibault noted lead to debate and division when unification and togetherness is needed. Instead, students united to honor the victims of the shooting, demand an end to acts of violence and establish the “What’s Your 17?” movement.

Student organizers included DeRossi-Goldberg, Maren Harrison, and Meredith Nailor. After Thibault spoke to students, the administration felt an event was needed to unify the school, Thibault explained.

Nailor was the first student to reach out to Thibault. During the event, she encouraged students to participate in “What’s Your 17?” challenge.

It's an event where students participate in acts of kindness for 17 days. Students were also encouraged to share their acts of kindness on social media with the #whatsyour17. Examples of acts of kindness included giving someone a compliment or holding the door for someone.

School resource officer Richard Pacheco also spoke at the event. He highlighted how the high school was essentially an extended family. He also told students to say something if they see something suspicious going on.

Thibault said the overall goal was to make sure the victims were honored and students voices were heard.

“It was planned by students for students,” Thibault said. “It was a rallying point for students and staff to come together to show solidarity and say enough to senseless acts of violence.”

The student-led rally was originally scheduled for March 14 to coincide with a national walkout movement, but schools were cancelled due to inclement weather.