The walk-out was reportedly part of a nationwide effort organized by the group Students Demand Action. In the last few days there have been at least two deadly mass shootings — one at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, and another at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY.

At noon on Thursday, students at Barrington High School walked out the front doors and gathered in the grassy area along Lincoln Avenue.

They formed a circle and listened while some read prepared speeches. Caleb Schultz, a senior at BHS, said he was an advocate for gun violence prevention. He asked that everyone share a moment of silence for those who were killed and injured in the two recent shootings.

“The government is not doing enough to address this critical issue,” he said, following the moment of silence. “How many communities need to be torn apart by senseless acts of gun violence before they make a change?

“Lawmakers in our state and nationally have not done enough to protect us. Thoughts and prayers are not enough — they are comforting words used after a tragedy. We want action.”

BHS student Amirah Woodruff spoke to the group. The Barrington High School junior spoke passionately about how gun violence has impacted her and voiced a strong call to action.

BHS student Anna Saal read the names of the students and teachers killed at the shooting in Texas. She then held up a sign with a number that students could text that would connect them with their local legislative representatives.

Saal offered students another way they could affect change — she said any students who were 16 could pre-register to vote.

The walk-out ran about 30 minutes long and then students returned to class.