Damascus HS: walkout shut down

by Brian Stelter

The closest students at Damascus High School came to walking out of school on Thursday, March 20th were discussions in the hallways before 4th period. "I hear loose talk in the halls of things here," senior English teacher Mrs. Dean said as she addressed the rumors with her 4th period class.

"Will it be excused?," senior Kristen Karakostas asked. "I am opposed to war. And I want to participate. But I don't want to not graduate because of it." Fifteen minutes later, Principal Mr. Domergue answered the question, stepped out of a meeting with the assistant principals and addressed students via the public address system. "We've heard some rumors regarding demonstrations and anti-war protests," Domergue stated at 9:58am, two minutes before the rumors indicated a walkout would take place. "Students are expected to be in their classes receiving instruction. Unexcused absences will not be excused." Domergue told an Observer reporter that this attendance policy was due to the fact that no action was approved ahead of time.

Seconds later, a police officer arrived in the main office. The squad car sat outside a lonely main entrance of Damascus until the end of 4th period. No students ventured outside during the rainy, overcast Thursday.