By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

Pontiac Township High School observed the National School Walkout Day in a different fashion than many other schools across the country – students chose to stay inside the building, but have meaningful discussions about school safety.

According to Superintendent Jon Kilgore, while instruction continued as usual inside the high school, approximately 120 students peaceably came to the auditorium to engage in discussion on school safety and a time of reflection for the innocent people who have died in school-related violence over the years. In addition, eight students took the opportunity to talk to their peers about subjects, such as remembrance beyond the 17 minutes Wednesday, reporting information to keep everyone safe and supporting those who need help before desperate and senseless acts take place.

They ended with a moment of silence for remembrance and reflection before students returned to class.

Kilgore also said that to his knowledge not a single student exited the building during this time of the National School Walkout and he’s proud of the maturity displayed by the students regardless of their decision on Wednesday.