The results are in and they are final. The winner of the 2016 Presidential Election was Republican candidate Donald J. Trump, who surprisingly won the Electoral College by a bigger margin than originally projected. In fact, at one moment, Democratic Candidate Hillary Clinton was projected to become the President-elect with a 75-25% probability. However, as the polls closed and the votes were counted, half of the nation was shocked. It was a long night for everyone, recounting votes for accurate measures, making projections within the swing states, and it was official when Trump had 279 votes, when only needing 270 to claim the presidency.

However, thousands of people weren’t satisfied with the outcome of the election and took matters into their own hands. Shortly after the decision was called, thousands of people flooded the streets of Los Angeles, Dallas, Oakland, Portland, Philadelphia, and many more cities. The next day, hundreds of Berkeley High students walked out of their school, along with staff, marking their nation that they are not okay with the outcome. This sparked thousands of other students across the nation to walkout and protest. This has taken an interesting turn for Alisal High.

On November 17, 2016, hundreds of students walked out after the lunch rally to voice their opinions, along with Principal Ernesto Garcia and other staff. They walked out during fifth period, marching to Cesar Chavez Library and returned back to class for sixth period. Participants understand that this protest will have no effect on the outcome of this election, but they remain hopeful that this will inspire our community, and unite us to express what we feel. Senior Manuel Valdivias stated, “The purpose of this (the walk-out) is to state who we are and for us strive for change. We want peace and bring love back.”

The marched went onto the steps on the library, where students and members of the community spoke out the public. Speakers Freshman Aldo Saldana, Senior Liz Calderon and many others preached that we need to come together and unite to be equal. “We want to come together for change. We’re walking out for equal opportunities within the nation and our community.” There were a lot of speeches, a few poems, and one rap. After the speakers finished presenting, the participants released white balloons to signify the release of all fear within themselves. With the release of the balloons, the walkout ended, and students headed back for their sixth period class.

This walkout wouldn’t have happened without a huge contribution to Cici Garcia. The 2017 Class Co-Treasurer and ASB made sure this was a peaceful, organized protest. They allowed students to make appropriate signs, speeches and had permission slips to ensure the safety of the participants. “I was motivated by this because we were all discouraged and in fear by a man who had the power to change the lives of minorities. I was mainly motivated because my dad is undocumented and he’s done a lot for me. I don’t want to see him live in fear, that’s why I organized this,” Cici explains her reasoning for the walkout.

Despite all the emotions students encountered after the election, the students of Alisal High will unite to overcome the fear and hate they and their families have faced. They will not be quiet, they will be loud and proud, and will fight until they distance themselves away from all the hate and negativity. They want to be peaceful, bring back love and prosperity. With that being said, Alisal stands united.