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Students from the Bronxville High School were among those celebrated for taking a stand in the debate on gun violence at the New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Westchester Regional benefit, which was held in Eastchester on April 26.
Seniors Viena Pentikainen and Kiki Shinsato, sophomore Esther Devitt and freshman Michael Randall were invited to attend by Scarsdale Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, who was one of the honorees at the event. Throughout the evening, the students heard from Paulin who spoke about the importance of listening to people with different points of view. She also discussed her efforts in legislation, including keeping guns out of the hands of those who commit acts of domestic violence.
According to school officials, “through their work, the four students have proven themselves as leaders in their local community and engaged citizens who advocate for change, which are skills closely aligned with the dispositions of the Bronxville Promise.” Last month, the students met with local officials to discuss gun violence and school safety.
“I used the opportunity to teach them how to network and build coalitions,” teacher Christina Reidel, who accompanied the students at the event, said. “The students were connected with other student leaders and organizations that fight gun violence. I hope they realized that their activism is valued and they have the power to make a difference in their communities.”
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