By Crystal Donaldson

BLOOMINGTON – Local high school students spoke in opposition of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Veto of the Gun Dealers Licensing Act at the Stand Up for Social Justice vigil outside the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday.

Jolie Pressburger, a sophomore at Normal West, spoke about her experience lobbying in Washington D.C. in February as part of a class trip.

She said the experience opened her eyes to gun control.

“It was definitely a wake up call hearing about Stoneman Douglas,” Pressburger said. “Despite everything that’s happening, I think our schools do play a part in that by making sure they’re involved in each student’s life and making sure this doesn’t slip pass.”

Allie Beam, a junior at University High School, spoke at the March for Our Lives in Bloomington last month. She said she no longer wants to fear losing her life while at school.

She added she hopes the vigil is just the start of gun control throughout the community and the country.

“This is only the beginning,” said Beam. “Coming out to this rally along with the walkout that we’re planning at U-High, we are hoping that we can actually work to move toward this change.”

Beam said the walkout at U-High is set for April 20.

Crystal Donaldson can be reached at [email protected].