Rain Thursday did not dampen the spirits of Artesia residents as a 30-minute walk was held inside Zia Intermediate School to honor those who died during the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting in Massachusetts in 2012.
Hello Week, is a national event that runs yearly from Sept. 21-25 by the Sandy Hook Promise organization, which was founded by the loved ones of the victims who died in the shooting, per the organization’s website.
The organization was founded to stop school shootings, prevent gun violence, and create safer schools and communities.
According to local organizers, the walk around Zia invited students, staff, and community leaders to walk side-by-side and send a message that everyone matters.
(Mike Smith/Artesia Daily Press)
Zia Intermediate School social studies teacher Alayna Guidry holds up a proclamation declaring this week as Hello Week.
(Mike Smith/Artesia Daily Press) Members of the Artesia community gathered for a walk in support of Hello Week at Zia Intermediate School.
(Mike Smith/Artesia Daily Press) Artesia Mayor Jeff Youtsey reads a proclamation for Hello Week at Zia Intermediate School.
(Mike Smith/Artesia Daily Press) Artesia Mayor Jeff Youtsey poses with police officers after a walk at Zia Intermediate School.