Kaitlyn Fenton says she and other Warwick students are marched Friday in the hope of making a change. 

"We're pretty much out here to encourage a conversation about gun control, and to help others realize that we do need regulation in guns, and we just thought that the school was a great place to start because it's the future of our nation," said Fenton, a walkout organizer and Warwick Valley High School senior.

Fenton's mom is one of many parents at the protest as a show of support.

"I'm here because I am extremely proud of my daughter," Kerri Fenton Foley said. "I am not an activist in any way, I don't have a political drive, and my daughter is a teenager who has come up with all of this on her own. She is passionate about it; she is well-thought in all of this. And they have spent a lot of time and energy in putting this day together."

Students say they feel empowered to be part of the walkout.

"It needs to start with people coming together, and listening, and understanding, and learning from one another. So we're really excited. And having our friends, our family, our parents, everybody here to support us has made us even more willing to make a change," said walkout organizer and Warwick Valley High School senior Olivia O'Connor.

The district made a statement to families that agrees school safety is in important topic, but does not condone the off-campus activity and student absenses. Superintendent Dr. David Leach said in part: "Students leaving school buildings and school property present some student safety concerns. Also, to condone or endorse this type of off-campus walk-out may require the District to endorse … other future walkouts, without regard to viewpoint or merit, to avoid viewpoint discrimination claims,” said Leach.

The statement said there will be consequences for students who leave class, but the ralliers were not fazed.

"There's a minor lunch detention. But no parents will be contacted, and it doesn't go on your permanent record, so it's a small price to pay for changing the world," said Fenton.

Organizers say it's an important for them to share their viewpoints, but they're open to learn what opponents say in order to compromise and move forward.

"Having a productive conversation with differing sides, even though this is mostly people who support more gun control. It's very important to acknowldege the other side of the argument, and I think we've all been able to do that fairly well," said walkout organizer and Warwick Valley High School senior Chloe Borthwick.

The seniors Spectrum News talked to say their political activism does not end here. They plan on continuing this conversation about gun control, but also helping other students, when they turn 18, register to vote.