For many Perry students, political unrest feels unavoidable. From protests dominating news feeds, new legislation and a surge in ICE raids, the current political climate has left many students feeling powerless and unheard. But for one student, senior Jazz Girdley, staying silent was no longer an option. Their response was simple, yet powerful: they made a sign.
The sign carried two messages.“So on one side it said ‘no one is free until all of us are free,’ and then the other side said ‘stop the war, feed the poor,’” Girdley said. Originally the sign was created last year for a spirit week when the theme was the 1960s. Inspired by the Vietnam War era protests, Girdley felt the sign was still important amid today’s political tensions.
Recent events only strengthened Girdley’s belief. “In light of a more recent event, the invasion of Venezuela by the United States and the kidnapping of their president, I just decided that was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” Girdley said. Girdley’s protest was further sparked by the current administration’s spending during the government shutdown. At the end of 2025 the SNAP food stamp program almost came to an end due to funding, but the federal government was still supporting non essential programs. Girdley saw this as unacceptable. “People all over the United States were starving, while we were spending money in anticipation of invading a country,” Girdley said. The moment demanded action.
Walking into school carrying the sign required courage, especially surrounded by peers with differing opinions. “There were a lot of mixed opinions. Some people came up to me and asked questions and a few reacted negative[ly], but most were just curious,” Girdley said. Despite criticism, they remained undeterred. The goal was never to persuade everyone to agree, but to spark conversation. “I don’t really want to make everyone think like I do. That’s not conducive to critical thinking or deep discussions. I just want people to be out there talking about it,” Girdley said. Getting rid of the fear to talk about issues is how Girdley sees us make progress.
Girdley acknowledges that speaking out publicly, especially in a school setting, can be intimidating. Fear of judgment or ridicule often keeps students quiet. “People are afraid of people making fun of them, which is something I’ve experienced through this,” Girdley said. “But I guess it’s part of our freedoms as Americans to fight for what we believe in.”
For Girdley, that freedom also comes with responsibility. Standing up, even in small ways, is how change begins. In a time when many students feel disconnected from national politics, moments like these show how conversation can begin within the school community.
