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Marjory Stoneman Douglas students travel to Tallahassee to meet Governor Rock Scott

Posted at 11:30 PM, Feb 21, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-21 23:30:25-05

Students from Majory Stoneman Douglas High School traveled to Tallahassee to meet with Governor Rick Scott and other lawmakers.  Some of the students, who were in the closed door session with the governor, said he mainly listened, took notes, but also told them that change will come.  Overall many of the survivors, now turned activists, said the meeting was positive and they feel hopeful about change. 

Strong statements were made to the governor from young voices. 

"I played him the shooting video so he could hear an AR-15 for himself— I made sure Governor Rick Scott felt the pain that I felt," said one students. 
 
"Our voice was definitely heard," said Jenna Waldman, a student. 

These kids said they've been forced to grow up too soon because of what they've witnessed. After the closed-door meeting, they loaded on buses and headed back to Parkland. 

"It went really well, I think collectively we were all assured he listened to everything we had to say," said Demitri Hoth, a student. 
 
"I feel a little bit better to see how much support there is and how everybody cares. It definitely helps a lot," said Waldman
 
Students said they left it all on the table. 
 
"We said what we wanted to say - we tried to display our emotions to him so he can understand on a deeper level. Rick Scott is a human too," said Lorenzo Prado, a student.

After the meeting, the governor said "Everything is on the table."  Students told WPTV Newschannel 5 that he's pushing a 3-tier legislation to address gun reform and purchase age, mental health and school security measures.

"Until we see that our suggestions were put in action into a bill that's being put on the floor and being voted on, I think then we will know for certain we had an impact up here," said Hoth.
 
The students will arrive in Parkland between 2 and 4 a.m. Thursday.  Up next, they'll have to face returning to school on Tuesday.  But they said this is not the last we will see of them in Tallahassee.