Philomath High students march with a message for administration

The town of Philomath saw a lot of action the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 22. In response to perceived injustices towards their classmates and teachers, concerned high school students organized a peaceful march so their voices could be heard. 

At 9:20 a.m. students met at the front doors of their school with a message for administrators. Student body president Chris McMorran began the day's event standing before the crowd with a handheld megaphone. "We understand your concerns haven't been heard this year," he said. March organizer Steven Graves then took to the megaphone: "We're going to start our march by going to the District Office for a couple of minutes, or however long we decide to be there." 

An energetic crowd embarked on their march as they held their homemade signs and began to chant "enough is enough!” Since last summer tension has been high stemming from the discovery of hazing-gone-wrong at a pre-season football camp. Since investigations began into the staff and administration, players have been formally charged, the coach was dismissed, and staff have been placed on administrative leave. The students have been left with more questions than answers, they say, and the forced leave of two staffers last week prompted them to take action.

Some signs had messages for superintendent Melissa Goff, some showed support for expelled quarterback Kenan Conner, others had messages of hope such as "Peace 2 PHS,” many showed support for Doreen Hamilton and Jan Kilgore, both on administrative leave since Feb. 17.

As the group of over 100 took to the sidewalks, parents and supporters standing by joined the students on their journey to the District Office. Drivers passing by honked their horns at the crowd that included babies in strollers, toddlers in rain coats, and even some family dogs. The sounds of their march could be heard for blocks as they cheered "We are Warriors!" 

Their presence at the District Office got no reaction from those inside as the students joined together to yell "it's not fair!” in front of the office. They each had their reasons for the statement; some said it for Doreen and Jan, some said it for Kenan, some said it referring to the overall situation that resulted in the cancellation of the varsity football season.

After circling the grounds of the elementary school marchers headed to the primary school and middle school. One protester yelled, “We want everyone to know that we are serious!” The students responded in unison, “Let’s get fired up!” as they continued down Applegate.

After a 50-minute loop of all five school properties, local television and newspaper reporters stood ready as the students returned to the high school.

Steven Graves held the megaphone as peers surrounded the rock in front of the school spray-painted with the message “Jan + Doreen.” Graves took to the megaphone: “If you have been positively impacted by Doreen and Jan since being in this high school give them a little scream.” In front of the cheering crowd he continued, “If you think the administration is treating people unfairly give them a little scream.” The official reason for their leave has yet to be disclosed, but many students believe the reason is related to their opinions of how the hazing investigation has unraveled.

There was one more stop to make. “Let’s all go to Kenan’s house!” Graves urged on the megaphone. The crowd burst into cheer and began their walk again.

After a few blocks to College Street, students clustered on the lawn of their expelled schoolmate. Although Kenan was not home they got him on the phone, put his call on speakerphone, and held it up to the megaphone. “Thank you guys,” he told his peers. “I love you, see you soon, I love all the support.”