"More than 500 students chanting "Reform Now!" marched down Dexter Avenue to a reform rally at the Capitol steps on Tuesday, May 13. The student march was led by Holtville High School's 10th grade advanced history class and included students from Tallassee High School, Stanhope Elmore High School, Wetumpka High School, Prattville High School, and others.

   The rally speakers included Kevin Garrison and Kathy Bowden of ACCR; Jamie Reeves and Jessica Thomas, Holtville High School students; Prince Cleveland, University of Alabama student; Bill O'Connor, Campaign for Alabama; and Dr Betsy Rogers, National Teacher of the Year.

   After the rally, the students put down their home-made signs long enough to enjoy a barbeque lunch provided to them by the Alabama Education Association. After everyone had their fill of barbeque, the students of Holtville High School took their message directly into the State Legislature with their t-shirts proclaiming "For a better Alabama....REFORM NOW!!".

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Students prepare signs for the march.			Holtville High School students leading the march.
The front of the march approaches the Capitol.			Students gather at Decatur St. for the final leg of the march.
The rally begins with the Pledge of Allegiance.			The Capitol steps were crowded to hear Dr Betsy Rogers, National Teacher of the Year.
Bill O'Connor of the Campaign for Alabama stresses achieving Alabama's potential.			Barbeque on the south lawn beats cafeteria food!
Dr Betsy Rogers and Holtville student leaders on the Senate floor.			The hallways and galleries in the State House were full of students demanding reform.

Articles on the March:
• Holtville students led Capitol rally
   The Montgomery Advertiser, May 14, 2003
• Students march on Capitol for new constitution
   The Associated Press, May 13, 2003
• Students protest on Capitol steps
   The Anniston Star, May 14, 2003

• Holtville High School's constitutional reform website


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