Some Milwaukee teens took a stand against violence Wednesday, two weeks after two young girls were shot.
Seventh-grade teacher Jennifer Koss watched from afar as students from Westside Academy II hosted the Put the Guns Down event.
According to Koss, many of the students report witnessing violence daily in their neighborhoods and they want it to stop.
"They're sick of walking out of their house afraid they're going to get shot walking to school. They're sick of seeing their friends die, seeing their family members die and get shot and they wanted to do something about it," Koss said.
More than 100 people showed up to hear the message delivered by students like Daetwan Robinson.
"Get cool with teenagers in your hood and just get cool and you all can stop the violence some way," Robinson said.
They shared their personal stories of violence, too.
Phylicia Thompson said her 19-year-old brother, Devin Harris, was shot and killed at their grandfather's home. She said Harris was taking care of their grandfather.
"It hurts to see a young boy who was trying to do good get killed," Thompson said.
Ribbons were put out so people could write down the names of loved ones killed by violence. Three were Koss' students.
"In 2012, I buried three students alone, all under the age of 18," Koss said.
Koss said her students know Wednesday's event won't change the world, but they hope it will plant a seed of hope for future generations.
The two girls who were recently shot, Siera Guyton, 10, and Arianna Bivins Kelly, 11, are recuperating at Children's Hospital.
Kelly underwent surgery recently. Her mother posted on Facebook that the surgery went well.
Guyton's family told 12 News she has not opened her eyes since the shooting, but is able to hold the hands of family members when they talk to her.