Photo by Kurt HildebrandAshley Gray, 15, Brittanie Tushay, 15 and Crystal Bell, 16, march outside Dayton High School on Thursday.
DAYTON -- Marching with signs proclaiming messages such as "Mrs. White rules" and shouting, "We will fight for Greenberg and White," nearly 200 Dayton High School students demonstrated in favor of their school's administrators Thursday morning.
"We think our principals have done a great job," said senior Brandy Richardson. "We want to show our support."
The demonstration was planned in response to a letter which appeared in Wednesday's Nevada Appeal criticizing principal Teri White and vice principal Mark Greenberg, saying they were unprofessional and uncaring.
"All that stuff that was said about Mrs. White is not true," said Ashley Robson, 16. "It was really unfair for them to say that stuff about her when they don't even know her. We do."
Students left their first period classes five minutes early and picketed throughout their nutrition break.
Science teacher Jason Szendre allowed his students to leave once their final exams were completed.
"I think it's important for them to show what was written about our school was the opinion of one person," he said. "This is the opinion of the majority. It shows them they need to participate in society by letting their voice be heard."
Although it is White's first year as principal of the school, she had served as vice principal four years.
"A lot of people look at Mrs. White as their second mom," said Tiffany Wicker, 16. "She's someone to really look up to."
Patty Robson, whose husband teaches at the high school and whose daughter attended the school last year, said she began receiving phone calls from upset students after the letter was published.
She helped them plan the demonstration.
"These kids needed a positive way to take matters into their own hands," she said. "They knew the proper way to demonstrate."
Robson said she saw first-hand White's commitment to the students when Robson's daughter overdosed last year.
"She cradled her in her lap and held on to her until I could get here," Robson said. "That is not an unprofessional and uncaring woman."
White cried as students picketed past her.
"It's overwhelming," she said. "These guys are the reason I do what I do."
Kirsten Hart, 16, said White's dedication to the students is obvious.
"I would go to her for anything -- any problems in school or any problems outside of school," she said.