Nearly 40 students protested outside of the Administration Building on North Macomb Street today. The protest began at 2:30 p.m. and ended at 4 p.m. The students all wore black to support their counselors at Monroe High School who recently found out that they will be replaced by social workers and other support staff positions starting next school year.

The students held up signs by the curb and cheered as cars drove by. Numerous vehicles honked and cheered along with them.

“We want our counselors!” was one of the cheers.

Recently graduated senior CJ Frank was one of the many people to protest. He showed a very lively spirit and was the leader of the event.

CJ said he wanted to give the administration an understanding of how much of a positive impact the counselors have made on the students. He said he wanted to show them that the students at Monroe High have developed a connection and foundation of trust with their counselors that cannot be replaced.

Near the beginning of the protest, the counselors came out to see their students protesting in support of them.

Class of 2017 counselor Lisa Warnke said that it was awesome to see how many people she has supporting her and the other counselors.

On Twitter, many students used the hashtag #KeepTheCounselors to show their support.

Also at the beginning of the protest, Channel 2, Channel 4 and Channel 7 News arrived to cover the event.

Superintendent Barry Martin really stirred the crowd as he came out on the lawn to address the protesters. After a calm and professionally spoken speech about the issue, Martin said, “We’ve thought a lot about this and all I’m asking of you is to give it a chance.”

Martin also said, “We truly think we’re doing what’s best for the students and the high school.”

After a few last final words of thanks from CJ, the crowd dispersed.