On Feb. 25, 2026, between 9:15 a.m to 9:45 a.m, nearly 200 Centennial students gathered outside on the football field with their winter coats. Using megaphones, chanting phrases such as “ICE out of Maryland” and “Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here,” and holding handmade signs with messages including “Migration is a human right,” students participated in a protest regarding federal immigration policies and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

For organizers Sabriyah Taylor and Aniyah Walton, this was the exact turnout they had hoped for. After weeks of planning with administration and spreading the word on social media, hosting this walkout meant something larger. 

“I couldn’t just sit there and not do anything. I got inspired by Baltimore City. They acted, and I didn’t know of any Howard County schools doing it, but I was like, we need to do something. I originally went to Dr. Miller, but then I got told that Aniyah wanted to do, and I was like, we could work together,” explained Taylor. 

Following the event, an email to Centennial Families was sent by Principal Dr. Joelle Miller that stated, “Students had the option to participate in today’s walkout/protest or not, and they were supported in their choice.”

For Centennial students, being outside today allowed them to use their voices and support immigrant communities. For many, this issue hit close to home. 

“A lot of students at Centennial have immigrant parents, and so the whole rise of ICE is very personal to a lot of students here,” explained Senior Aditi Gunasekar. “I feel like strength in numbers is a good way to show that.”

By the end of the 30 minutes, students gathered and returned to the building, as members of the marching band and colorguard performed “Fight Song,” signaling a close to the walkout.