LAFAYETTE, La— The 12-15 year old students attending this week’s dance session of summer camp have collaborated to host a vigil on Thursday, June 16 from 12:00pm-12:30pm at Acadiana Center for the Arts for the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, FL.

The students, who want to bring people together and raise awareness of prejudice and violence in the LGBT community, would like to invite the community to attend the vigil.

The students are currently engaging in Gear Up Exploration Camps, which are designed to give an in-depth study in several areas of the arts.

This particular group of students is spending the week in “Dance 2” learning to connect dance in a variety of ways. Taking it further than connecting technique and choreographic design, the students have connected many art forms to show their support of the victims and their families who have suffered this tragedy.

They have created banners, written letters to the victims’ families, and will recite poems they’ve written to show their support and offer condolences.

Walter Hull, the student’s instructor, says,

“This started out of reflection, and it’s always important to recognize an opportunity to give our youth a chance to respond to what is happening around us. They have a voice.”

The vigil will begin at 12:00pm on Thursday, June 16 and will conclude by 12:30pm.