![Watching a small group scrimmage, Ben Lundt, St. Louis City SC goalkeeper and founder of Lundt Pro Soccer Training, shouts words of encouragement to players on Sunday, April 26 n the Lafayette grass soccer field. “The idea behind [the event] was to bring the professional soccer players closer to the community because usually people only get to see us on TV or in the stadium. [Families] actually having the opportunity to have their kids on the field with us is the most important aspect,” Ben Lundt said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_6823-1200x800.jpg)
![In celebration of winning his second straight state title in the 215 weight class, junior Carter Brown backflips before leaving the mat. Brown won his bout against junior Kobe Rhymes of North Kansas City High School by fall in just 41 seconds. "Carter does what Carter does. We expect [success] out of him and his goals are bigger than the state championship," coach Sam Ritchie said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2784-1200x800.jpg)
Today, April 15, students are taking a stand and participating in the National Day of Silence.
This event is sponsored by the national organization Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to raise awareness for the harassment and bullying of gay, lesbian and bisexual teens.
Participating students wear red and refuse to speak during the entire day. Some made their own t-shirts with messages to promote the cause.
According to the official website for the event, www.dayofsilence.com, taking a vow of silence for the day raises awareness for the “silencing effect of this bullying and harassment” and demonstrates that a change must be made.
The Day of Silence first began in 1996 with students at the University of Virginia, and has been a nation-wide event on April 15 since GLSEN first sponsored it in 2001.
For more information on the Day of Silence and to register as a participant in the event, visit www.dayofsilence.com.
