The Benson Orbit

Hundreds of Portland High Schoolers Protest ICE as Part of ‘National Shutdown’

Hundreds of students gathered across from McDaniel High School to protest ICE in a walkout organized by a McDaniel sophomore. Students are angry, scared, but hopeful for the future.

Elizabeth Larrison and Aspen Trask • Jan 31, 2026

Hundreds of Portland high school students missed class today to gather in front of McDaniel High School as part of the National Shutdown happening in protest of ICE. Students held signs and chanted for...

Students Speak Up after Historic Election

Benson students walked out on Friday in protest of President Donald Trump. We spoke to students and organizers to find out why.

Elizabeth Larrison • Nov 12, 2024

On November 6th, 2024, Donald Trump became the second President of the United States to be elected for a second nonconsecutive term. By lunch the next day, fliers were being handed out to Benson students...