BOARDMAN - Students at Boardman High School participated in 'Legacy Lockdown' on Thursday, to keep them prepared in the face of danger and to honor law enforcement workers tasked with keeping them safe.

The event includes a state-mandated lockdown drill, a Spartan clap-out to honor first responders and a chance for students to interact with police and firefighters.

The tradition started in the wake of the 2018 Parkland, Florida, deadly school shooting, where 17 people were killed.

During the lockdown, first responders walked through the building to make sure all doors were locked, lights were out and classes were silent.

Boardman High School Principal Mark Zura says Legacy Lockdown gives students the opportunity to connect with local law enforcement while practicing safe lockdown procedures.

"They recognize that these folks are here to protect them and build that relationship and they're not here for punitive purposes...We want to build that bridge and make that connection," said Principal Zura.