It begins... Our first stop was Myrtle S. Finney Elementary, a school we've visited multiple times. It's always great to see our student-friends!
Principal Kolata opened the all-school assembly with a hearty welcome to the Peace Run team.
Miss Welch led all the students in a bi-lingual song to welcome the Peace Run.
Hearts of peace under a vast blue sky
The students from various grades treated us to a variety of entertaining performances.
Mrs. Clementson, the Art teacher, introduces Jaylah Harris, the worthy recipient of the student Torch Bearer Award.
6th grader Jayla was lauded for her kindness, leadership, and self-giving.
Torch Bearer Award recipients: Illiana Martinez (instructional assistant), Georgina Mellado (preschool SDL teacher), Jaylah Harris (6th grade student), and Sam and Donna Huang (parents and volunteers)
Posing for peace!
We were honored to have Ms. Eden Steele, founder of Peace Patrol, attend the ceremony. Peace Patrol is a widespread program that trains students to help peers resolve conflicts.
The leaders confer...
Vasudha presents the school with a "Plant a Tree for World Harmony"--something this school as already done!
A Sri Chinmoy Peace Tree was dedicated in 2023 as part of the Finney Community Garden on campus.
What a great sign!
Next we headed to Hawking STEAM 2, and the first thing they requested to do was observe a moment of "Peace Begins Within."
With several hundred students in this indoor assembly, the ceremony got pretty loud and boisterous! But it started off on a serene, quiet note.
Mr. Rodriquez lead the middle school band in three upbeat songs.
After singing the Peace Run song, we taught the children the words and motions for the World Harmony Run song.
Pujari shares the Peace Run motto: "Peace Begins With Me" in both English and Spanish.
Guest speaker Miss Emily Thompson (Board President of Hawking) encouraged the students to be "peace makers" and "peace keepers."
The student Torch Bearer Award recipient was Daniela Ramirez who excels in academics, character, leadership, sports, kindness and more!
Daniela's proud parents were in attendance--and Coach V. (left) presented the award to Daniela while wearing the Torch Bearer medal he himself had received in 2023!
Executive Director Lorena Chavez introduced the staff Torch Bearer recipients: Amy Lovejoy and Qunicy Barnes.
Amy is a founding parent of the school as well as a board member. She has served the Hawking school community since 2013.
Quincy Barnes was introduced as an exceptional educator who brings joy, care and wonder to every lesson.
After hearing what momentous and inspiring work the three Torch Bearer Award recipients have done, we thought this "Dream" artwork was just the right fit for Hawking STEAM 2!
The students were delighted to see their teachers run a lap around the giant room!
Teachers for Peace!
As the students head back to their classrooms, they each get a chance to hold the torch for a moment and add their goodwill to the hopes and dreams of millions of other people who have had this opportunity.
The Peace Run team with the VIPs of the day! Thank you Hawking STEAM 2!
