International Day of Peace at Freeport Schools

The Freeport school district commemorated International Day of Peace and Nonviolence with their annual school events and festivities. 

Administrators from Freeport Public Schools, members of the board of education, elected officials, employees, and students came together on Sept 24th to express joy and peace by taking part in the eighth annual Peace Walk in observance of International Day of Peace and Nonviolence.

The International Day of Peace, also formally referred to as World Peace Day, is an annual holiday recognized by the UN. It is committed to promoting world peace, more specifically the absence of conflict and violent acts.  Numerous countries, political organizations, military organizations, and individuals commemorate the day, which was first observed in 1981.

The annual peace walk was widely attended, and expressions of joy and peace were shared by those in attendance as well as by those around the community.

“Peace is not something you can create on your own. You must actively work to create a more peaceful world by thinking peace and promoting peace in all that you do,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kishore Kuncham as he welcomed participants. “If you replace the word war with joy, and hate with love, and anger with peace, peace will prevail with us and within our communities.”

Board of Education President Maria Jordan-Awalom also thanked those in attendance saying, “Thank you all for gathering here today to promote peace in our community. It is important for us to come together so we can show everyone that we stand for peace and hope for peace everywhere.”

Assemblywoman Judy Griffin and Senator Kevin Thomas attended the annual peace walk and expressed gratitude to Dr. Kishore Kuncham and the district for bringing the community together year after year. 

The Bayview Avenue Stars, a select choir group, performed “We Are the World” before the beginning of the walk, which concluded to tremendous ovation from the hundreds in attendance. The walk then began at Bayview Avenue School, with participants wearing yellow to show their support for promoting peace and hope across the neighborhood. 

Though a lot of spirit displayed at this event, the school’s zeal for peace was far from over.

On Oct 3rd, the theme of peace, unity, and joy headlined the Freeport School District’s annual district wide ‘Peace Concert and Art Exhibit’, which was conducted in the Freeport High School Performing Arts Center.

Members of the district’s board of education, administration, employees, and community members watched in awe as the talented students from each school took the stage and delivered presentations to cherish. Furthermore, outside the Performing Arts Center in the high school foyer, there was a wonderful art display showcasing artwork from kids of all grade levels portraying images of peace, love, serenity, and harmony.

Kuncham praised district staff members, students, and their families for attending the event. 

“I am delighted and inspired as I see all of you here who have come to celebrate the International Day of Peace and Nonviolence at our annual district wide peace concert and art exhibit,” said Kuncham. “We began this celebration with our annual peace walk where staff, students and families joined together to walk for peace. Tonight, the day after Gandhi’s birthday, we continue our celebration with music and artwork. We live in a time when instead of accord, there may be divisiveness and it is up to us to promote acceptance, kindness and harmony. We must continue to embrace and value our diversity and work towards unity.” 

“The yearly Peace Art Exhibit reflects the student’s desire for peace and harmony in their lives and in their community,” said Susan Warren, Freeport School District Art Facilitator and art teacher at Leo F. Giblyn School.

Kunchman went on to say, “Freeport Public Schools has a long history of bringing awareness to the importance of peace every day in our schools, through our annual peace concert, walk and march. We focus on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in our schools and communities. As a community, we all have a role to play in fostering peace. We must work to dismantle the structures of racism, and support moments for equality and human rights. We must speak out against hate speech in person and on social media and promote antiracism through education. Freeport Public Schools has embraced the theme of Be the Change and together we will work to bring harmony in our community, to our world, and transcend to peace. It is incumbent on us to grow a culture of peace and nonviolence by educating our students. Our children are the bright future of bringing peace and unity to our world. We are at peace and peace is our true nature.” 

“I enjoyed sharing and participating in a united community appeal for peace,” said Freeport High School sophomore Saunders Blake.

The Caroline G. Atkinson Intermediate School mixed choir closed the evening with a spirited rendition of “Everyday People,” which drew a standing ovation and an encore performance at the audience’s request.