By Sarah Moskowitz
At the corner of Rhame and Althouse avenues, there is a reminder of peace and harmony that all villagers can enjoy. Last Thursday afternoon, students, faculty and several parents gathered outside on the playing field to celebrate the installation of a peace pole on school grounds.
"The peace pole is going to be a visual reminder for all of us to act in peaceful ways," said Principal Laura Guggino.
The four-sided peace pole dons the phrase "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in four different languages: English, Spanish, Italian and Hebrew, one language on each side. Come springtime, red, white and blue tulips will bloom around the pole. Landscaping and tulip bulb planting are courtesy of the schools environmental committee, which is comprised of both children and parents.
The pole is a gift from last year's sixth-graders. Through vigorous fundraising efforts including bake sales, craft fairs and a school dance, the class was able to raise more than enough money to support their own needs and donated the remaining funds back to the school.
At the installation assembly, students that Guggino dubbed "peace ambassadors" delivered their own messages of peace. Arranged from tiniest to tallest, every ambassador spoke words holding great meaning.
"I wish that everyone in the world would get along and help each other and not fight, so we could have peace on earth," said second-grader Anthony Guinta
"We need to be at peace with ourselves so we can be peaceful to others," said sixth-grader Patricia McLafferty.
Decorated peace symbols and wishes of peace from students are hung near the pole and in the school lobby. Students were encouraged to design artwork at home and in the classroom.
Kindergarten monitor Judy Posimato noticed the difference in her classroom's youngsters when lessons of peace were incorporated into their curriculum.
"I think they enjoyed the whole project," said Posimato. "They got to express how they really feel. From doing this project, they try to be nicer to each other and realize that everyone is the same."
The peace pole was supposed to be delivered and installed in remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001 this September, but manufacturer delays prevented Rhame Avenue's delivery until recently.
