International Day of Peace celebrated
Published 10:41 am Monday, December 24, 2018
- Pictured are, from left, front row, Walker Ramsay, Gregory Gibbs, Savannah Skeens, Branson Rorrer, Nevaeh Rorrer, Sophia Sutphin, Portlyn King; back row, Colby Chapman, WALT Spears, Alyssa Blevins, Judy Chambliss and Lola Kimmel.
Parents, community members, students and staff of Full Circle Nature School in Rice celebrated International Peace Day on Sept. 21.
During the two weeks prior to the ceremony, students participated in activities and conversations related to understanding peace. During the ceremony, elementary students shared artwork and thoughts they had written answering the question, “What does peace mean to you?”
Middle grade students read poetry written by Mattie J.T. Stepanek, an American poet and motivational speaker who published seven best-selling books of poetry and peace essays before his death at age 13. High school students shared a history of the formation of International Peace Day by the United Nations in 1981.
All students and guests signed peace pledges and created Peace Flags which were shared and hung on the Peace Pole students created last year in the school’s Peace Garden. “Having a focus on peace seems to lighten the hearts of all involved.” shared Judy Chambliss the ceremony coordinator. “Our students were deeply moved by the experiences they had throughout the process.”
The Peace Day celebration at Full Circle Nature School was an officially recognized event with internationaldayofpeace. org. Full Circle School is a member of the Kids for Peace organization and will continue its commitment to building a culture of peace by participating in the Great Kindness Challenge beginning in January.