A forecast for intermittent drizzle did not deter hundreds of school district and community members from coming together to promote peace, wellness and nonviolence locally, nationally and globally during the seventh annual Peace March and Health and Wellness Fair.
"We are here to promote peace, unity and harmony - locally and globally," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham. "Can we have world peace? Absolutely, yes. But it has to begin with individual peace, and peace within ourselves, our families and our communities. Peace is beautiful, eternal and contagious. Let's spread it from Freeport."
With members of the board of education and several elected officials in attendance, students and district staff members created a human smiley face in the gymnasium prior to joining together for a march through the Village of Freeport. The walk, which commenced and culminated at Freeport High School, created a sea of yellow outside, as nearly everybody in attendance was dressed in the color for hope, and especially, hope for peace.
"Don't take lightly what we're doing here this morning," said Board of Education Vice President Anthony Miller. "It's been said that peace is a journey of a thousand miles; take it one step at a time. Today, we should all be proud of what we're doing here in Freeport. Today, our community, as diverse as it is, is a shining example to every other community of what can be done if we all work together."
Musical performances, including numbers by the J.W. Dodd Middle School jazz ensemble, served as harmonious backdrops to the beginning of the program. Following the march, students, parents and community residents were invited to participate in several health and wellness related activities.
As a new extension to the district's ongoing efforts to promote peace, Dr. Kuncham also started a 100-mile Freeport Peace Walk - Smile for Peace, Mile for Peace. District and community members are invited to join Dr. Kuncham - whether it's for all 100 miles, one mile or a smile - as he seeks to foster unity throughout the entire Village of Freeport.
The Peace March and new 100-mile Peace Walk highlight the district's commitment to developing harmony within each person, and spreading it throughout Freeport and the world.
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