Freeport Schools held it's third annual Peace March and Health Fair with an inspiring and unified demonstration of community togetherness that commenced on the grounds of Freeport High School. Freeport Cares consists of representatives from various Freeport organizations including the schools, the Village, clergy, Nassau County, Freeport Police, and elected officials. The mission of Freeport Cares is to integrate all components of the Freeport community for the purpose of serving the social, emotional, and educational needs of all youth. "Peace is the essence of our existence," stated Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham, who chairs the Freeport Cares Committee, in his opening remarks. "In our busy, noisy world, we need to shift our consciousness to peace."
School administrators, faculty members, students and their families, and local elected officials, all sporting thematic yellow attire, gathered for a program infused with songs and messages of community togetherness before taking their places on the chalk outline of a dove, the universal symbol of peace, on the high school field. Students from Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School embodied the spirit of the event when they sang "One Small Voice" as a sign of their commitment to peace. The Atkinson School sixth-grade Select Chorus harmonized for a soulful rendition of "He Ain't Heavy … He's My Brother."
Continuing the theme of peace and community solidarity, the group, numbering in the hundreds and led by Dr. Kuncham, began a mile march dedicated to peace, understanding, and respect for all. Acknowledging the overcast skies, Board of Education Vice President Debra Mulé said, "The sun is shining in all of our hearts," to describe her sentiments. Upon returning to the high school, all were invited to attend a comprehensive wellness fair. Numerous information stations and activity centers dedicated to raising awareness about living a healthy lifestyle, improving mental well-being, and achieving inner peace were available.
In the true spirit of promoting peace and unity the following elected officials and community representatives participated in this year's event: Freeport Board of Education Vice President Debra Mulé, Board Trustees Ronald Ellerbe and Vilma Lancaster, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham, Freeport Mayor Andrew Hardwick, Village Trustees Carmen Pineyro, William White, Robert Kennedy, and Jorge Martinez, former Freeport Mayor William Glacken, Freeport Police Chief Miguel Bermudez, Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Assemblyman David G. McDonough, Nassau County Legislators David Denenberg and Kevan Abrahams, Hempstead Town Clerk Mark A. Bonilla and members of Freeport Cares.
