Freeport Schools held its fourth annual peace march and wellness fair on Saturday, May 4, starting with a large community gathering on the high school field as a show of solidarity and a commitment to world peace. The several hundred attendees were encouraged to wear yellow, the color representing hope - in particular, hope for peace.
"The purpose of the peace march is to bring awareness about peace. We need inner peace, peace in our community, peace in our neighborhood, peace in our family, peace in this country and peace in this world," stated Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham. "We hope the positive vibrations that we are collectively creating this morning will reach other parts of this world."
The event planning was coordinated through Freeport Cares, a collaboration of Freeport Schools, the Village of Freeport and community-based organizations. Those attending the celebration included Freeport School District Board of Education President Debra Mulé, Vice President Vilma Lancaster, Trustees Michael C. Pomerico, Anthony J. Miller, Ronald J. Ellerbe who is also a Freeport Village Board Trustee, Mayor Robert T. Kennedy, Deputy Mayor Carmen J. Piñeyro, Village Board Trustee William H. White Jr., Legislator David Dennenberg, Assemblyman Brian Curran and members of Freeport Cares. The mission of Freeport Cares is to coordinate programs and activities that support the needs of young people and families. The Nassau Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance partnered with Freeport Schools to program 20 different activities focused on health and wellness for the event.
The peace march began at the high school entrance before heading east on Pine Street to Bayview Avenue. The procession then headed south to Merrick Road, west to Brookside Avenue and back to the high school. Upon returning to the school, all were invited to attend the wellness fair, where healthy snacks were provided and numerous activity centers dedicated to raising awareness about living a healthy lifestyle, improving mental well-being and achieving inner peace were available.
