The high school's Performing Arts Center was filled with peace and harmony for the district's 10th annual Peace Concert & Art Exhibit, which honored International Day of Non-Violence and International Day of Peace. All eight schools were represented, as students entertained the audience with their own arrangements that highlighted world peace.
As guests arrived for an evening of inspirational performances, they had an opportunity to view an impressive student art exhibit that reflected peace and historical leaders who promoted peace.
Board of Education President Michael Pomerico spoke on behalf of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham. Pomerico said that International Day of Non-Violence commemorates the launch of the celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birthday worldwide. "I'm grateful for those great spirits who led the world to peaceful resolutions: Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Harriet Tubman, Dalai Lama and Mahatma Gandhi. They dedicated their lives to a cause greater than themselves and inspired others to join them."
"This is a mission that we have embraced at Freeport Public Schools," Pomerico continued. "We are raising our children to be peace pilgrims by teaching them mindfulness through the district. Our children are the future, who will inspire others to find inner peace that will lead to world peace."
"When we gather here, we fill our hearts with melodies and messages of peace through the children of all eight schools," said Ruth Breidenbach, director of arts and community relations, as she welcomed parents and community members to the concert and introduced each school.
The sounds of applause filled the Performing Arts Center, as each school took center stage to share their musical talents. When the final performance ended, the atmosphere was one of peace and hope for the future. Dr. Kishore Kuncham, Superintendent of Schools, has long been a guiding force for the annual peace initiatives that have taken place in the district for 10 years. The celebrations of peace in Freeport Public Schools have become well-known and supported throughout the community. Given the turmoil and stresses present in our current world, it is vital to maintain peace within ourselves in order to bring a sense of peace to the world around us.
