Students, staff, Board of Education members and administrators from the district joined together with members of the community and local and state leaders to walk in their fifth annual Peace Walk in an effort to promote peace throughout Freeport and the surrounding areas. The purpose of the walk is to honor International Day of Peace.
With approximately 800 participants, the 5K walk kicked off with a Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony at Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School as part of the district's plan to install peace poles at each building, joining the International Peace Pole Project movement. During the event, the district also held its Fall Book Blast-off, where free books were offered to all ages.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham welcomed the community and introduced those in attendance, including members of the board of education, Freeport Village officials, and local and state elected officials.
"The entire world recognizes, honors and celebrates peace today and we are doing the same," Dr. Kuncham said. "Thank you for joining us this morning to celebrate peace and to promote peace in our schools, within ourselves and in our community." Dr. Kuncham also had the community join together in a moment of silence in memory of former Freeport student Khaseen Morris, who tragically passed away on Sept. 16.
Students from Giblyn Elementary School presented a memorable performance in front of the crowd that emanated peace on earth. Board of Education President Ernest Kight Jr., along with Freeport Village officials and local and state elected officials, also spoke and highlighted the community's amazing effort to come together to spread peace and harmony throughout the Freeport community.
Giblyn principal Amanda Muldowney urged the crowd to reflect and think about what actions can be done to spread peace throughout the world. "We ask you that in the days ahead of us and for the rest of your lives to make a commitment every day to do something that helps another person or helps yourself," Ms. Muldowney said. "We all have to be the change."
