Peace begins with a single step

A journey to foster peace, good will and harmony begins with a single step, or in this case, a 100-mile walk through the Village of Freeport. Kishore Kuncham, Freeport’s superintendent of schools, originally planned a solitary pilgrimage that would provide time to reflect on the meaning of peace as well as an opportunity to meet with more Freeporters. But, it has been “like the flap of a butterfly’s wings,” Kuncham said. “You just don’t know what the effect can be.”

The journey has attracted hundreds of Freeporters — students, teachers, administrators and some community members — who have walked along side Kuncham during his month-long journey to step on every street and corner of Freeport to “promote peace, inspire peace and harmony, within ourselves and in the Freeport community.,” he said. The walk, called Smile for Peace – Mile for Peace, has been completed in approximately five-mile increments around each of the Freeport School District’s eight buildings in order to cover each section of Freeport. The walk began on May 7, the day of the Freeport school district’s annual Peace March. Participants have walked before and after school hours.

One group of walkers, the “Girls on the Run” track team at New Visions School,   joined Kuncham on a portion of the walk from Archer Street School last week.

“When we walk we are all together,” Casey Smith, a student from New Visions School and a member of “Girls on the Run” track team said. “Some people didn’t know what we were doing and we explained. Lots of people like the idea.”

“It’s been a bonding experience for the girls,” Diana Octave-Boxill, the team’s track coach said. “They are checking out their community, learning more about Freeport.”

“This walk has provided me with a deeper sense of community,” Linda Carter, principal of Freeport High School said. “Freeport is the best kept secret. As I walk I see the uniqueness of our community and its kindness.”

“I’ve done about half of the walk,” Village Trustee Debra Mule said. “The houses and neighborhoods are beautiful and the people are friendly.”

During the month-long walk Kuncham has stopped to speak with people and invite them to spread peace throughout the world, starting in Freeport. “People have been very positive,” he said.

The walk is to be completed on June 6 at Giblyn School. Participants will make the last quarter mile of the pilgrimage around Randall Park and then around Randall Park. “Peace is beautiful, eternal and contagious, and I would like to spread it with every step of my 100-mile walk in our village,” Kuncham said