Freeport Schools unite to promote peace

In a remarkable display of unity and commitment to peace, the Freeport School District saw an unprecedented assembly of over 7,000 students, accompanied by more than 1,000 dedicated faculty and staff members, alongside esteemed guests, including Christopher Carini, Councilman 5th District, and Seth Koshow, representing Nassau County Minority Leader Levan Abrahams.

This extraordinary event brought together Superintendent of Schools Kishore Kuncham and Board of Education President Maria Jordan-Awalom, as they led a simultaneous districtwide peace walk across all eight of the district’s schools on Oct 2. This year’s annual peace walk, initially slated for Sept 23, had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather.

A sea of yellow engulfed the surroundings, as students and staff donned yellow attire and walked the perimeters of their respective schools. They proudly carried signs created by students themselves, each conveying messages of peace, while others enthusiastically chanted calls for global harmony.

At Leo F Giblyn Elementary School, students passionately sang their school anthem, “Do You Know Who We Are?” The song, featuring lyrics penned by teachers Kathleen Bender and Shelly Schweiger and music composed by Dave Gorin, champions the significance of unity and mutual respect among all nations.

“Today, as we come together to celebrate and advocate for peace within our families, schools, and community, it’s worth noting that it’s a special day worldwide,” Kuncham said. “On this day in 1869, Mahatma Gandhi, the harbinger of nonviolence, was born. Today is also National Nonviolence Day. Let’s stride together in the name of peace.”

Addressing the Giblyn gathering, Jordan-Awalom emphasized the students.

“You embody all the virtues that make this world a better place,” Jordan-Awalom said. “Reflect on the good and love you can contribute towards promoting global peace.”

The youngest members of the district, students at Columbus Avenue School, joined their voices as they circumnavigated their school, chanting, “What do we want? Peace. When do we want it? Now.”

Meanwhile, the students at New Visions Elementary School proudly exhibited their handcrafted peace signs while encircling their school three times.

This event marked a momentous day for peace, resonating not only within the Freeport schools but also throughout the entire community.