Our first school today was Kimball Elementary in National City.
All of the children in National City had made their own Peace Flags and written their wishes for peace on the back- so touching!
The school principal, Francisco Lopez, welcomed the team and invited Omar Romo, Oscar Lara and Aaden Ang to read out their wishes for peace.
Our first recipient of the Torchbearer award was Ian O'Choa. Ian was recognised for his compassionate and empathetic nature. Thank you, Ian!
Our second recipient was Student Counsellor, Ms Durazo, who is well loved at the school, notably for her ability to manage challenges and support the students by encouraging them to help each other.
we are deeply grateful to Dr. Leighangela Brady, Superintendent of National School District, pictured on the left. She has been a wonderful supporter of the Peace Run and was the driving force behind our visit to National City schoold today. Thank you Dr Brady! Beside her is School Board President, Ms Betancourt-Castaneda, who also kindly took the time to come out to support our events!
Thank you Kimball Elementary!!
Finally time for everyone to run some victory laps!
Running from Kimball Elementary to John Otis Elementary- just down the road!
Local team member, Pransuk, takes a rest under a nearby tree.
Local long-time Peace Runner, Atulya Berube, leads the team into John Otis Elementary.
The children were all eagerly waiting with their Peace Flags!
School principal, Dr Leticia Segura, welcomed the team and shared her own peace flag and wish for peace.
We all stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Feeling the peace.
Student round table representatives, Nadia Placentia, Jayden Vida and Lisa Cota all read their beautiful wishes for peace.
Byron Navarez received the Torchbearer award for his exceptional dedication and never-ending smile. He also hangs the flag every day, and offered his gratitude and wishes for peace in the world.
Mrs Moira received the Torchbearer award on behalf of herself and her husband, Mr Moira, who could not make it today. They have both shown tremendous dedication and concern for the students through helping with traffic safety at the school.
Dr Segura most enthusiastically received our Certificate of Apreciation!
Time to enjoy running with the torch!
Wherever we go, many of the students are eager to run with the Ukranian flag!
We went to our favourite restaurant, Jyoti-Bihanga, for lunch, and shared the peace torch with some customer-friends.
Two brothers! Orlando Peace Run Coordinator, Dave Morrison, catches up with San Diego Coordinator, Manorath Morrison. We are deeply grateful to Manorath for his incredible dedication to fostering friendships and relationships with Superintendants and teachers from School Districts all around San Diego!
Our final school of the day was Las Palmas Elementary.
School Principal, Berenice Walker, welcomed us and began the ceremony by sharing her own Peace Flag and wish for peace.
Several students were invited to share their wishes for peace.
Sebastian Guzman was chosen to receive the Torch-Bearer Award for his extremely generous heart and his caring, kind and thoughtful nature. Congratulations Sebastian!
The last recipient of the day was School Psychologist, Ms. Luz Rodriguez, who is well loved and appreciated for her campus wide support of everyone. Congratulations Ms Rodriguez!
Our two Ukranian team members, Stutisheel and Sasha.
Our wonderful Coordinator, Manorath, collected all the students Peace Flags. We eagerly look forward to reading them and reflecting on our special time here at the National City Schools.
Manorath happily pictured with the complete set of pins all the Peace Runners received- one for each school. Each pin was designed by the individual schools, and they are commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the National School District.
Making friends along the way!
A last team photo with the statue of Peace Run Founder, Sri Chinmoy, before Leaving San Diego! A big big thank you to the local team members for hosting and accommodating the team, so enthusiastically organising and participating, and to Jyoti-Bihanga Restaurant for feeding us!
San Diego is always one of our favourite places to visit!
May peace-dreamers
And peace-lovers
Occupy the length and breadth
Of the world.
-Sri Chinmoy
