We arrived at Lincoln High School bright and early in the morning, each team member held the flag of their country.
Some energetic students from the cheer squad and track team lead us on a run around the track.
One of the students designed a special Lincoln High Peace Run t-shirt just for the occasion!
We all gathered in the auditorium.
Principal Dr. Shirley Peterson welcomed the team and said a few words about the school and their contributions to peace.
We appreciated her unique style.
The drum line kicked off the ceremony with energetic rhythm and movement for peace.
Karlesha sang the national anthem beautifully with her powerful voice.
A student recited a poem by Maya Angelou called "The Amazing Peace".
Then the Peace Run team took the stage.
We introduced the team and Salil, from Australia, spoke about the founder Sri Chinmoy's vision of a peaceful world.
Papaha, a local artist, explained how the energy of the heart can be used to create meaningful and enduring artwork that inspires oneness.
Cathy Oerter talked about the Al Oerter Foundation (AOF), founded by her husband, a 4-time Olympic champion in the discus throw. In the days of ancient Greece, the Olympics included not just athletics but also art, literature, performance and music. Their foundation seeks to encourage and celebrate a well-rounded harmonisation of body, mind and spirit. One way that AOF and the Peace Run are working together is to offer medals to school children for poetry and art. The winning selections will all be sent to Rome for an art exhibition to be displayed in the Colosseum.
Al Oerter (1956)
This "Peace Dove" drawing won the bronze medal.
The silver medal art award winner poses with Cathy.
Go for the gold! Our gold medal art award winner holds the torch.
The assembly ended with an interpretive dance performance.
Lincoln High's got talent!
The students all had a chance to hold the torch and share their unique wishes for the world in front of the panel of wonderful art that they created.
Vasudha, a local San Diego Peace Runner and coordinator, admires the selection of art.
Willie Jones Sr. gives back to the community in the name of his late son, Willie Jones Jr., he offers scholarships and works with youth to reduce violence in schools and on the street. His positive energy is contagious!
Principal Walter Fairley happily held the torch one more time before the team ran out of the school grounds.
Yay team!
Running into the sun and onto our second school of the day.
The fences at Porter Elementary were lined with colourful artwork!
The students and teachers gave us a very warm welcome.
Everyone wanted to learn the actions for the World Harmony Run song.
We always take a few moments to feel the peace inside of our hearts spreading out into the world.
The torch was passed around and the medals were given out.
The very happy winner of the gold medal in poetry.
We presented a painting by Sri Chinmoy entitled "Peace Feeds the Children" as well as a certificate of appreciation signed by all of the team members to Brenda Mendez, P.R. Coordinator.
We later met up with the younger students at Porter Elementary who were all lined up to hold the torch.
Sharing the torch with friends.
They couldn't wait to show us the art they made!
Best friends and butterflies.
This group got to learn the song...and dance as well!
Exchanging some really high high-fives.
Victoria was interviewed by Televisa Tijuana.
Thank you, Porter Elementary, for showing us such good examples of friendship and kindness.
The next stop was Knox Middle School, we knew we were in the right place when we saw how they had decorated their fence.
ASB President Erick Ruiz and ABS Secretary Dee-Shon Swafford ran with the torch into the school yard. Later on, they gave insightful answers to the question "if you had a magic wand, how would you change the world?" Erick talked about acceptance and diversity and Dee-Shon said he would get rid of all crime.
We were treated to a melodious string quartet performance lead by Ms. Mendoza.
Mr. Sablove and Mr. Rahim, along with some talented students, formed a fantastic drum circle.
"Extreme Rahim" keeps the beat going on his djembe.
School Counselor Ms. Keashonna Christopher sang a lovely rendition of the "Peace Round" with her two children.
Arpan taught the students our motto "Peace Begins With Me!"
We sang the Peace Run song and it caught on fast! We heard students singing and humming the melody later on as the torch was passed around.
Time to run!
Everyone got a chance to hold the torch.
Tres Amigos!
Knox School Principal Heather Potter, Assistant Principal Alex Villalobos and the event coordinator Lori Watkins took a moment to hold the torch.
The torch was passed on to Erin Shean-Aldrich who competed as a high jumper in the 2000 Sydney Olympics!
We met a new friend from Tijuana- the next Peace Run destination after San Diego!
At the end of the day, the team headed to the ocean for a beach bonfire.
We even found a mermaid in the sand.
Cathy invented a tale about the mermaid's hair which she told to a rapt audience.
We roasted marshmallows...
and enjoyed campfire snacks.
See you tomorrow!
