About 20 runners from all over the world were welcomed to San Diego this morning at the Audubon School.
Some of the runners were led in by Russ Sperling, Director of VAPA, the Visual and Performing Arts organization of the San Diego Unified School District. .
A welcoming committee with colorful signs greeted us at the entrance to the school.
The elementary school children had many creative signs and costumes on the theme of peace which were quite colorful and inspiring.
We were so honored to have Sharon Whitehurst-Payne join us as well. She is the President of the School Board of the San Diego Unified School District.
Lots of high fives from hundreds of cheering children who were eagerly waiting for us in the big schoolyard.
We are so happy that Russ Sperling was able to join us in passing the Peace Torch to the children of all ages here. He works very hard in helping to institute programs in the arts for the children throughout the San Diego School District.
School Principal, Tim Suarico, kindly welcomes the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run team to Audubon Elementary.
Our international team of runners offered a presentation of peace related activities including a moment of silence as everyone reflected on peace in their own heart and lives.
Sharon, Russ and Manorath, our local coordinator for the Peace Run, share a moment of peace. We are so grateful to them all for making these inspiring events happen today.
Finding peace inside ourselves as we took a moment of silence.
Salil, our Executive Director, demonstrates a hopping Kangaroo as a hint to his country of origin. The children tried to guess all the various countries that our runners came from.
Some of the children read out their very creative and inspiring thoughts and feelings on the importance and meaning of peace in their lives.
The personal thoughts and expressions of peace from these young children were quite amazing and inspiring to everyone there.
Three Torch Bearer Award recipients share the Peace Torch. Their efforts at offering helpful and peaceful service to the school each in their own self-giving way is much appreciated by all.
A proud student holds up her very thoughtful poem on peace.
Sharing the Peace Torch in the spirit of oneness.
Pujari, a local San Diego peace runner, shows everyone our Oneness-Home, this beautiful planet where peace will definitely prevail.
We are very grateful for this wonderful group of peace lovers of all ages at the Audubon School this morning.
Some of the Peace Runners led by Russ Sperling carry the Torch to the next destination, Freese Elementary School.
Having fun with the children at Freese Elementary before the start of the Ceremony.
Children, adults and some peace-loving animals welcomed us to Freese Elementary.
The children enjoyied participating in the actions to our Peace Run songs.
Peace in the heart.
Peace in the art.
The school yard was decorated with very colorful and creative artwork from the children on the theme of peace.
Proudly displaying their beautiful peace-art.
Some of the children read out their creative essays and personal accounts on what peace means to them.
One of the students reads our her very beautiful and inspiring poem on peace.
Finding peace in silence within.
Peace is also enthusiasm expressed with joyful energy.
Everyone present had an opportunity to offer their hopes and wishes for peace as they held the Torch at the end of the ceremony.
Sharing the Peace Torch in a spirit of oneness.
A sweet oneness as twin sisters cheerfully and soulful share the Torch.
We are very grateful to the teachers, parents and children alike for sharing these precious feelings and moments of peace with them at their school.
Principal of Freese Elementary, Shannon Bussey, proudly holds the Torch as she receives our Certificate of Appreciation for the whole school. We are very grateful to everyone who organized and came out to share these valuable and creative moments of peace with us.
