We had a busy day bringing the peace torch to 3 schools today.
Unfortunately, we don’t have photos yet for the first 2 schools since we are waiting for them to be approved for our website. A description of the 2 wonderful schools we visited today:
First school was Kimball Elementary where principal Francisco Lopez, teachers, staff, and students received us with an amazing enthusiasm.
Three of the students Emmanuel, Daniel and Ruby were very kind carrying the torch leading the way to the ceremony.
Students held all the wonderful artwork that they had been working on when we arrived at the ceremony. We would like to thank the teachers and students for a job well done, where all students had the opportunity to share with us their hopes and dreams for a better world.
Josie Flores-Clark, Executive Secretary to Mayor Ron Morrison, read out a Proclamation declaring May 3 as Peace Run Day in National City.
Two of the students presented the Peace Runners with the Kendal Elementary Valued Added pin.
The Torch Bearer Award Medals were presented to the following individuals for their excellent selfless service:
Sasha Serrano (Librarian Specialist)
Jose Julian Salazar-Lopez (student)
Margaret Gotshalk (teacher and strong advocate for National City)
Maria Rosales (community member)
All students had fun running around the school playground with the Peace Torch.
Our second school for the day was Las Palmas Elementary, where Principal Berenice Walker welcomed us along with students and staff. All the kids were so excited holding their artwork for peace as we ran into assembly.
The 3rd graders performed a beautiful song that they wrote for the Peace Run with the Ukulele ensemble.
Another group performed a beautiful song for peace with their flutes.
After the performances the representative for Mayor Ron Morrison, Josie Flores-Clark, spoke about the importance of peace in National City and on behalf of Mayor Ron Morrison, she offered awards to the following recipients for their selfless service to their community.
Sherry, a local businesswoman for helping the homeless youth.
Moises Iavarone from the District for providing playgrounds for the city and food for families in Thanksgiving.
Miss Rosario and Miss Murillo and Dr. Porter also received an award for their selfless service at the school.
The Torch Award was given to the following recipients:
Mina Hernandez, student
Jose Mata, student
Alicia Estrella, school counselor
Congratulations to all recipients and we would like to thank Las Palmas Elementary for all the hard work they put into receiving us at their school.
We had the opportunity to run to our last ceremony of the day at Smythe Avenue Elementary School. Principal Marlo Vazquez received us with such warm welcome along with students and principal from La Mirada Elementary School.
Jack leading the way to our last school of the day, Smythe Avenue Elementary.
Looking good team!
Harita sharing with students about the beginnings of the run.
Pujari teaching students how to feel peace in their hearts.
Students proudly displaying their beautiful artwork for peace.
The team singing the Peace Run Theme song. I hope people don’t forget that we are runners, not singers. Our apologies.
Now the fun part…… guessing what country the runners are from. It always brings so much joy for the young and the young at heart.
Applying Geography 101 finding our countries on the map.
Students enjoying the video of the Peace Run as it visits countries around the world.
Rosario received the TBA for her love and kindness for students. She spoke about the importance of peace in our lives, our schools, our community. She shared with students that anything is life is a choice and it is up to them to choose peace. Once you have peace you can accomplish any goals.
Then we headed outside to get a chance to hold the peace torch, make a wish for world peace and run!
We would like to thank Sujantra McKeever, founder of Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga Studio, for spending the day with us. Thank you!
We would like to express our gratitude to Smythe Avenue Elementary and La Mirada Elementary for having us and working so hard with students to allow them to share their hopes and dreams for a better world.
Love – students
Eventually become
Peace – professors.
Sri Chinmoy, founder of the Peace Run
