Our Peace Run 2024 USA Team got a warm welcome at the PS 40 - SAMUEL HUNTINGTON SCHOOL in NYC Queens.
A short video of the Peace Run activity - including our route map - was displayed on the television.
Our enthusiastic audience wore "Pink for Peace" hats.
As usual, the "Guess the country" game gave all a lot of fun.
The Australian team members are helping children to find out their country the are coming from by imitating jumping kangaroos.
We all practiced how to find peace in our hearts.
Singing and acting the "World-Harmony Run" song written by Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the Peace Run.
School's Principal Mrs. Alison Branker received the "Torch Bearer Award".
Mrs. Branker has served the school community as Principal for almost 16 years. Prior to that she was Assistant Principle for 6 years, and a teacher in this same district for 6 years and 3 years outside of NYC since 1993. She has garnered partnership with many community based organizations to ensure well rounded learning experiences for scholars in this community including the Jamaica YMCA which serves as the school's afterschool and summer school provider. She brought the 2nd grade swim program to the school. In 2024 she started a soccer program on Saturdays, and an afterschool track program with the Metro Eagles Track club. She embedded a Move to Improve block into the schedule of all classes, because health and fitness matters and contributes to mental wellness. She has also developed many academic and arts partnership including South Jamaica Reads literacy initiative, 21st Cent Ed, NTN, Teaching Matters, Power My Learning, Arch for Kids, Art of Step, and Asase Yaa to name a few for this community to ensure that the PS 40 - SAMUEL HUNTINGTON SCHOOL is indeed Where Everyone Strives for Excellence and South Soars High.
An other "Torch Bearer Award" was received by the Assistant Principal Mrs. Christine Williams.
In 15 years, many things have changed. The presidents, a financial crisis, a global pandemic, countless coming and goings but one constant has remained. Mrs. Williams. Mrs. Williams dedication to her craft is unmatched. Sometimes it is hard to find leadership that both expect excellence but understands that things happen. She bridges that divide with grace. Giving is within her nature. Her colleagues often say that she gives too much. The countless hours she gives to the community and community at large has not only had an impact in our neighborhood but has helped shape NYC as we know it. Her work with programs such as Boys In Charge has helped keep at risk youth on a path to greatness. She wears many hats in this world: Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend. However, the titles we know her as are Role Model, Chaos Coordinator, Boss Lady, BIC Leader, BRT Leader, Administrator, AP but colleagues' favorite thing to call her is their Mrs. Williams.
Group photo of the teachers.
Teachers are running a round in with the torch.
The team gives a Peace Run Certification and a reproduction "Jharna Kala" painting (painted by Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the Peace Run) to the PS 40 - SAMUEL HUNTINGTON SCHOOL.
Children make fun by holding the Peace Run torch.
The Peace Run Team says goodbye to the PS 40 - SAMUEL HUNTINGTON SCHOOL and gives colorful cards to the children with details of the Peace Run.
Heart warming welcome of the Peace Run Team at the PS 36 - ST. ALBANS SCHOOL
Practicing how to feel peace in our heart.
The children did the exercise quietly and disciplinedly.
The ceremony was continued with the "Guess my country" game, which is very much liked by the children.
The children can't wait to take part in the game actively.
Having fun and tremendous joy by singing and acting the "World-Harmony Run" song.
A group of students showed a choreographed performance to Peace Run team.
Student Hayeigh Robles-Seals received the "Torch Bearer Award. Hayeigh is a student ambassador for the PS 36 - ST. ALBANS SCHOOL. She attends D29 meetings every month to represent the school. Hayeigh not only speaks up for herself but also thinks of others.
Shania Ramoutar received the "Torch Bearer Award as well. Shania gives up her lunch period to help out with the younger students. She is a person who thinks of others before herself.
Teachers running around the gymnasium with the torch.
The PS 36 - ST. ALBANS SCHOOL receives a Peace Run Certification and a reproduction "Jharna Kala" painting (painted by Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the Peace Run) from the Peace Run Team.
Group photo of the teachers and the Peace Run Team.
Running around the gym and having great fun.
Well deserved hearty and majestic vegetarian dinner for the Peace Run Team.
