Niko from Austria led the way as we arrived at the Rancho de la Nacion School. They cheered as we arrived slapping everyone's hands.
This sweet student sang God Bless America.
The team loved this PeaceBuilders Pledge. Its a great idea and we wish that more schools had this great program.
We had two young recipients of the Torch Bearer Award.
Both these students had contributed to making the school a better place. They were really kind, considerate and always happy.
The Mayor of National City, Ron Morrison, has been a longtime supporter of the Peace Run. He presented Dr. Chris Oran, the retiring Super Intendant of Schools, the Torch Bearer Award. Chris is also a member of Kiwanis and we loved the motto on his sleeve, "Service from the Heart".
The Mayor offered the National City Proclamation dedicating this day as a Oneness-Home Peace Run Day.
The principal of the school, Debbie Hernandez and her assistant, Patty Felix ran with the Mayor which gave the kids a lot of joy.
Our next school was Harborside Elementary School that turned out to be bilingual.
The children had prepared lots of beautiful artwork in the days leading up to our arrival.
The Superintendant of schools for Chula Vista, Dr. Francisco Escobedo, was on hand to share his encouragement.
We were honoured that the school invited Eden Steele to be the key note speaker at this mornings ceremony. Eden Steele is the founder and executive director of Interactions for Peace. She has been actively involved in the field of education for over 40 years as an author, teacher and administrator. Her vision for peace has come to life with the development of curriculum, activities and programs for people of all ages. Her expertise in peace education began when she founded the first Peace Patrol in 1989. Today Peace Patrols are found around the world, including Kenya and of course, here at Harborside Elementary.
This former member of the Peace Patrol came to inspire the students to participate in the program by demonstrating how it changed his life.
Papaha lead the guessing game and the team was really impressed that the students got so many answers right.
This was the first time that we had ever seen customized Peace Run Water.
We had a huge crowd join us for the Peace Run song.
The first recipient of the Torch Bearer Award was Vanessa Cass, better known by those who know her as “Mama Cass.” She is the Five Year - Site Supervisor for the Harborside Stretch program of the YMCA. Congratulations!
Our second recipient of our award was Ms. Marie E. Munguia. Marie brings a sense of peace to her job, and her relationships with her children for 35 years. She began working at Harborside Elementary School in 1989
Our young Torch Bearer Award was visibly thrilled and overcome with emotion. Analee Martinez is inspiring others even at an early age. She has been at Harborside Elementary School since 2nd grade and is now moving to 5th.
Analee participates in our Peace Patrol, Mini-Mermaids, and our Harborside Choir. She always looks for an opportunity to help others and create peace unity and community.
A real internationally focused school.
Homagni spent some time showing the children how we run with the torch.
After the school visit the girls team explored the wonders of San Diego.
This is the first Declaration of Human Rights that was founded by an Iranian Emperor in 585BC.
The girls team took a moment to visit the statue of the Peace Run's founder, Sri Chinmoy. The statue is located in a beautiful peace park on Adams Ave in Normal Heights.
