It was a gorgeous and sunny day in Fort Myers, the perfect day for our three school visits: a high school, an elementary school and a middle school.
The first stop was Ida Baker High School where the intrepid track team took the torch out on the field for a few laps before carrying it to the assembly.
We had a short presentation in the auditorium and showed a video of some of the luminaries who have held the torch in the past, such as Nelson Mandela.
Mr. Mark Drew gave an energetic pep talk to kick things off. He spoke about how it is up to all of us to make peace in our communities; "we think it's something that's given to us but as creators and as creative beings, it's something that you can give to the world. But you can't give peace to the world if you don't have peace yourself. Once you find peace within yourself, it is not just an opportunity but your obligation and your duty as a human being to share that peace."
Vajra took a moment to reflect on peace, he is from New York and has been a Peace Runner for over 30 years!
The field was decorated with peace artwork that the students made in anticipation of our visit, all of the pieces were poignant and thoughtful.
Medals from the Al Oerter foundation were presented to the creators of the top three poems and art pieces, as selected by a committee of retired teachers. This is always a highlight of the ceremonies as we get a chance to see some of the incredible talent of the students and palpably feel their passion for peace.
Many of the art pieces were charming and uplifting.
The winning creative writing students held up the torch.
The gold medal for art went to this beautiful "Peace Dove" sculpture.
The three visual art contest winners.
Peace gives you wings.
Jorge talked to the students en espanol and directed everyone in a moment of silence.
The cheer squad silently felt peace inside of their hearts, the perfect way to gather energy before their routine.
Next we were treated to lively and artistic performances! First the band and the choir sang the school anthem.
They had a powerful horn section.
The marching band kept the rhythm going.
The cheer squad impressed everyone with their balance and energy.
The drama students showed us their interpretation of some of the qualities that contribute to harmony.
The torch was passed through the bleachers so that everyone had a chance to add their dreams and wishes for peace.
Lieutenant A. Vaughn from the Sheriff's office took a moment to hold the torch and address the students.
Harita introduced the Torch-Bearer Award, this award has been offered to individuals all across the world who have made positive contributions to their communities.
Cathy Oerter presented the Torch-Bearer Award to Dr. Greg Adkins, the Superintendent of the Lee County School District.
Principal Jami Covert received this art poster, a peace-themed print by Sri Chinmoy, on behalf of the school.
Then it was time to run! The Ida Baker track team carried the peace torches with us over to the next school, Gulf Elementary.
The high school students brought gifts for the children- shiny necklaces with peace signs!
The elementary students reciprocated by giving them small peace doves.
The school grounds had peace-themed decorations everywhere!
We talked to the students about the Peace Run and taught them our song with the actions.
The students presented the Peace Run team with origami peace doves.
We answered some questions from the students and also asked them to share some words on what peace means to them.
The first graders sang us a very enthusiastic version of a song called "I Love my Country", it had lyrics such as "I am a citizen, I have equality".
The song was accompanied by these young drummers.
The medalists for the poetry contest.
The first place student read out his writing for us.
More winners for the creative writing contest.
The visual art medalists.
The Gulf Elementary principal Kimberly Verblaauw accepted a Sri Chinmoy peace painting from our team.
The torch was passed to all the students.
When we visit elementary schools, the children are always eager to go for a run!
We met some runners from Gulf Middle School who took us for some fast-paced laps around their track!
They had also decorated the school grounds for the occasion, this was one of their beautiful peace murals.
Principal Dr. Michelle Cort-Mora started the ceremony with a few words.
The students from the Civil Air Patrol lead the flag ceremony.
We enjoyed seeing even more thoughtful artwork from these middle school students.
The students performed a song about unity, the lyrics were half in English and half in Swahili.
The drama club put on a skit about "what peace means to me" in which a boy seeks advice from the various people in his life on how to have peace in the midst of the challenges of life. One of the solutions they presented was to take time each day for silence, reflection and meditation.
We took the message of the play to heart and spent a few moments in silence.
This included the passing of the Peace Torch as well.
The creative writing medalists.
The winning poet shared her work.
Some of the winning visual art students held up their work.
Cathy presented a gift to Dr. Douglas Santini who is the Fine Arts Facilitator and Executive Director of School Development.
Cathy was presented an award from the school by Principal Cort-Mora.
Claudia Cascione and Britney Snyder helped us immensely with the events! Claudia is the Peace Run event organiser of Ida Baker High School and she also drove the golf cart that lead the runners from school to school all morning. Britney is a senior student who is doing her final project on the Peace Run!
We gave them a special thank you for all of their wonderful work.
We spent the evening with our wonderful host and treasured team member, Cathy Oerter.
She took us to the pristine Fort Myers Beach for the sunset.
"He who has inspiration, soulful inspiration,
Is constantly running towards and crying for the Beyond."
-Sri Chinmoy
