The Peace Run Team starts the day with a tour of Transformation Surprise Laundry in Seattle. Daulot and Stota Fountain are decades long Peace Run coordinators and runners. Today they offered free laundry services to the team. Thanks Dan for helping out.
The next stop is the Illumination Learning Center-ILS, just next door and a long standing tradition with the Peace Run Team. Over the years, Molli, Mike and Will Piper have become a part of our Peace Run family,
The kids are very interested in learning about the Peace Run.
When asked where they think peace lives, the kids point to their heart.
For nearly a decade, the Piper's have dedicated their lives to creating an environment of learning, positivity and fun. Their commitment and methods give young students a freedom to discover and experience joy in learning through music, art, writing and performance arts. The Peace Run honors and recognizes Molli, Mike and Will Piper with the Torch-Bearer Award for their continuing dedication to kids.. We also honor their longstanding commitment to Ballard and to the greater Seattle community.
Thank you Molli and Mike for all you do and for giving young people the tools to explore the best and brightest in themselves.
And let the Peace Run begin! With the kid's from ILS...
Thank you Illumination Learning Center!
The next stop is Cherry Crest Running Club, a lunchtime program at Cherry Crest Elementary School in Bellevue. In 20 minute recess time segments, students get to join their classmates to set goals, reach milestones and understand how fun and inspiring running can be.
Cherry Crest students seemed like a global village. Most families originated outside of the United States. Dhavala from Scotland was right at home...
As was Harita from New Zealand...
Olivia from Mexico, and Stutisheel from Ukraine.
Principal Steere also joined this group of kids for a lap around the track.
The young students were incredibly thoughtful and insightful in their comments.
And recognized how alike we are as one human family.
Stutisheel leads this group of runners.
Kathy and Wesley accompany the torch holder as we make one of the final laps.
Padma's son asked her to join us today, he said that we had an important message to share.
Thank you Erin, you are amazing!
Thank you to Kathy and Nhimy! The Cherry Crest Running Club is inspired by Nhimy and her dedication to the young people of Cherry Crest Elementary School. Kathy and her enthusiasm are a testimony to how excellent is Cherry Crest Running Clubs future.
The team has a second visit to the Illumination Learning Studio to a new group of young people. Once again, a testimony to the Piper's and her commitment to Seattle's youth.
Can you guess what country I am from?
A grand finale of running with the kids of ILS before the team finishes up for the day.
Thank you Illumination Learning Center for having us. We are so grateful for all you are and all you do.
What better way to finish up an amazing day but with games and a backyard barbeque in Seattle?
Thank you to the women's half of our Peace Run team! And thank you to Nandita and Nayak.
