A message of peace, love and acceptance rang out from the Performing Arts Center of Freeport High School on Oct. 2 as the community gathered for the annual districtwide Peace Concert and Art Exhibit. The Freeport School District’s celebratory occasion marks International Day of Peace and International Day of Non-Violence, which is on the anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi.
Members of the Freeport High School Navy JROTC led the presentation of colors before Director of Arts Lynn Fusco welcomed guests. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham thanked staff, students and attendees, and reflected on why the community gathered that night.
“Our district has long held the belief of sharing peace and non-violence in our world,” Dr. Kuncham said, “We know we are the change makers that can lead the way to a more peaceful and equitable existence for all. The importance of this day, marked by the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, is not just about remembering the past it is about creating a vision for our future that is guided by the timeless human values he championed.”
Eighth grader emcee Aiden Jean-Louis led the event with energetic passion as he introduced each performing act. The musical talent of every grade level was on display as students filled the stage and bleachers to perform. Each song reflected the message of prosperity, as did the artwork made by students shown in a virtual slideshow.
Concluding the event was an extraordinarily special debut of a song crafted by Freeport students. Titled “Find a Way to Peace” and written with the guidance of Jim Papoulis, the Freeport Summer Academy of the Arts Districtwide Chorus worked diligently throughout the school recess to bring the song to life. The original piece of music will always have the Freeport name attached.
“Find a Way to Peace,” along with the impressive night full of performances, garnered a standing ovation from the audience.