Freeport Public Schools hosts 14th annual Peace March
The sun shone brightly and a warm breeze blew across the Freeport High School athletic field as Freeport Public Schools Board of Education members, administrators, teachers, students, staff, community members and elected officials or their representatives gathered to spread the message of love, hope and peace during the 14th annual Freeport Cares Peace March on May 6.
Opening the annual celebration of peace was the Freeport High School student-led jazz band, A Pinch of Brass, playing uplifting and energetic musical selections to prepare all for the community peace march. At the start of the ceremony, Freeport High School senior Breanna Bras sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kishore Kuncham welcomed everyone by saying, “Today we are celebrating our shared commitment to building a more peaceful world and community, and today, as we step for peace, I am, and I know you are filled with hope and inspiration. Today is a reminder to recommit ourselves and that inner peace is most important because inner peace leads to outer peace in the entire world. Remember that every step we take, every word we speak and every action we take in the name of peace has the potential to change lives and transform our world and our community.”
The students of Columbus Avenue School gave a special performance when they sang “Spread a Little Sunshine.” They also used American Sign Language to ensure the message of peace could be shared with all. Freeport Public Schools Districtwide Peace Chorus performed the song “Music Can Change the World” which was an inspiring message for all those in attendance.
Board of Education President Ms. Maria Jordan-Awalom welcomed community members, “I am so happy to see so many different community groups and community members here today. The peace march is a good time for us to remember that being calm and peaceful directly impacts how we live our lives.”
As hundreds of individuals gathered in a sea of yellow to promote peace, wellness and nonviolence, the peace march attendees created a human peace sign prior to stepping off onto the sidewalks of Freeport to spread peace.
The annual Freeport Cares Peace March is a combined school district and community event honoring the commitment to fostering unity within the Freeport community and globally.