Dr. Dull also says he hopes that, as students pass by the pole each day, they will take a moment to think about what peace means to them, and that they realize they have the power to bring peace wherever they are.“ It might mean being a good friend, helping someone who feels left out, or finding calm when things get stressful. Every act of kindness adds up – and together, they make our schools and our world more peaceful places.”
At the elementary level, all third-grade students participated in the special ceremonies. Lessons in third-grade social studies center on communities, landmarks and symbols, citizenship, civic engagement, and celebrating others.
At the high school, two of the school’ s diversity council leaders participated in the ceremony. One student wrote an original poem that was read during the dedication. At Dorseyville Middle School, members of the Foxes Council commemorated the installation of the school’ s Peace Pole as the message relates to the district’ s pillars of purpose, passion, care, and community.
Rotary International is a global network of more than 46,000 local clubs with 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – in themselves, in communities, and across the globe. There are currently more than 250,000 Peace Poles around the world.
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Peace is not the silence after a storm It is the choice not to summon one.
While war blares louder The aftermath lasts even longer
What do we really get out of rage and vengeance
But the suffering and the task of repairing all that ' s broken afterwards.
Hate requires us to fuel its destruction Peace does not require such It does not parade and demand. It plants, slowly, steadily,
Seeds of hope that cover the earth, replacing the ash.
It does not mean everything is agreed upon
Only that we value life beyond ourselves more than victory
That we believe in healing over hurting In bridges over divides ox Chapel Area
FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOL NEWS
Peace..., true peace, is not passive
It is the boldest and bravest act we can make
Even if it means standing alone It is strength without the need to conquer.
For without peace, Our brightest dreams are drowned by fear With it
Even the smallest child can carry the world forward.
Personally, I’ m afraid of drowning. So let’ s keep paving ahead. With peace.
A student at O’ Hara Elementary School tells Superintendent Dr. Mary Catherine Reljac about the words on the Peace Pole that are in his native language.
– Fayth Johnson, FCAHS Senior ❖
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