McNeal Elementary School cultivates peace

By Liz Ramos
| 6:15 p.m. September 21, 2024

Lily Ward, Olivia Kawcak and McKenzie Kawcak share how "peace" is said in Mexico, India and France. The students held up the signs to greet their classmates as students arrived on campus.

East County
Schools

Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School students lined the sidewalk leading to the main entrance of the school and held up signs as other students made their way into the school.

Each sign had the word "peace" translated into a different language.

The walkway was lined with student artwork with messages of peace.

That was just the start of McNeal Elementary School's annual Peace Day Sept. 20. The theme for International Peace Day this year was "cultivating a culture of peace."

During the school's morning news, a recording of Principal Sheila Waid and Assistant Principal Jennifer McManis reading aloud "The First Day of Peace" was played. It jumpstarted conversations on peace and how students can have a hand in creating peace.

In class, students used strips of paper to write their hopes and commitments to peace. The strips were then attached to create a peace chain that will hang in the cafeteria for the rest of the school year.

Lillian Matazinski, a student support specialist, said it's "more important now than ever" for students to know they can't control everything, but they can control how they act, how they treat others and how they can make the world a better place.

Throughout the week, students learned about young leaders who are making a difference in the world to show they also can make a difference, Matazinski said.

Students line the walkway leading to Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School holding signs saying "peace" in various languages.

Maia Vergnais greets students by holding up a sign that shares how people in Russia say "peace."

Lily Ward, Olivia Kawcak and McKenzie Kawcak share how "peace" is said in Mexico, India and France. The students held up the signs to greet their classmates as students arrived on campus.

Students create artwork with a message of peace that lines the walkway to the main entrance of the school.

Lillian Matazinski, a student support specialist, coordinates Peace Day at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School. This year's International Peace Day theme is "Cultivating a culture of peace."

Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School kindergartners give a sign of peace.

Student support specialist Lillian Matazinski and media specialist Lora Sevarino say "The First Day of Peace" was read allowed to students. The book taught students about the importance of working together for a greater cause.

author

Liz Ramos

Managing Editor Liz Ramos previously covered education and community for the East County Observer. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.