Cassie from Students for Peace sponsored a booth at the festival. The students sold peace buttons and peace necklaces during the event to raise money for service learning activities.
September 19, 2008
The TCHS Service Learning Council and Students for Peace sponsored the United Nations International Day of Peace for the student body of 4, 400 students. This year we looked at the obstacles to peace and universal problems that impact every person on the planet including: conflict and war, global warming, environmental deterioration, energy, fair trade, health care, hunger, homelessness and poverty. Different classes broke into groups to study the issues as they relate on the continents of Asia, South America, North America and Europe. Using their research, the groups made displays to outline and analyze the problems, look at organizations that are working on solutions to the problems, and offer solutions and suggestions to what individuals can do.
Every person can increase world peace by being a peaceful person, by increasing awareness of the issues and searching for solutions, and by consciously making decisions that will contribute to the good of the world. Even a small decision can have a large impact if enough people join to make it. For instance, if someone asks you if you want paper or plastic at the checkout counter, you can say, "Canvas!"
For four years, we have sponsored the UN International Day of Peace event, but this year was special. The highlight of the year was the speeches by guest speakers from the United Nations.
The UN International Day of Peace Activities:
Dr. Noel Brown and Rusudan Grigolia from the Friends of the United Nations spoke to over 200 students and teachers. Their inspiring speeches will remain with us always. They told all of the students to continue their service learning activities and to fulfill their goal of making a difference in the world. Tony Haan, President of Students for Peace, introduced the esteemed speakers and expressed the students desire to see resolution and peace in Ms Grigolia's country of the Republic Georgia which was invaded by Russia over the last month. Service Learning Academy Presidents, Kaley Wyker and Mary Barahaona presented that speakers with environmental awareness books that the students published.
Rusudan Grigolia from the Republic of Georgia spoke softly and passionately about how big Russia had invaded her small county of Georgia. She said that there were grandmothers in her country who were feeding the Russia soldiers who had tanks in the streets. She said, "They are just young boys." Ms. Grigolia showed us a photograph of her beautiful four month old granddaughter who lives in Georgia. Students and teachers were able to ask questions to the speakers and some stayed to speak to them personally after the event.
Other Events for this Month of Peace
Academy students partnered with the Global Peace Film Festival to attend documentary films at the Enzian Theatre. We also hosted students from Evans High School. The films were inspiring and thoughtful. This week is the Global Peace Film Festival and academy students are participating by volunteering at the various venues and many will be attending the Sunday Street Fair and Pet Parade.
The academy students also assisted with the 3rd Annual Peace Art Exhibit at the Orlando City Hall. Over 180 students submitted artwork with the theme, "Imagine Peace." The event runs until September 30th! You can read about this event here.
Watch a video produced by our TV Production students:
Preparing for the event:
The UN International Day of Peace Activities:
3rd Annual Peace Art Exhibit: sponsored by the OCPS Service Learning Program and the Global Peace Film Festival
Global Peace Film Festival/Enzian Trips
