This morning, Fruit Street School proudly commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Pinwheels for Peace, a program that has become a beloved tradition at the school. As one of the original adopters of this global movement, Fruit Street has consistently championed the values of peace, hope, friendship, and kindness within its community.
The Pinwheels for Peace project was initiated in 2005 by two retired art teachers, Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillian, as a way for children to express their feelings about the world and promote messages of peace. Over the years, it has grown into an international phenomenon, with schools around the globe participating in this meaningful event around September 21, the International Day of Peace.
This year, students at Fruit Street School engaged in creative activities to design and decorate their own pinwheels, each representing their hopes and dreams for a more peaceful world. The school’s garden transformed into a vibrant display of colorful pinwheels, with dozens of them spinning in the gentle morning breeze.
“Participating in Pinwheels for Peace has become a cherished tradition for our students,” said Principal Richard Fournier. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to reflect on important values and express their thoughts creatively. We are proud to be part of this global movement.”
The celebration included a special assembly held outside of the school where students planted the pinwheels and listened to a story with a message of peace. The ceremony was followed by a song of peace led by third-grade students.
“The memory of this event stays with students throughout the year; it teaches about the importance of kindness and understanding,” said art teacher Wendy Libby. “It’s great to see students practicing these values outside of the school day.”