Wentzville East's "peace ball" was the largest again this year.
The "peace balls" from 47 St. Louis area schools were displayed in March at a "Peace Ball Celebration" at the St. Louis Science Center. The "peace balls" are a part of an area-wide Charactercplus program to teach students about conflict resolution and building good character.
At the ceremony, students, teachers and parents joined in activities that stressed their interest in kinder and gentler schools.
Included was a flag ceremony and pledge of allegiance by scouting students from Neuwoehner school. The Singing Eagles of Lee Hamilton school sang their version of the song, "Shalom," which means peace.
Dr. Fred Harris and students of Toussaint L/Ouverture Accelerated Middle School recited words from a Peace Affirmation. The recite this poem every morning at school.
The words are:
Today is a great day
Today I will increase in wisdom,
knowledge and understanding.
I will not hate, perpetrate, hesitate,
instigate, nor pencil break!
I will respect myself.
I will respect others.
I will respect my surroundings.
I will be drug free
I will be weapon free
I will be fight free
From this day forward.
Carpe Deum! Carpe Millennium!
(Seize the peace. Seize the millennium)
Semper Fidelis.
(Always faithful.)
