EMES Peace Parade: Sweet People Are Everywhere!

Marking the International Day of Peace on September 21, today was the 19th Annual EMES Peace Parade.

The theme chosen by 5th grade student leaders was, Sweet People Are Everywhere!

In recent weeks, each EMES class has delved into this special story by Alice Walker. Students shared what they  have been learning: individuals around the world experience sweet moments in their daily lives.

Sweet People are Everywhere by Alice Walker

The fifth graders expressed that “When we create opportunities to engage with people from different cultures, we realize that although we may differ, we share many similarities. Sweet People Are Everywhere encourages us to celebrate diversity and maintain an open mind towards those we have yet to meet.”

Due to the rain, the students walked through the upper school building flying our peace dove and singing “Siyahamba: We are Marching in the Light of God,” a South African hymn. While they marched the students carried a handmade heart. These hearts symbolize peace and sweetness, reminding us that we can welcome sweet moments even from those we don’t know well. The fourth-grade Peacebuilding class even composed a poem describing simple moments across the globe:

Sweet People are Everywhere

By Ms. Gibbs’ 4th Grade Class

Sweet people in Afghanistan are caring for their children.

Sweet people in Korea are biking.

Sweet people in Cuba are playing an instrument.

Sweet people in Canada are taking their babies on a walk.

Sweet people in France are doing handstands.

Sweet people in Israel are playing soccer.

Sweet people in Russia are playing chess and ice fishing.

Sweet people in Australia are watering their flowers.

Sweet people in Sudan are sitting in school.

Sweet people in Mexico are running up a mountain.

Sweet people in Japan are dancing under trees.

Sweet people in South Africa are looking up at the stars.

Sweet people in Norway are selling fish at a table.

Sweet people in Brazil are sitting inside their houses.

Sweet people in Iceland are also in their homes.

Sweet people in Kenya are playing marbles on the floor.

Sweet children in Congo are climbing trees while their parents eat lunch.

Sweet people in China are riding bikes.

Sweet people in England are riding buses.

Sweet people in Egypt are petting their cats.

There are sweet, sweet people in every nation around the world.

ALL: Sweet people are everywhere.

As Oliver reminded us, “Peace is an understanding. We can foster understanding by first being curious about those who are different from us. Always seek opportunities to create sweet, simple moments.”

Ms. Byler then led us in the song “There is More Love Somewhere,” and Ms. Archer concluded with a prayer.

Keeping with tradition the 5th graders will now sign their names on the peace dove’s wings, leaving their promise and commitment to help build peace in their communities.