PS Students Promote Peace Through Poetry By Courtney Fowler, Globetrotter Editor
By Sofia Sarmiento
For the fourth year in a row, Atlanta International School primary students were invited to participate in the “International Messages of Peace” contest, sponsored by International World Peace Rose Gardens and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. International World Peace Rose Gardens was founded in 1988 for the purpose of advancing “peace and understanding amongst all the nations, cultures and religions of the world through the creation of rose gardens that become centers for community activities.” Since then, rose gardens have been created in Pacific Palisades, California; Mexico City, Mexico; Assisi, Italy; Sacramento, California; and Atlanta. The Atlanta location, called the Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden, is dedicated to promoting peace through nonviolence. For the contest, students were instructed to write a short, poetic thought of approximately 35 words or less about peace, Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King or the special meaning of the rose garden to them.10 finalists were selected from all of the PS poets:
Peace
Josie Clark, 5K Ruby Wright, 1 Lianne Albright, 2 Christianna Doele, 2 Ben Lonial, 3 Sofia Sarmiento, 3 Ella Hurworth, 4 Adelaide Cronin, 5 Leah Towery, 5 Helen Audrey Williams, 5
Peace is the ocean waves Crashing on the sand. Peace is families Walking hand in hand. Peace is helping a friend When he is hurt. Peace is a puppy Digging in the dirt. Peace is when your Heart does not shatter. Peace is different people Uniting for what matters.
Peace!
By Ella Hurworth We have eyes. Open them and look for peace. We have mouths. Open them and sing for peace. We have minds. Open them and make peace. We have hearts. Open them and receive peace.
Peace Maker
By Helen Audrey Williams
Out of the 10 finalists, three poems were chosen to be engraved on plaques for a one-year display in the “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden. Congratulations to AIS’s three winners: Sofia Sarmiento, Ella Hurworth and Helen Audrey Williams!
He joined their hands, He set them free. He led them all in harmony. Without a fight, He made it right, And now all people Can unite.
Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010 • Globetrotter
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