Pictured first row, left to right, Prachanda Macku, World Harmony Run Coordinator (Venezuela), William Drew, Miami Springs Senior Women’s Cross Country Coach, and students of Miami Springs Senior conclude their event running with the World Harmony Torch.

This morning at Miami Springs Senior High was the grand finale of several local World Harmony Run events which took place in South Florida. In May, several of us from South Florida and Tampa Bay area drove up to southern Georgia to meet the national team. We ran in with them across the state line and continued on with them into the northern and north western most part of the state (the Florida Panhandle). We were then inspired to continue on with local events in the part of the state where the U.S. Team was not able to visit.

Our international team consisting of Sevati and Charita (representing El Salvador) who had recently come back from Guatemala, Lunthita (representing Haiti) and Drishti (representating the U.S.) who had both run in Costa Rica this summer, and Prachanda (representing Venezuela). We were warmly greeted by several classrooms of Physical Education students, the Athletic Director, Carlos Perez, William Drew (women's cross country coach, and Assistant Principal, Mr. Enrique Palma.

Miami Springs High students holding the World Harmony Run Torch.

After the WHR presentation to the students where the Harmony Torch was passed around, William Drew lead the students in the official Miami Springs World Harmony Run. Later that morning, Univision, Latin American television which airs in the U.S., Central and South America, was inspired by the event which had just taken place and came to the High School to film. The story will soon air internationally. Another WHR presentation was made to weight lifting students of Miami Spring High. During the presentation, it was mentioned that Sri Chinmoy , founder of the World Harmony Run and 74 years young, had himself gotten into weightlifting and was recently seen on ESPN! The principal, Mr. Edward Smith, received a Certificate of Appreciation, signed by the U.S. Team, on behalf of Miami Springs High.

Edward Smith, Principal, Miami Springs Senior High, Lunthita Duthely, World Harmony Run Coordinator (South Florida), Charita Bondanza, World Harmony Run Coordinator (El Salvador). Principal Edward Smith, Miami Springs Senior High accepts a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the high school from World Harmony Run coordinator, Lunthita Duthely. Miami Springs Senior was the last stop in Florida for the worldwide World Harmony Run.

We are grateful to Miami Springs High for opening their hearts and taking time out of their busy schedule to host a WHR event. Miami Springs High, along with all of Miami-Dade County public schools was closed for one week in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma. Even after power and phone service had been restored for more than a week, they lost another day of school due to power outtages and were for about 3 days with no telephone service.

Gratitude to all who were involved at many levels to bring this event to fruition.

-Lunthita, Hialeah, Florida