Who Creates Harmony? WE DO!

May 17, 2006 - On a cool, cloudy morning, eight runners and eight flag bearers from the Denali Elementary School carrying colored flags escorted the World Harmony Run torch to the opening ceremonies of the tenth annual Peer Mediator Rally. Held at the downtown Park Strip, representatives from 14 schools were present to receive the torch and hear about the importance of what they do to create harmony. The theme of the day was, “Who creates harmony?” The resounding answer from the 700 mediators and staff was, “We do!”

WHR representative Palyati Susan Fouse honored the mediators when she said, “You are not only the backbone of creating harmony, but you are the head, the pioneers. You and your skills are a gift to the entire world for harmony begins in small, but significant ways and spreads out from your family, friendships, and classrooms. ”

WHR then assisted in the roll call by running to each school and asking, “Who creates harmony?” During lunch, Palyati mingled with the students passing the torch.

Palyati and Wendy Constantine

Wendy Constantine, Peaceable Schools Coordinator of Anchorage School District’s Safe and Drug Free Schools was the gracious event coordinator. Wendy has been dedicated to expanding the Peer Mediator program in Anchorage since its inception ten years ago.

Mayor Mark interacts with the kids

The words of the day’s theme song, “Look to the Future” reflect the goals both of the WHR and Alaska. “When you look to the future, what do you see? I see peace, and plenty, and harmony.” The Alaskan motto is “North to the Future”.

During the program, the peer mediators set an unofficial world record of mediations occurring in one place. The kids worked in groups of four to accomplish this. Peer mediation is one in which the students aid in solving problems and disputes that arise in school. The students can be called out of their classrooms to mediate at any time.

Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich holds the torch.

The highlight of the day was the appearance of Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich who held the World Harmony Run Torch. He also addressed the students and handed out certificates of congratulation as well as signing autographs.

Michael Kerosky escorts Mayor Mark Begich and his assistant to the Rally Enid Silverstein and Palyati

Also commending the students and holding the torch were Enid Silverstein the Director of Curriculum and Instruction in the Anchorage School District, who happens to be a tri-athlete and half-marathon runner and Michael Kerosky, the Superintendent of Safe and Drug Free Schools.

A big shout out to the photographers, John Fouse, Julie Vincek and Scott Smith

Romig Middle School and the 13 Elementary Schools Represented were:

Baxter

Campbell

Chinook

College Gate

Fire Lake

Govt. Hill

Klatt

Mt. View

North Star

Rogers Park

Russian Jack

Taku

Tudor

Thanks to all the students and staff for a wonderful day!

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