This morning we made our way to Adams Ave Elementary, which is right in my neighborhood.

Principal Derek Murchison emcee'd our visit. He read out a very nice proclamation from Mayor Jerry Sanders.

The children offered two excellent performances. Both had an international theme that went very well with our message of world unity.

Three Torch Bearer's Awards were offered to some of the unsung heroes of the school, Diane Larabee, Sonia Morris, and Lani Abeyta.

The children were delighted to receive our cards with our website and song on the back. As always, they loved holding the torch.

Our good friend Karen Koumijian seemed very happy with the ceremony she arranged!

Our next school of the day was Normal Heights Elementary school where we were greeted by...

...Principal John Aguilar who had met us on the street on the way in. He then ran with us into the auditorium.

You could deeply feel the joy in the room.

Lisa Aames was offered the Torch Bearer's Award for her outstanding self-giving to the school and students. The Award was also offered to Pedro Garcia who unfortunately could not attend.

It was very inspiring to get to visit two schools right in my neighborhood. I often run by them but had never had the chance to offer the experience of the World Harmony Run.

Our final school of the day was Rancho do la Nacion Elementary School in National City. This was a return visit, as we were lucky enough to come last year.

Prinicpal Cindy Vasquez was so happy to have us back again. Our program fits so well...

...with their PeaceBuilders Program. We have seen the PeaceBuilders in several other school and have been very impressed with its results.

Ms. Vasquez offered the Torch Bearer's Award to three peace-heroes from the staff, Irma Barajas, Araceli Camacho and Vanessa Pina.

National City Mayor's Executive Assistant Josie Clark presented us with a World Harmony Run Day proclamation from Mayor Ron Morrison.

She then presented three Torch Bearer Awards to outstanding citizens of the National City Community, Bert Andrade (not pictured), Carlos Barregan Jr., Georgia Guerano.

It was the children's turn next to hold the torch and offer their heartfelt wishes for a better world.

Our last events of the day took place at Papaha's Gallery and...

...Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga Studio.

It was a very nice program of meditation and chanting.

We presented the Torch Bearer's Award to the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, dedicated to breaking the cycle of youth violence by empowering kids, saving lives, and teaching peace...

and Outdoor Outreach, a California non-profit organization that helps youth experience the joy of outdoor sports. Please take the time to learn more about these outstanding community services.

It was really quite the satifying day!

– Atulya

Team Members:
Atulya Lee Berube (San Diego), Mark Collinson (England), Kshetragna Ulanova (Russia), Surya Smolennikova (Russia), Vladimir Salnicov (Moldova), Kokila Chamberlin (England), Drsalu Gruenstaeudl (Austria), Maria Manecke (Germany), Jeromy Cheatham (San Diego), Abhejali Bernardova (Czech Republic), Salil Wilson (Australia), Palash Bosgang (New York), Kalyanika Forester (Washington D.C.), Sukhada Korshunova (Russia)

Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.

Gallery: See more images!