“Peace” was front and center on Friday, September 20 in anticipation of the International Day of Peace on September 21, as Rotarians visited each classroom across the school to read “Peace” by Wendy Anderson Halperin. The books were then donated to each classroom to add to their library.

Marion Beckerink, President of the Rotary Club of Jamestown, explained the broader mission behind the club’s presence at Love.

“I believe the promotion of peace is probably one of the most critical initiatives Rotarians can share with the young people in our community,” said Beckerink. “Love Elementary was an ideal partner because of its unique benefit of welcoming students from many parts of the world over the past few years. We thought they could relate to and practice many of the concepts raised in the book, which encourages peace within the world, our country, our state, local communities, and in our homes.”

The Rotary Club of Jamestown operates under seven areas of focus, including peacebuilding and conflict prevention. By addressing the causes of conflict, such as poverty, discrimination, and resource inequality, Rotary believes in creating foundational change that benefits communities. Alongside peacebuilding, Rotary’s efforts span disease prevention, clean water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, community economic development, and environmental support.

Rotary Club President Marion Beckerink interacts with students in Sophie Schweiger’s UPK 3 class at S.G. Love Elementary School.

“Our students come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and promoting peace is an essential part of helping them thrive in a supportive, inclusive environment,” said Cindy Johnson, Principal of Love Elementary School. “This partnership with the Rotary Club of Jamestown gives our students the chance to learn the importance of kindness, understanding, and community-building skills that will stay with them throughout their lives.”

Additionally, the Rotary Club gathered recently to re-dedicate the Peace Pole on the school grounds, symbolizing Rotary’s commitment to inspiring unity among people of all cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

Beckerink shared, “Our goal is to instill a sense of peace that students can carry into their homes, classrooms, and communities, contributing to a more harmonious future for all.”

Members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown join students from S.G. Love Elementary School and Principal Cindy Johnson to re-dedicate the school’s peace pole. Pictured in the first row from left to right are: Zachary Turk, Kora Dunkle, Wyatt Murray, Joziah Newton, Avionnah Casler, De’Marion Elston, Xavier Smith, and Kailianny Martinez. Pictured in the second row from left to right are: Arabella Tate, Adrese Thompson, and Naomi Burgos Pictured in the third row, from left to right, are Johnson with Rotary Club vice president Cáitlín O’Reilly, treasurer and immediate past president Ruth Lundin, president Marion Beckerink, club director Paulette Kline, and paraprofessional Gracelyn Stevenson.