September 21, 2009 - The Southgate Elementary School community celebrated International Peace Day on Monday, by planting “Peace Pinwheels” on the front lawn of the school. Students and teachers, along with Superintendent Randy Ehrenberg, Assistant Superintendent Joe Corr, and Board members gathered in front of the school on a cool Monday morning for the inaugural celebration of Peace Day at Southgate.

Peace Day is recognized worldwide each year on September 21 as a day of global non-violence.

Southgate Principal Jerri Lynne Dedrick commended the students on their wonderful pinwheels and praised them for their display of compassion and respect for one another.
Board President Mary Nardolillo echoed Dedrick’s sentiments.

“Very early in life, we experience the good feelings that come from sharing. Think of the happiness you feel when someone shares something of theirs with you,” Nardolillo said in her speech to the students. “By sharing what you own, you can bring that same joy to others.”

Grade by grade, Southgate students walked up on the front lawn and planted their pinwheels in a visual symbol of peace. In the end, the lawn was scattered with colorful displays of peace.

"Peace Day is important to Southgate as we know it is not just about ending conflict but is also about fostering acceptance, building tolerance and appreciating differences," Southgate Principal, Jerri Lynne Dedrick said. "The students of Southgate recognize that they have a responsibility to one another and to the school community to insure that everyone feels safe and accepted coming to school each day."

“This celebration reminds us all about how we can contribute to making our school a better school, our community a better community, and our society a better place for all,” Superintendent Randy Ehrenberg said. “I am so proud of Southgate’s fine work focusing on International Peace Day.”