Innovations Academy and 1,000 paper cranes for peace

In a time of polarizing politics and divisive rhetoric, the students at Innovations Academy in Streamwood Illinois, produced 1,000 paper cranes to represent a desire for peace. Over the span of 30 days, the students and staff of both Innovations Academy and the Partial Hospitalization Program of Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare System, volunteered to assist in creating an art installation for the school's first floor gallery.

The exhibit was a the product of weeks of work and included not only the 1,000 paper cranes, but a paper waterfall, stream, and pond with paper lotuses. The project was spearheaded by the new principal of Innovations Academy, Dr. Ariel Correa and was inspired by the amazing story of Sadako Sasaki, a survivor of the US bombing in Hiroshima during the second World War. A traditional symbol of peace, hope, and good health, the Japanese crane exhibit is a shining example that everyone can make a difference by doing their part, no matter how small.