Peace pole planted at Ivy Hill school in Arlington Heights

Posted October 03, 2011 12:00 am

Submitted by Anne Marie Gerhardt

Ivy Hill Elementary School students and Cub Scout Pack 468 commemorated International Day of Peace Wednesday, Sept. 21, with various signs of peace. The Scouts, along with Principal Kristy Csensich, planted a new peace pole at the front entrance of the school.

Cubmaster Steve Ewert and the fourth-grade Webelo leader, Kristen Arland, spearheaded the design and manufacturing team, making the pole possible.

“What a great way for us to give a lasting reminder of peace to the Ivy Hill community. Thanks go out to all involved for making this project possible,” said Valerie Duenser, Pack 468 committee chairman.

The pole reads, “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in four different languages. Students in first through fifth grades also created Pinwheels for Peace and kindergartners designed peace signs, which were planted on the front lawn at the start of the school day, followed by a brief ceremony.

“Our diverse school community celebrates the uniqueness of each child and adult. From our whole-school assembly commemorating the events of Sept. 11, 2001, to the International Day of Peace, we use these opportunities to remember that we must open our eyes, minds and hearts to other perspectives, beliefs and experiences,” explained Csensich.

Pinwheels for Peace were also planted at the central office building of Arlington Heights School District 25.

Cub Scouts from Pack 468 and Ivy Hill Principal Kristy Csensich stand around the newly planted peace pole outside the schoolÂ’s entrance. Courtesy of Anne Marie Gerhardt

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