Kevin Bumble'26
The world is in extreme turmoil: dozens of military conflicts and heightened tensions between allies and enemies alike. However, there is a new installation outside our lovely school that stands in opposition to these events — the peace pole.
The peace pole, a project headed by the Interact Club, is located outside the school garden. For months, the Interact Club has worked to create the pole, which features eight different languages, including English, Spanish, Polish, and American Sign Language.
This installation of the peace pole was presented to the community in a ceremony held on the afternoon of April 29, attended by the elementary school, Rotarians, and, naturally, the Interact Club. At the ceremony, the Interact Club’s advisors, Mrs. Elak and Ms. Lillis, and their president, Amy Preising, each said a few words about the peace pole.
The two advisors began by discussing how members of the Interact Club came up with the idea and decided to make a visual reminder of world peace that will stand for years to come. They also mentioned how peace doesn’t begin globally; “It begins in communities like ours — in the way we treat our neighbors, the respect we show one another, and the willingness to listen, understand, and care.” They ended their statement by noting that age doesn’t limit impact, and that the desire for good can create lasting change.
Then President Amy Preising discussed how the idea of a peace pole came from her time at the annual Rotary District 7255 conference, where she learned that Japan has used a similar concept since the 1970s. That idea stuck with her, and she told Mrs. Elak, who loved it and supported it wholeheartedly. President Preising believed it would benefit our school; in fact, she said, “Creating a space that represents that felt important, not just for students now, but for future students who will grow up seeing and understanding that message.” She thanked everyone for the opportunity to make the peace pole happen and expressed hope that people will live by the peace pole, not just see it.
Rotarian Lisa Israel expressed her support for the peace pole by stating, “It is an excellent idea. Especially with what is going on in the world, to have this peace pole represents the core ideas of Rotary, and to have this implemented at Greenport School is an incredible feat and instills peace.”
Following the speeches, elementary students placed rocks they had painted with Mrs. Silverman at the base. Four beautifully crafted benches offer the perfect places for contemplation.
Overall, it is a beautiful addition and will help promote peace around our community.