Let there be peace on earth... ...and let it begin in Troy

By MAUREEN MCGUINNESS- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

When the United Nations wanted to learn more about promoting peace, they turned to students from Troy's Catholic Central High School.

Senior Andrea Sibincich; sophomore Eric Buell; Sister Katherine Arseneau, CSJ, principal; and CCHS board of trustee Mary Beth O'Brien recently traveled to the UN to address the Hague Appeal for Peace Committee.

The committee has an interest in peace education, and CCHS has been focusing on peace this school year with daily peace prayers, special activities, lessons and the upcoming dedication of a Peace Pole on January 3, 2000.

Message of peace

The CCHS students said peace is an important issue to focus on. "There is so much violence among kids," said Eric. "We have to get the message out."

According to Andrea, without a peaceful environment young people can't learn. "It's really important to feel safe at school in order to get an education," she said.

Last year, the school began to participate in the "School of Character Partnership," a movement that emphasizes the teaching of moral virtues in conjunction with academic learning. The school is continuing that effort with its focus on peace.

The students acknowledge that violence is becoming more of a problem among many age groups. From domestic violence, crime and fighting to name calling and put-downs, many forms of violence are permeating society.

Global awareness

After speaking with the Hague Appeal for Peace Committee, the CCHS delegation toured the UN. The tour helped them see how important their peace-making efforts are.

"It costs two to three dollars to put in a land mine and thousands to take it out," Eric said. "It makes you feel obligated. You don't want the suffering to go on and just watch it."

Andrea agreed, saying: "It make me more aware of how much there is to do. If one little school is doing something and the UN recognizes us, maybe it will spread."

Change in atmosphere

CCHS students have found that the forms of violence that had existed in their school are decreasing as a result of the peace effort there.

"Here, the worse thing that would happen was people writing on walls or on the desks," Andrea explained. "Now there's less. Fights are a rarity, and there's not a lot of teasing."

Eric has also noticed a difference. "There are little things you notice each day," he said. "People are always saying 'hi'."

Following Jesus

According to Sister Katherine, wars -- whether between countries, family members or friends -- have a common origin: They all begin in the hearts of people. In order to rid the world of violence, every individual must make an effort to rid their lives of violent thoughts, speech and action.

She said Jesus calls all to be peace-makers in the Beatitudes. "Blessed are the peace-makers," He said; "they shall be called the children of God."

Sister Katherine said that Beatitude speaks about those who make peace, and those who are willing to make change happen and bring about the kingdom of heaven.

Students involved

At CCHS, the students play an important role in making the changes that promote peace. For one thing, they are represented on the School of Character council, which monitors the school's peace efforts and comes up with ideas for activities related to the theme.

According to Andrea, the input of youth is important. "It's aimed towards students, so we need student input," she said. "Sometimes, something sounds like a nice idea, but it won't work, and we can tell them that."

Sister Katherine has been pleased with the involvement of the young people. For example, they suggested spotlighting a Student of the Month. While she didn't think it would work on the high school level, the students encouraged her to try it. Student of the Month has been received enthusiastically by the student body.

"There's more enthusiasm when ideas come from other students," Eric said.

"If one person says it's cool," Andrea noted, "everybody follows."

Example for others

The students hope their efforts at CCHS will prompt other schools, organizations and individuals to create more peaceful environments.

According to Andrea, each of the activities and events built on the theme of peace at CCHS are important. The presentation of the Peace Pole, she said, is going to be a major event that students are looking forward to.

"This celebration will send a message out to the community that we're not just sitting back doing nothing," Eric explained. "It might inspire other schools."

(11-04-99) [[In-content Ad]]