Joliet Central High School last week officially dedicated a new, handcrafted limestone Peace Pole, which the school said signifies the message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” in various world languages.
This is Central’s second Peace Pole constructed to promote a message of harmony and goodwill, according to Joliet Township High School District 204.
“The original wooden Peace Pole was planted in 2001 in conjunction with the Centennial Celebration but was recently taken down when the Student Center Galleria was built,” said Joliet Central teacher Patti Edwards, who served as the driving force behind obtaining the new Peace Pole. “The old Peace Pole was refurbished by fellow teacher Vern Jordan and relocated, so it was the perfect opportunity to begin a campaign to further promote peace.”
Although Central’s Peace Pole was planted during the school’s centennial year, this is a long-standing practice that began in Japan by the World Peace Prayer Society – a nonprofit, nondenominational organization founded in 1955 by Masahisa Goi.
“The project was launched with a dedication to uplift humankind toward harmony rather than conflict,” Edwards said. “The Peace Pole reminds us to keep peace ever-present in our thoughts.”
The new Peace Pole was purchased through generous donations from parents, students, teachers, community members, the Friends of Rachel Club, JROTC, Phil Major Jayko, the President’s Club, Key Club, Human Relations Club, Cheryl McCarthy, Ilandus Hampton, principal Shad Hallihan, retired principal John Randich, John DePue, Sheree Madden, Jennifer Christiansen and Angel Hauert.
During the April 8 dedication, student volunteers held flags from around the world, speaking the words, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” in the languages of Chinese, Polish, Serbian/Croatian, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Vietnamese, Lao, Greek, Hebrew, English and Sign Language.
Retired teacher Sandy Alaimo and the Peace Pole committee determined the languages to be used in the ceremony after researching the planting of the first Peace Pole back in the centennial year.
The new Peace Pole will be planted at the Student Center front entrance as a constant reminder “to think of, wish for, hope and choose peace in your lives, homes, school, community and in the world,” Edwards added.