Brightly colored paper pinwheels whirled on the front lawn of Frank P. Long Intermediate School to create a visual public statement about the importance of world peace. Fifth-grade students crafted the iconic childhood symbols as part of the Pinwheels for Peace Project to commemorate the annual International Day of Peace held on Sept. 21 and established in 1981 by the United Nations. 

Pinwheels for Peace was originally an art installation project started in 2005 by Florida art teachers Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan and was quickly embraced by millions of teachers throughout the world. Each year, students like those in the South Country Central School District, write their hopes for peace and unity on the pinwheels prior to planting them on school lawns.

In addition to making pinwheels, the students also discussed the concept of “peace,” as well as the importance of living in harmony and being able to agree to disagree with others.