Committed to Radiant Peace

Kindergarten through Third Grades

Theme: How I Make a More Peaceful World

I would make the world more peaceful by going to my mom’s
at the old folks home. I would help them into their wheelchairs.
I will smile at them to make them smile back.
I would fix them something to eat.
I love the old folks home.

Getting together with friends,
Gives me happiness that never ends.
Getting together with my sisters,
keeps me from blisters.
Getting together with my neighbors,
We help each other with favors.
Getting together with my pupppies,
Makes me feel lucky.

I would make a more peaceful world by being kind,
sharing, and showing respect. Everyone should
be doing their part. By sharing and giving my
toys to others, I show kindness and peace.
I’ve learned this from my mom. Sharing and
giving away my toys shows respect to others.

Peace

You could have a party with friends.
If you play and have fun you have peace.

If you fight, That’s not right
violence is bad, So don’t be mad.
Go out and play, Start today.

Fourth Grade through Eighth Grade

Theme: I am a peacemaker when I...

I am a peacemaker when I do what is right. Being a teenager isn’t very easy, with all of the choices we are forced to make in one day. The choices are endless. As a peacemaker I am very fortunate to attend a great school. Every day I am surrounded by peacemakers. These peacemakers have a great influence on me to do what is right. Having peaceful friends is a positive way to make others peaceful. It is basically a chain reaction, everyone is affected. A positive way of being a peacemaker is to help others in their time of despair. Be a friend to someone who has no friends. I am a peacemaker when I care.

I am a peacemaker when I think about my actions, words, and reactions. There are problems that will never be resolved unless I think before I act, speak, or react. My thoughts may or may not affect others. First, I think things through before I act. It is not always easy, but it is important. Even then my actions may not be what others think is best, but it is my actions according to my thoughts. Next, I think about what I say. Words can be harmful or helpful. Tone and attitude can also affect how what I say is interpreted. Last, my reactions may be the most difficult and important peacemaker abilities I have. Sometimes the best reaction is no reaction.

Thoughtlessness can lead to hurt feelings, misunderstandings, or war. Being a peacemaker is important and it begins with me. Who knows, one day I may change history.

I Am a Peacemaker

I am being a peacemaker by using my wisdom to understand people and staying open-minded so we can get along. I am being a peacemaker by spreading joy instead of pain and showing people the dream of peace as a reality. Peace isn’t something we can do only partially. We cannot be friendly one moment and violent the next. We must also be peaceful in spirit. We will not reach peace just because of the ending of wars. We must also have a deep understanding and respect for our fellow humans and living creatures. If we want peace, we must think positively. We strive too much on the suffering of others to make us feel greater. It is time to break free of this addiction and start using a smile and a gentle helping hand and bring ever-lasting peace into our lives.

P.S. 20 has a Conflict Management Program which is run by Mr. Kerne (a sixth grade teacher). I’m one of the conflict managers. As a Conflict Manager I feel like a peacemaker because I try to help children who are about to fight, and help to resolve their problem before it turns into an even bigger fight. Since I’m a peacemaker, kids know I will try to make peace between two people. I truly feel good about being a peacemaker because I love helping out kids and dealing with their problems. I’m also a peacemaker out school. If I see friends argue I try to help them solve it. These have been ways I’ve been a peacemaker. I hope you have enjoyed my composition.

Imagine. Nothing could be more powerful than the human mind, and I believe I can do whatever I set my mind to. I also think that by setting a good example for others, I can slowly help them do the right thing too. It’s not always easy to make a hard decision, but if someone makes the decision first, it’s much easier to follow in thier footsteps. I may not be the biggest, most powerful person in my school, but I’m able to persuade people, and make tough decisions, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s enough.

A peacemaker is someone who tries to resolve a conflict, argument, or fight. These problems can arise among individuals, groups, or even nations. I always try to help my friends find a solution to their problems. I consider myself a peacemaker. I begin by trying to calm down the opposing parties. Talking about the consequences of their actions is another tact. I warn of potential physical injury, or the loss of their friendship as possible side effects. People should not fight and countries should avoid war. These actions cause pain and suffering, unnecessary bloodshed, and death. An American general once said, "War is hell." I believe he was wrong. War is worse. There are no innocent bystanders in Hell. When a fight can be avoided, or an argument suspended, I feel like I have been able to accomplish something good. Sometimes a fight can result in simply hurting the feelings of others. This can be just as devastating as physical blows. Verbal assaults last a long time in the memory of grade-schoolers. I know. I have been the recipient of such vocal tirades. At times, I’ve also found myself dishing out the abuse and it makes me sad and ashamed that I allowed my temper to get the best of me. Supporting the reasons not to fight are evident in our everyday lives and current events. The rash of school shootings’ are one example. Most of these kids felt picked on and bullied, until it drove them to commit senseless and tragic acts of violence. Now I try my best to control my temper, and I try to show kindness when I see someone lash out. I know they are reacting from their own pain. Small peace, Large peace, World peace. There really is no difference in these three. We should all be willing set aside personal differences and petty disagreements to try and make our school, our town, our country, or our world a better place.

Being a Peacemaker

I am a peacemaker when I help my friends work out their problems peacefully, and when I do what I think is right. I am a peacemaker when I give others a chance, when I am willing to accept the peace. When I show others how to be respectful and kind, when I show how we can all make a difference for world peace, I am a peacemaker. By allowing others to follow my ways, by being willing to accept the fact that sometimes I may be wrong, just like anybody else can be, I make peace. You see, being a peacemaker doesn’t just mean you know how to make peace, it means you know when, where and why. It means that you are always willing to stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone. It means that you can see past people’s outsides, and look deep into their hearts to figure out one simple way we are all alike: We all have the power and strength to make peace in our world.

Peacemaker

I am a peacemaker when I don’t care about others’ appearances, race, ethnic groups etc. This earth would be much better if others could see past the skin, through the scars and birthmarks, past the ethnic ancestors, and into the heart and soul. The idea of seeing others as equals, not more than us or less than us would stop many holy wars and hate crimes. We would have less murder, injuries, and start more friendships. We could do this by looking past the faces and seeing others through a new light. For one day we could forget everything we previously knew about every person and instead of classifying them into the following categories; black, white, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddist, etc. we should classify them by the way they act. We should view others on their worth as individuals, not as a group. Maybe, then we could acheive real peace.

I am a Peacemaker when I am on duty as a Conflict Manager. Conflict Managers have to solve problems that other kids have. Conflict Managers carry clipboards that have the rules of the program and papers that you write the problem down on, the names of the disputants’ classes, and the resolution to the kids’ problems. But not all problems are solved by what is written on that clipboard. We have to think about certain situations before we come to a solution. Every situation is different. We help them all in different ways. The way we try to help them is by talking to them. We first ask them if they need any help and if they say no and it doesn’t look like a real fight, then we leave them alone. If they are having a fist fight, then we tell a grown-up that works at the school to help us handle the situation. I love being a peacemaker. As a Conflict Manager, I learned that fighting is not the way you solve a problem. The best way to solve a problem is to talk it out or ask a grown-up to help you. At home I try to adapt all I have learned working as a Conflict Manager. Being a peacemaker is something I enjoy practicing wherever I am.

In this essay you will read why I am a peacemaker, and why I choose to be one. I am a peacemaker because I am a Conflict Manager. As a Conflict Manager my duty is to walk through the schoolyard and check if there is a problem. If I do not see a problem, a child or children might still ask for my help. I chose this job because it helps the teachers do what they have to do. I also chose this job because it is great to be around kids knowing that they are getting a lot of help and, having a friendly relationship with us. I am also a peacemaker because I go upstairs to my class each morning to help my teacher with anything that has to be done, and I try to help my school in many ways. I try to make each day a better day. This is why I am a peacemaker.

Peace, Let It Flow

I am a peacemaker when I spread friendship, do nice things for others, and bring peace to the less fortunate. Let me tell you how I do all of this. I am a peacemaker when I do nice things for people and keep them in my thoughts. Also, by being a good friend, I can help people spread friendship, and find peace in their hearts. I am a peacemaker when I help those who are less fortunate than myself. I have talked, listened and even tap danced to make their hearts sing.Peace is "life" in ourselves. Let it flow from your heart. It is love, not hate. I can help people feel peace from their head to their toes, and have it felt all over the universe. Let the light of peace fill your heart and mind as it has mine. Remember, peace is possible night and day.

I am a peacemaker when I am an intermediary, I give suggestions, and when I protest in a peaceful march. I think these actions will help bring peace to the Earth. I am an intermediary when I stop disagreements. Also, I am an intermediary when I bring friends back together after fights. Next, giving suggestions helps communities and citizens do what is best for their surroundings. Also, this can help resolve disagreements between two different people. Finally, when I join a peaceful march, I can stop wars and fighting. It is important to keep countries from fighting so that they can have a peaceful community. In conclusion, there are many "actions" one can take, to make the world mare peaceful. I think that if we come together as one, we can form world peace. I hope you will participate in activities such as the ones listed. You will be helping yourself and others.

Find Your Way to Peacemaking

When I think about fighting, first I say to myself, "Am I being a peacemaker?" I am a peacemaker when I solve arguments by talking them out with the other person and not my fighting with the him. When I settle disagreements by talking, I am a peacemaker. By not fighting, I do not create bigger problems where someone could get hurt. This is a big step towards peacemaking! I am also a peacemaker when I help people that are in disputes about things they don’t know how to settle. Arbitrating is a good way to be a peacemaker in two ways: you help people, and you feel good inside of your heart. I am a peacemaker in many ways! I am a peacemaker because I don’t use any type of weapon; I simply use my brain and my mouth to make peace. I am a peacemaker always.

I’m a peacemaker when I help solve all the arguments around me. I am a peacemaker when I help people be nice to one another. As the Bible says, "Love one another as I have loved you." I am a peacemaker when I help solve problems. As a wise peacemaker once said, "The world will be full of war until we make peace with ourselves." If I could make just one wish I would wish that the world would be at peace with all. If this were my world I would give everybody a home, food, and everything they need to live. I am a peacemaker when I help the poor. I am a peacemaker when I donate money to the poor and to shelters. I am a peacemaker when I find a way to help save a person or a child.

I am a peacemaker when I think before I act. When I have control, because without control I would think badly about everything that I do and act immature around others. I’m a peacemaker when I achieve my goals in school, sports, and vocal activities. I’m a peacemaker when I try to talk out my problems instead of causing them. When people talk behind my back, I feel frustrated. All it takes is a little control. For me to be a peacemaker, it takes patience, time and effort. It’s like a field of flowers, just because twelve go bad, doesn’t mean the whole field is bad. Just let them grow back happier, healthier, and stronger. What it takes for me to be a peacemaker is to try to be who I am, not to change. I never want to change who I am. I’m a peacemaker when I am ME!

I am a peacemaker when I resolve problems among my friends at school and at home. I often explain that we are all created by God and we should love each other the way he loves us. We may look different from each other but we are all bonded together by common things. I believe that each person has the ability to be a peacemaker. In some schools students are afraid to be called a peacemaker because they fear that they will be conceived as being weak. I have built a defense around me that cannot be shaken by peer-pressure. If I see a friend being laughed at or being pushed around, I speak up. I let the person who is acting mean know that such acts are not acceptable. We must support each other, not hurt each other. I know that the World is large and I cannot help everyone but in my corner of the World I will make a difference. A difference in the way I treat people--I strive to adhere to the golden rule: to treat people the way I want to be treated. I get a wonderful feeling whenever I say a kind word to someone; whenever I do an act of kindness. Just to see the joy on someone’s face whenever I extend kindness to them is more than enough compensation.

When I think of peace, I think of quietness and happiness. It just makes me feel good inside. It makes me feel like a peacemaker. I know that I am a peacemaker when I tell people that I do not want to argue or fight. Also when I talk calmly and gently when people are getting on my nerves and are yelling at me. Or I just walk away to calm that person down. First of all, I always tell people that I do not want to argue or go to war. For example, just the other day, my brother got my bicycle all muddy. Furious, I made fists as I felt my anger build, then I opened up my fists and said, "I don’t want to fight", and went and washed my bike. In addition, I always talk calmly and gently when other people are getting on my nerves and are yelling at me. To tell you the truth, I hate to yell. It hurts my throat. And besides, if I did like yelling, I would probably need a loudspeaker, I don’t have a very big voice yet. Furthermore, sometimes I just walk away to calm that person down. A lot of times it works, except some people start yelling at me. So, I just tell them that I’m not the arguing type. I think walking away can be the best thing to do because when you walk away, the other person stares and eventually walks away too. Most of the time, it’s great because if you are losing your voice or you have a sore throat, you can hardly do any talking anyway. Take my advice, you should try these things yourself to see if they really do work. In conclusion, the word peace means quietness and happiness to me. Once again, I am a peacemaker when I tell people I do not want to argue or fight. I am a peacemaker when I talk calmly and gently to people that are yelling at me and who are getting on my nerves. And finally, I am a peacemaker when I calm down an angry person by simply walking away.

I feel great pride when I bring peace to this world. I help children believe that this land, this world, is a better place to be when peace is brought to it. I am only one out of all the forty conflict managers from the fifth and sixth in my school. I am in sixth grade and I have a partner from fifth grade. He helps me out with the conflicts happening in the yard during recess. We both notice every week that there are less and less problems occurring. Sometimes I feel extremely bored because there aren’t that many conflicts to solve, but that’s good! I can also be a peacemaker other times without being on duty for conflict management, like after school. Some of my friends can start getting involved in an argument and I’ll usually use my experience to help solve it. I love my job as a conflict manager. I bet if other schools had this program, they’d really enjoy making peace as much as I do. Now, I hope you judges who are reading this don’t get into a conflict about which essay is best because I really don’t want to come down there to solve it; wait maybe I do because I love my job, don’t I?

Kindergarten through Third Grades

Theme: How I Make a More Peaceful World

I can make the world a more peaceful place by stopping fights, working together, and being kind. It hurts other people when you are mean and push them around. I also don’t judge people and I talk out problems with my friends. If we love ourselves and respect others, the world will be more peaceful.

I can bring peace to my family by doing what my parents say and compromising with my sister. I can bring peace to my friends by being considerate and kind. I can bring peace to my community by volunteering to help needy people. I can bring peace to the world.

Matthew Cuccuro, 3^rd Grade, (Age 9)
Sweetwater Episcopal Academy, Longwood, FL
Teacher: Becky Jackson

 Let me tell you how I can make a peaceful world. I will show people how to respect other cultures. Watch your mouth when you talk to people. Your words can make other people mad. Words can hurt.

 I can make a peaceful world by helping others when they need help doing something. I can make the world peaceful by treting others the way you want to be treted. I can also respect others so they will respect you. You can make new friends by treting them nice and careing when they fall down or hurt themselves.

Grades 4 - 8

I think I am a peacemaker when I help others. I know how it feels to help someone because everyday I tutor a little girl in the first grade. She has a hard time reading. Sometimes I get irritated when she can’t figure out a simple word like "boy". But when I tutor her I remember that I’m helping her accomplish something that will make her feel better about herself. When she gets older I hope she will pass her gift of reading on to someone else that needs her help. I know I did not stop a war or anything like that, but I still feel like I’m a peacemaker in my own way.

I am a peacemaker when I...help others who are in need, whether it is a friend who doesn’t understand a homework question, or my elderly neighbor who needs help with her groceries. I am a peacemaker when I collect food and clothing for the homeless and offer comfort to the sick. I am a peacemaker when I listen to a friend who has a problem and doesn’t think anyone cares. I am a peacemaker when I make my mom laugh after she has had a stressful day at work and when my dad needs someone to remind him that he will feel better soon. I am a peacemaker when I represent students in my class in the student council. I am a peacemaker when I’m not afraid to voice my opinion about things that I feel are wrong or unjust. I am a peacemaker when I’m simply ME.

I am a peacemaker when I stop a conflict. You see, when you stop a conflict it makes people happy because their feelings don’t get hurt. Being a peace-maker does not take much. A smile, a hello, or maybe just a happy message can brighten a person’s day. That is what being a peacemaker is all about. Another way of being a peacemaker does not have to involve people. If you are in a bad mood, dig deep in your soul for a happy thought as a farmer digs holes in the soil. You will see it makes you feel peaceful. Being a peacemaker is the best thing you can be. If you are a peacemaker in front of others they might become peacemakers too. In doing this, they are making the world a better place for everyone.

There have been many great peacemakers throughout history. All peacemakers don’t have to be famous. I am a peacemaker in my own way. I am a peacemaker when I refuse to argue with others. It’s only an argument when more than one person wants to argue. I am also a peacemaker when I don’t take sides in other’s arguments. When people gossip, I don’t repeat what I hear. If I see people ignoring others, I try to be friends with them, which helps them be friends with one another. To be a peacemaker, I must be at peace with myself. This means liking myself and not trying to be what others want me to be, but being what I want me to be. Being a peacemaker is important to me because it can make my life and other people’s lives better.