Colorful pinwheels symbolized peace, harmony and unity at Amityville Memorial High School where International Peace Day recently celebrated.

Hundreds of pinwheels were made by the school’s art students and handed out to attendees at the eighth annual celebration. Students and teachers shared their wishes for peace through poems, readings and songs. At the end of the program, they came up on stage and tacked the pinwheels to two moveable bulletin boards, which were then moved to the lobby to be displayed for the rest of the month.

Student Imagine Halyard, who served as the emcee of the celebration, said the purpose of International Peace Day is to renew the dedication to peace and non-violence. The school partnered with two organizations, Pinwheels for Peace and Peace One Day.

Art teacher Jayne Grasso announced the winners of the pinwheel contest. Allen Ventura won most colorful, Alyssa Graham was most creative and Linda Mendosa won most meaningful.

The Warriors Awareness Program, known as the Wac Pac, continued its tradition of spreading the message through peace rocks. Two students were chosen to give out painted rocks to someone who has made a positive difference, and the hope is the rocks will continue to be passed along. Lena Vazquez presented one to Ashley Pico to thank Ashley for helping her adjust to a new school last year. Brianna Mazzilli gave the other one to new principal Maria Andreotti as a welcoming gift.

“Peace has to be at the forefront of everything, locally and globally,” Ms. Andreotti said. “I’m tremendously proud of the effort that has been put into this event and that is put in on a daily basis to spread peace.”