The students of P.S. 11 are urging kids across the city to “give peace a chance.”
Parents, faculty and all 1,300 children from the school, located at 54-25 Skillman Avenue
in Woodside, united on November 22 for a peace march and anti-violence rally.
The parade was in protest to the increase in bullying and violence that has become a perpetual problem plaguing schools. Students carried hand-made signs and photos and chanted cheers calling for peace.
During the event, the mothers of two P.S. 11 alumni, both of whom lost their lives to violence, were acknowledged.
“There is a wave of bullying and violence across the city, and two of our alumni were killed due to violence,” said Anna Efkarpides, principal of P.S. 11. “We have been talking about making the future of Sunnyside and Woodside safer for our children. The march was a combination of the students wanting to express themselves and in memory of the two alumni. We wanted to have it around Thanksgiving, a time when everyone is thankful and hopeful for a better and more peaceful tomorrow.”
Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer, who is an advocate of anti-bullying and anti-violence initiatives, also attended the march.
“It is important to remember and be thankful for the men, women and children who have said no to violence and spoken out in favor of peace,” said Van Bramer. “The students that marched here today are our future. Their message of love and peace takes us toward a better tomorrow. I will continue to do all I can to promote and support anti-violence and anti-bullying initiatives.”
