Whirled Peace Day

Spartans of all ages know that compassion and empathy are essential to the Steward experience. Respect for others and service to those in need brings students together as they engage with the wider community. Whirled Peace Day, a Steward tradition since 2007, is held annually to honor the International Day of Peace. 

In preparation for this annual event, students in JK-Grade 12 created pinwheels (symbols of peace). During Community Time on September 21, Spartans gathered to “plant” the colorful pinwheels in the multi-purpose gym. 

Lower/Middle School Visual Arts Teacher Abby Klein and Upper School Visual Arts Teacher Kristin Snellings teamed up to coordinate this year’s celebration.

“Whirled Peace Day gave Spartans the opportunity to gather and celebrate peace and creativity,” Mrs. Klein said. “We took time out of our schedules to reflect on how we can make our school and community a better, more peaceful place. It was a reminder that any act of kindness, no matter how small, can help others.”

The Upper School chorus, under the direction of Middle School/Upper School Choral Music Teacher Heidi Taylor, led the school in the national anthem, and then sang a touching arrangement of a traditional African song, “Nda Wana.” The combined Upper and Lower School choir performed “Little Voice,” a piece they also performed at this year’s Convocation. 

Each year on Whirled Peace Day, the Steward community collects donations to present to a local organization. This year, the school partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). In the weeks leading up to Whirled Peace Day, generous Spartan families dropped off individually wrapped food, and during Whirled Peace Day, it was presented to the CEO of RMHC Richmond, Emily Toalson. The donations will serve approximately 400 RMHC guests.

Carson Houston ’31 and Ellie Houston ’31 introduced RMHC to the community. RMHC has a special place in the lives of Ellie, Carson, and their parents. Carson explained that the Ronald McDonald House sheltered and cared for his family while his sister Ellie was hospitalized several years ago. 

“The snacks that were collected might seem like a small thing, but they may go to a parent who has forgotten to eat while caring for their kids,” Carson said. “For my sister, a bag of donated Goldfish was the first thing she asked for when they took her off feeding tubes. Little things can make a huge difference — even snacks. One of my biggest takeaways from this experience is that you should always be kind to others because you never know what they are going through behind the scenes. Little acts, no matter how small, can leave a big impact.”

Mrs. Klein concurred: “We showed up as a community through our act of service collecting donations for the Ronald McDonald House. Even though the celebration looked a little different indoors this year, the meaning behind this event was just as powerful as ever.” 

View the Steward Snaps from Whirled Peace Day.