MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Students, staff, and community members gathered at Pennekamp Elementary School for a memorable morning assembly celebrating International Day of Peace. The event brought the campus together to reflect on the core values of kindness, connection and peace.

The morning’s reflections began with beloved former Pennekamp teacher Mrs. Donna Barney-Nicholson, a co-founder of the Stand 4 Peace initiative. Mrs. Barney-Nicholson guided the elementary students through a conversation on what peace means in their daily lives, inspiring them to practice empathy both on and off campus.

Continuing the theme of global awareness, two Mira Costa High School Model United Nations (MUN) leaders—who are also proud Pennekamp alumni—addressed the students. Drawing on their experience with international affairs, the Costa MUN leaders shared the history behind UN Peace Day and reflected on why fostering harmony around the globe is more vital today than ever before.

The assembly shifted to student voices when two fifth-graders, Nelly D. and Sadie M., took the stage to share an original poem. Their heartfelt words centered on kindness, community and human connection, left a lasting impression on attendees.

As the morning gathering concluded, attendees were treated to an unexpected natural spectacle: a flock of birds flew directly over the Pennekamp blacktop in a V-formation, offering a fitting visual finale to a morning focused on harmony and togetherness.

The International Day of Peace celebration stands as a beloved tradition across Manhattan Beach Unified School District campuses, helping young students build the skills to lead with compassion.