The melodic strumming of "Here Comes The Sun" gently enveloped a sea of Friends Academy students and colleagues, who made their way in groups small and large to the center of the football field in preparation for the first Peace Vigil of the year.
An array of red and black filled the field on as older students encircled their younger schoolmates; excited voices and laughter provided a verbal harmony to FA Music teacher James Liverani's musical greeting, as 25 Middle School students took their places, ready and eager to lend voice and leadership.
The program started with a Moment of Silence, followed by a recognition that Friends Academy is located on the ancestral lands of the Matinecock, and the introduction of the event's query, "How can we use empathy to find, spread, and create space for peace?"
Empathy, the 2024-25 school-wide theme, weaved its way through multiple remarks – starting with Nurse Daisy's focus on the visible and invisible suffering she sees through nursing. "As nurses, every day we see students and faculty who could be hurting in different ways – ways that are visible. Sometimes suffering can be invisible, like stress, unkindness, or sadness. We are here if you want a moment to take a breath and I'm happy to fill up your cup whenever you need it," said Nurse Daisy.
Lower schoolers reflected upon the powerful simplicity of empathy. "If we understand what people are feeling, we can make them feel better," shared 3rd grader Anna. "We can make space for peace by helping them understand you."
"We all have a right to our own thoughts," explored 4th grader Quinn. "And, we can all be together in a safe and peaceful world."
Five pairs of siblings shared how they use empathy to solve conflict between themselves. "We find peace by compromising," said Benton, 8th, and his sister, Rhyin, 6th. "I make a point of making peace with her at school," said fifth-grader Mack about his sister Marley, 8th. "Especially if we fight at home." For sisters Veronika, 7th, and Alisa, 5th, they found peace "by comforting each other."
Upper School TASQUE (Teachers and Students for Quaker Understanding and Education) clerks drew important distinctions about connection, compassion, and common ground. "Empathy allows us to connect with others on a deeper level and find common ground," said senior Christina Grasso. "Compassion leads to empathy; and that will lead to action," she added.
"Listening is not always easy," shared senior David Chen. "I remember an exercise when I tried to practice active listening in which I had to listen carefully to someone else and then reflect back what that person said," he said. "I was so concerned about what I would say that I only heard half of my partner's thoughts. Let's practice listening to develop empathy," David urged. "Then we can open doors to better understanding and take the first step toward peace."
The program ended with acknowledgment of two cultural and religious holidays – Hispanic Heritage Month and Rosh Hashanah.
Julia de Burgos, a celebrated Puerto Rican poet and civil rights activist, is known for her powerful work addressing themes of freedom, justice, and inner strength. To celebrate voices like Julia de Burgos, whose legacy continues to inspire reflection on the importance of empathy and justice as pathways to lasting peace, 8th grader Isabella read one of her poems:
"Peace"
by Julia de Burgos
Peace for the earth, peace for the stars,
Peace for the hurricane that destroys the waves.
Peace for the poor, peace for the rich,
Peace for the river that flows without a voice.
Peace for the voice that does not find words,
For the ear that listens in silence.
Peace for the hands that plant,
And for the minds that dream of tomorrow.
Peace for the child, peace for the old,
Peace for the heart that breaks and repairs.
Peace for the road, and the one who walks it,
Peace for all, a hope that never tires.
Peace like water, peace like air,
A peace so wide it holds all who dare.
Peace in our actions, peace in our fight,
Peace that brings justice into the light.
Middle schooler Savannah concluded the peace vigil by pointing out the connections between empathy and the high holiday of Rosh Hashanah. "Rosh Hashanah reminds us that through reflection and intentional kindness, we can create more peaceful spaces in our lives, just as empathy helps us do in our communities."
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Photography by Alvin Caal/Friends Academy