In September of 2002, teachers at Nantucket Lighthouse School created a new tradition for children in observance of September 11th; in the hopes of transforming what was a terrible day of violence into a Wish for Peace. During their very first days back to school, Nantucket Lighthouse School students, pre-school through 8th grade, work to create handcrafted Wishes for Peace. On, or near September 11th, depending how the calendar day falls, one will find Lighthouse School students gifting these tokens to Nantucket shopkeepers, adorning the town windows in a communal wish for peace in observance of the anniversary of 9/11.
The Wish for Peace project is an expression of the Nantucket Lighthouse School’s founding philosophy. At Nantucket Lighthouse School, we are committed to the education of the whole child, concerning ourselves equally with ethical and intellectual development. We consider a child’s relationship to self, others and the world to be fundamental to his/her emotional maturation. Thus, we are committed to cultivating those qualities of a child’s humanity – compassion, kindness, love, and consideration- that inspire an inner joy and a feeling of responsibility toward the world.
If one looks carefully, the peace banners and ornaments of past years can still be found displayed in Nantucket shops year-round. Children are gratified to see their wishes and their handwork so honored.
By: Lizbet Carroll Fuller
NLS Co-Founder
