Arum Gandhi visits Canby

Hands of students pledged not to be used for violence
Portrait made by students out of individual words of peace

The Student Peace Advocates of Ackerman Middle School were pleased to welcome Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, who visited their Canby school on Friday, April 27. The photo above was taken upon Mr. Gandhi's arrival where Principal Joel Sebastian and students Amanda McLean and Nick Widmer welcomed him.

Arun Gandhi is the founder and Executive Director of the Gandhi Institute, an organization that carries on the message of non-violence of his grandfather. Ackerman Middle School students prepared for Arun Gandhi’s visit with a month long campaign supporting the Student Peace Advocacy goal of making our school safe, secure, and welcome for everyone. Gandhi spoke to the student body and guest about his grandfather, his teachings, and how Mahatma Gandhi influenced his life through thoughtul guidance and serving as an ideal role model for peace. AMS students were all ears as Gandhi shared thought-provoking, and sometimes humorous, stories about his grandfather. At the same time, he sought to inspire the students to seek and embrace peace in their daily lives, to be thoughtful about the use of earth's resources, and redirect anger into positive energy and actions.

At Ackerman, each day begins with a student read public service announcement focused on a word for the day. Each word highlights a quality desired in ourselves and each other. Student leaders taught a lesson on “heroes” to all of the AMS advisory groups. Students identified the qualities of people they recognize as heroes. Advisory groups produced a collage displaying the recognized qualities. Each Ackerman student and staff member will be making a link to add to the school’s “Chain of Inspiration” naming our heroes and how they inspire us. Ackerman students participated in ‘Hands Are Not for Hurting” and “Mix It Up At Lunch Day” earlier in the week as part of their preparation for April 27.

Mr. Gandhi participated in a ground breaking ceremony to erect a peace pole in the Ackerman Peace Garden prior to a school assembly in the gym. A panel discussion was later held in the media center with a reception immediately following. Ackerman students and visitors will not soon forget the visit by Arun Gandhi.