Peace Garden Commemorates Victims of 9/11

On September 11, 2002, exactly one year after the tragic events that took place in New York City, Washington, D. C., and Pennsylvania, the students of Culver City High School inaugurated the Peace Garden, located outside the Attendance Office.  The Peace Garden was made possible through a concerted effort among student clubs, staff members and the community, all coming together with a common goal and vision to establish a symbol at our school that would remind us of the importance of peace and unity. At the inauguration numerous individuals, including local officials, were in attendance. Uniquely, the keynote speaker at the inauguration was our student, George Aoyama, who lost his father on the first plane to strike the World Trade Center.  George remarkably spoke on the importance of dialogue, tolerance, and understanding as the means to achieve peace; he reminded us of his father’s commitment to peace and he reaffirmed his own personal commitment to work for a better world; but he also challenged all of us to do the same.

Since then, the Peace Garden has become an important part of Culver City High School history.  Its creation reminds us of the power and potential of young people when their hearts and minds are united for a common goal.  And it serves as a symbol that shows who we are as a school and community.

Some improvements to the garden will take place in the coming weeks.