Arianna Stella and Amal Babiker know all about peace.
The two Cobleskill-Rich-mondville High School students received the Jack and Louise Daniels Peace Award last Wednesday for their writings about Nobel Peace Prize winners.
Mr. Daniels started the award several years ago with his wife, Louise, to encourage the study of peace and peacemaking among C-R students.
A Community Committee on Respect and Diversity (ACCORD) asked students to apply for the award by submitting a 500-word essay, poster, dramatic monologue or musical work about a Peace Prize winner.
Amal wrote an essay and a personal statement about Amnesty International, which was the 1977 Peace Prize winner.
Arianna wrote a personal statement and a poster describing the work on global climate change by Al Gore, the 2007 Peace Prize winner.
“Both students made it clear they understood the importance of the work done and long-term persistent efforts in the face of opposition that both Al Gore and Amnesty International demonstrated,” said ACCORD member Sue Spivack.
Mr. Daniels presented Amal and Arianna with certificates and $50 checks.
In presenting the awards, Mr. Daniels said he wished the late Ms. Daniels could help with the first awards. The couple was married 68 years.
Flanked by Ms. Spivack, C-R Superintendent Lynn Macan and High School Principal Dave Zachar, Mr. Daniels praised the two girls for their work.
“This is a wonderful way to start the Peace Award,” he said.
“I hope this fosters a lifelong interest in the cause of peace. This world is in a disturbing situation. We need people like you so peace prevails in Iraq, the Near East, Africa and all sections of the world.”
As the Award fund grows, ACCORD hopes to offer more Peace Awards and grants to students, faculty and staff in all C-R grades, Ms. Spivack said.
The fund will pay for classroom projects, field trips, speakers and performers who fulfill the goals of promoting peace.
The endowment fund for the Peace Award totals $3,200, and ACCORD continues to seek donations. All donations are tax deductible and can be made out to The Jack & Louise Daniels Peace Award. They can be mailed to ACCORD, PO Box 45, Cobleskill.
For more information, call Ms. Spivack at 234-3840.