West Suburban Peace Coalition (WSPC) has announced that Julia Augustyn of Chicago has been selected winner of its 2025 Peace Essay Contest.
Contestants submitted essays answering the question ‘How can we foster a more peaceful nation and world.
Ms. Augustyn's essay was directed to the Chicago Board of Education requesting they consider establishing an annual Peace Day in Chicago's 644 Public Schools. "It would be "a day dedicated every school year for students, educators, families, and local leaders to reflect on and actively work toward a more peaceful city."
Augustyn not only proposed a Peace Day for Chicago's 321,000 elementary and secondary students in 644 schools, she provided numerous suggestions on what it might include. That is an excellent proposal that should be considered by all 130,000 American public schools educating over 50,000 million students. Private schools should establish a Peace Day as well.
Ms. Augustyn received $1,000 for her winning entry.
She is a Chicago resident who recently earned a bachelor's degree in Earth and Environmental Science and Italian Studies from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. She is currently serving as an ambassador for the Water Challenge Program with EarthEcho International, an NGO dedicated to building a global youth movement to protect and restore our planet’s water resources. Julia plans to apply to graduate school to continue her studies and pursue a career in hydrogeology and groundwater hydrodynamics.
She will also be reaching out to other local school districts regarding her school Peace Day proposal.
Here is Julia Augustyn's award winning Peace Essay.
Peace Begins in the Classroom
Dear Chicago Board of Education,
I write to you as a proud graduate of the Chicago Public Schools system and as someone who cares deeply about the future of our communities. As Chicago continues to face the complex and painful effects of urban violence, I believe CPS has a powerful opportunity to foster peace in a way that reaches beyond just flyers and infographics. I propose the creation of a district-wide Peace Day, a day dedicated every school year for students, educators, families, and local leaders to reflect on and actively work toward a more peaceful city. On Peace Day, there would be a one-hour assembly in elementary and secondary schools during the academic day, followed by optional after-school programming open to families and the wider community.
Children need to see leaders up close. The in-school assembly would give students a chance to hear from those who work every day to build a more peaceful Chicago. These guests could speak not only about their work, but about how peace is created through acts of service, accountability, and care. For example, a sanitation worker might talk about the importance of clean public spaces, and how clean neighborhoods promote pride and respect. A librarian could highlight their safe spaces for learning and programs outside of school hours. A local volunteer who feeds the hungry or helps the unhoused could speak about compassion and dignity. Peace, in this setting, is modeled by real people doing real work, every day.
In addition, it would be incredibly impactful to bring in role models from their own neighborhoods. Local congressmen and government officials can talk about the work they are doing to make communities safer and more peaceful. Whether their work consists of legislation they are currently working on or recently passed policies. Local activists or nonprofit organizations can speak on how they are already working to build a more just and peaceful Chicago. The purpose of inviting local officials, nonprofit leaders, and volunteers into schools is to demystify public service and show students that they, too, can shape their communities. Even teachers themselves could take the lead, facilitating short discussions or helping students brainstorm ideas for making their classrooms and neighborhoods more supportive, respectful places.
Peace Day could also involve students directly. They could create presentations, artwork, or group projects focused on themes like conflict resolution, restorative justice, and community care. Schools might organize small workshops where students talk through issues that matter to them and brainstorm ways to create safer, more supportive environments in their own classrooms and neighborhoods. Furthermore, the optional after-school component of Peace Day could offer students and families an opportunity to continue these conversations. A resource fair, informal panel discussions, or family-oriented workshops could provide access to community programs and services, while encouraging multigenerational learning and dialogue because peace is not the work of children alone, it requires the full participation of families, educators, and neighbors.
I recognize the many demands placed on schools, and I understand concerns about preserving instructional time. That’s why the proposed in-school assembly would last only one hour, a small investment of time with the potential for lasting impact. I hope you will consider this proposal as a step toward a more peaceful, engaged, and connected Chicago, and, perhaps, an example for schools beyond the city as well.
Thank you for your leadership and for the care you bring to the youth of this region.
Julia Augustyn Graduate of Lane Tech High School and Byrne Elementary School
West Suburban Peace Coalition (www.faithpeace.org), based in Glen Ellyn, IL, has been holding its annual peace essay contest since 2013 as part of its continuing mission to promote peace in Chicago's western suburbs and beyond. For further information contact Walt Zlotow, zlotow@hotmail.com.
West Suburban Peace Coalition
Facebook: West Suburban Peace Coalition
