More than 120 students from Santa Elena Primary graduate from Positive Engagement and Civic Education program

Published by BBNTEAM at June 17, 2025

Posted: Tuesday, June 17, 2025. 1:10 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma: A total of 127 students from Santa Elena Primary School celebrated their graduation from the Positive Engagement and Civic Education (P.E.A.C.E.) Program, a 12-week initiative aimed at building leadership, resilience, and conflict-resolution skills among youth.

Commander of the Community Policing Unit, Howell Gillett, attended the graduation ceremony and praised the students for their commitment to making positive choices.

“These students have shown us that peace is not a passive idea—it is an active, everyday decision,” Gillett said. “They’ve learned to stand up for themselves with courage and character, to resist negative peer pressure, and to choose peace over conflict.”

The P.E.A.C.E. Program, delivered in partnership with police facilitators and educators, focused on equipping young participants with the values and tools to become community role models. Students were taught principles of leadership, empathy, and civic responsibility.

“It is truly inspiring to witness such maturity and purpose in children so young,” Gillett added. “To the parents and guardians—thank you for encouraging your children to participate. And to the dedicated teachers and police officers involved—your support has made a lasting impact.”

Gillett offered words of encouragement: “This is just the beginning. Use your voices and values to create safe, respectful spaces around you. The future is brighter because of you. Go forward, be the change, and keep shining.”

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