Peace Tree Ceremony: A Cherished Middle School Tradition at BFS

This past week, Middle School students at Brooklyn Friends School participated in a cherished tradition deeply rooted in BFS’ Quaker values. The entire Learning Community came together in the Pearl Street Meeting House for the annual Peace Tree Ceremony—a beautiful ritual that has honored community, reflection, and the Quaker testimony of Peace for more than 40 years.

The ceremony is a meaningful opportunity for students to explore and express the school’s values through creativity and collaboration. This year’s program featured thought-provoking skits written and performed by students, each centered on critical topics of justice and equity. The themes for this year included Water Justice, Storytelling and Justice, The Justice System, and Climate Justice. Through their skits, students not only showcased their learning but also highlighted the importance of these issues in today’s world.

Adding a personal touch to the ceremony, each advisory group placed a meaningful ornament on the Peace Tree. These ornaments symbolized their respective topics, serving as visual representations of the students’ reflections and hopes for justice and peace.

The ceremony also featured moments of musical inspiration. Two talented Middle School musicians, Max and Sage, performed beautifully between the advisory groups’ presentations, adding a harmonious backdrop to the event and further enriching the atmosphere of reflection and unity.

The Peace Tree Ceremony remains a beloved tradition at BFS, reminding the community of its commitment to fostering a culture of peace, justice, and togetherness. It’s an event where students and colleagues can celebrate the power of collective reflection and action in making the world a more equitable and peaceful place.