Each month, students at SMM proudly wear their Peace Day shirts as a visible reminder of our commitment to kindness, compassion, and respect. But many families may not know how this meaningful tradition began.
The origins of Peace Day trace back to October 2017. During the first week of that month, our nation was shaken by the tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas. Just days later, our local community was affected by a fatal shooting involving two teenagers in Everett. These heartbreaking events left a deep impression on the SMM community, particularly the Class of 2018
As the 8th grade students reflected on the violence they were seeing in the world around them, they began discussing ways they could make a positive difference. Rather than focusing on fear or division, they wanted to spread a message of peace, hope, and personal responsibility.
Out of those conversations came the idea for what would become our Peace Day shirts. The original design was created by SMM alumna Sara Hogenson, helping bring the students’ vision to life. What began as a student-led response to difficult circumstances has since grown into a cherished school tradition.
At the heart of the Peace Day message are the words:
“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”
These words remind us that peace is not simply something we hope to see in the world. It begins with the choices each of us makes every day. Whether through kind words, acts of service, forgiveness, inclusion, or respect, every member of our community has the ability to help create a more peaceful home, school, and world.
Today, Peace Days continue to serve as an opportunity for students to reflect on how they can be peacemakers in their daily lives. On the last Tuesday of each month, students wearing their Peace Day shirts come together in a shared commitment to living out the values represented by the shirt. Eighth-grade students help lead the tradition through monthly announcements that include a peace quote, reflection, and challenge for the school community.
Nearly a decade later, the message remains as relevant as ever. What began as a thoughtful response from a group of SMM students continues to inspire new generations to choose peace, one action at a time.
“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”