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Virginia State University honors students recognized for "Partners in Peace" mentorship at Pleasant Lane Elementary
Summary
Virginia State University’s Partners in Peace initiative was recognized by Petersburg City Council; VSU staff and students described classroom activities that reached 93 Pleasant Lane Elementary students, and the city presented 'peace agent' certificates to third-graders.
Councilman Westbrook introduced a recognition for the Partners in Peace Initiative, a collaboration between Virginia State University’s Honors College (Charlie W. Hill Honors College) and Petersburg Public Schools. Dr. Lisa Hobson, director at the honors college, said the initiative selected Pleasant Lane Elementary for hands-on peace education after national selection through the National Collegiate Honors Council.
Four VSU students—Ayanna Mims, Christina Hatcher, Enosh Mini, and Autumn Godin—described their classroom work: yoga and deep-breathing in gym class, origami and mindfulness in art, music activities including a song learned in sign language, and one-on-one mentorships aimed at increasing confidence among third-graders. Dr. Rodriguez, principal of Pleasant Lane Elementary, said the school requests the program continue.
Chief Christian led a pledge and recognized third-grade students as official "City of Petersburg peace agents," and certificates were distributed to the children in attendance. Council members and staff praised the partnership and discussed expanding the program to other elementary schools in the city; the superintendent and school board were named as potential partners for expansion.
The recognition was ceremonial; no formal adoption or funding decision was made at the May 5 session.
