Celebrating Peace, Progress, and Possibility: Highlights from the 2025 Peace Education Gala
Winter weather may have slowed things down temporarily, but our commitment to building peaceful schools remains strong. Due to snow-related NTI days in Jefferson County Public Schools, Peace Ed will be returning to complete our Conflict Resolution sessions at McFerran Preparatory Academy and the Academy @ Shawnee—sessions that began last semester.
Once complete, every 3rd and 4th grade classroom at McFerran and all 6th and 7th grade students at Shawnee will have participated in interactive workshops designed to help them better understand their emotions, manage their behaviors, and communicate their needs effectively. These sessions are grounded in Peace Ed’s belief that when young people are given the tools to recognize what they’re feeling and how to express themselves constructively, they are better equipped to resolve conflicts without violence.
To ensure the lessons are sustained, our team will also be providing periodic check-ins with students to reinforce the skills learned and support them as they continue growing their confidence in peaceful problem-solving.
Creating Peace Through Art: Youth Lead the Way in Social Action
Peace Ed is proud to share the powerful work of young people who participated in our Youth Social Action Plan, a 10-month initiative made possible through a grant from Metro United Way of Louisville. Led by Peace Ed team member Laura Younkins, this project engaged teenagers from JCPS middle and high schools across the city in addressing the violence they experience in their communities.
On December 8th, students presented their completed plan to Metro United Way, as well as to their families and supporters. What they shared was both moving and insightful. Through personal stories and creative expression, students described how the arts and humanities—whether playing an instrument, drawing, making jewelry, or designing nails—serve as a vital tool for coping with the trauma caused by community violence.
While the violence is not always directed at them personally, students emphasized how the constant presence of verbal and physical aggression is deeply distracting and emotionally taxing. Artistic creation offered them a form of relief and empowerment—a way to process their experiences and reclaim some sense of peace.
This program was not only a transformative opportunity for the students but also a meaningful learning experience for our Peace Ed team. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this journey and to the students whose voices, resilience, and creativity continue to inspire us all.
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Peace Grows: Expanding Family Engagement and Impact
Peace Education Program is excited to announce new support from the Jack Harlow Foundation to expand our Family Engagement events in the coming months. At Peace Ed, we know that peace cannot exist in isolation. That’s why we’ve been holding Family Engagement Nights—bringing together school staff and family members to learn the same conflict resolution tools and communication strategies that students are practicing in their classrooms. These events strengthen the entire school community, creating shared language and understanding around peaceful problem-solving.
Our commitment to spreading peace goes beyond the classroom. We’re proud to be back at community sites including Wesley House, Educate & Elevate South Louisville, the Parkland Boys and Girls Club, and the Newburg Boys and Girls Club—bringing our trusted conflict resolution programming to spaces where young people gather and grow.
Thanks to the generosity of several donors, we are also expanding our in-school programming. One exciting development is the creation of a new Navigators program specifically designed for girls at the middle and high school levels. Building on the success of our existing Navigators program for boys, this initiative will offer mentorship, skill-building, and emotional support tailored to young women navigating life’s challenges.
Additionally, we’re grateful to have received funding from Metro Government’s Office of Violence Prevention and Shirley’s Way for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. This investment allows us to continue—and deepen—our work in schools and neighborhoods throughout Louisville, bringing vital skills and support to youth and families across the city.
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In Other News…We recently mailed copies of our 2025 Annual Report—and we’re excited to share the highlights of another impactful year at Peace Ed. If you did not receive a copy, please call the office at 502-589-6583 or email us at office@peaceeducationprogram.org to request one. Inside this year’s report, you’ll find stories of youth transforming conflict into connection through programs like Navigators and peer mediation, a look at our expanded Family Engagement Nights, and reflections on our new “Leadership by Design” vision. You’ll also see how community partnerships, financial stewardship, and donor support have helped us serve over 3,400 youth and adults across Louisville and Jefferson County. Thank you for being part of this journey toward a more peaceful, connected community. |
Ready for 2026!
We hope everyone who celebrates had a wonderful holiday season, filled with joy, meaningful connections, and moments of peaceful reflection. As we begin a new year, our Peace Education team is feeling grounded and inspired.
On December 18th, our team gathered to share a meal, laughter, and stories that reminded us why we do this work. It was a time to reconnect, reflect on the impact of our programs, and set our intentions for the year ahead. Moments like these strengthen our bond and reinforce our shared commitment to equipping youth and communities with the tools to resolve conflict peacefully, build stronger relationships, and lead with empathy.
Refreshed and ready, we step into 2026 with renewed energy to deepen our partnerships, expand our reach, and continue fostering a culture of peace in every classroom, community center, and neighborhood we serve. There is something very special and hopeful about a new year. Please know that Peace Education continues to be present in our community, offering people the chance to learn how to handle conflict without violence.