The eighth annual Inspirational Messages of Peace, Celebration of Student Voices will take place on Thursday, April 25 at 11:30 a.m. at the University Park World Peace Rose Garden (UPWPRG) in Stockton. The garden is at 559 E. Magnolia St., Stockton.

This year’s theme is “Fearlessness”, and the event is free and open to the public with the goal of connecting youth and community leaders.

The public is invited to listen as the top 12 winners deliver their Inspirational Messages of Peace to the community. Hundreds of students, representing Health Careers Academy, James Monroe Elementary, Pittman Charter, and newest participants KIPP University Park Elementary and Middle Schools developed original peace messages for this year’s contest. The winning messages have been placed on plaques throughout the Rose Garden and will be unveiled by the students during the celebration. The winners will also receive gift boxes containing a commemorative T-shirt, a certificate of achievement, and a medal of honor.

Attendees will hear from special guest speakers: Ninja Poet, Sam Pierstorff; Stockton Police Department Chief, Stanley McFadden; Stockton Poet Laureate, Jazzmarie LaTour; and Student Winners of the Inspirational Messages of Peace Contest. The Director of the University Park World Peace Rose Garden, Sandy Huber, will be the Mistress of the Ceremony with a rose petal toss and the unveiling of the plaques will conclude the ceremony.

For more information, contact Frances Richardson at 209-490-2652 or frichardson@grupehuber.com.

The University Park World Peace Rose Garden is one of a series of 11 International World Peace Rose Gardens. These gardens have become magnets for positive community interactions. The University Park World Peace Rose Garden features a variety of roses specifically chosen for this region. The garden shares affiliate gardens at the Stockton Police Department Ambassador Rose Garden and the sister garden at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden in Atlanta, Georgia.