Students at Federal Way High School had a message for motorists passing their school last Friday: Pause for a moment and reflect about peace.

The students weren’t spreading a political message or demonstrating against the Iraq War. They were promoting peace in their school and community and the daily lives of Federal Way citizens.

“We need to show the community that we’re supportive and together and we want peace… mostly at school, but we also need it everywhere else,” said Federal Way senior Sarah Deems.

They spread their message by displaying more than 100 pinwheels on the front lawn of the campus along Pacific Highway South as part of the national Pinwheels for Peace project. Students in art, photography and English classes participated.

Deems said she hoped passersby would become curious about the pinwheels and take the message of peace with them. The best way to promote peace at school and in the community is to be kind to one another, she said.

“You don’t have to be friends, but be civil and nice,” she said.

Chantelle Moran, a photography teacher at Federal Way who organized the project, said she aimed to have students participate in a project where they could work together to make an impact in the community. She said she hopes to have even more classes participate in the pinwheel project again next year.

Contact Margo Hoffman: mhoffman@fedwaymirror.com or (253) 925-5565.