Hillside Honors Dr. King with Annual Peace March

Hillside School students and staff came together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through the school’s annual MLK Peace March, a longstanding tradition centered on unity, kindness, and justice.

The event featured music, reflection, and student voices, with first-grade students playing a central role. Students sang songs and proudly carried peace signs they designed themselves, demonstrating their understanding of Dr. King’s message and their commitment to creating a caring school community.

A meaningful highlight of the march was the return of retired first grade teacher Leigh Galanis, who helped organize the Peace March many years ago and continues to come back annually to support the tradition. Ms. Galanis described this as one of the biggest delights of her life.

“Every year I get invited back again and again and again, it’s one of the joys of my career,” Ms. Galanis said. “It’s a day I look forward to every year. I’m happy to be back at Hillside."

This year, she was joined by her granddaughter, Katherine Papa, as she played guitar and marched alongside students, reinforcing the intergenerational significance of the event.

The MLK Peace March remains a powerful example of Hillside School’s dedication to honoring Dr. King’s legacy while fostering empathy, reflection, and civic values among its youngest learners.