Waterloo School Promoting Peace Following Shootings

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — Twelve Waterloo schools are using art to help promote peace following a recent rash of shootings and stabbings.

The idea behind the Stop the Violence project began with art teacher Will Overstreet, who wanted to do something after learning of three gunfire incidents in a 24-hour period last month.

Overstreet emailed other art teachers in the district, with many agreeing to enlist their students to help with the project.

Students in Overstreet's after-school art club have helped create a peace sign that stands more than six feet tall. They also are working on weaving strips of plastic material through the fencing on the back of the stands at Hellman Field. The material will spell out "We Need Leaders" when it's finished.