Faith Blackstone (Visual Arts 2021) Named Rose Rees Peace Award Recipient

April 21, 2021

Congratulations to senior Faith Blackstone (Visual Arts 2021) for being named Perpich Arts High School’s selection for the 86th Annual Rose Rees Peace Award! The Rose Rees Peace Awards honor exceptional high school seniors from 25 local schools who have demonstrated a special interest in and commitment to international relations and world peace. The award commemorates Rose Rees, a past president of National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW)-Greater Minneapolis Section. Rees’ passion for world peace was a guiding principle of NCJW, as well as at the World Affairs Council of Minneapolis, which she founded. Each year, NCJW honors selected seniors from participating schools (as well as their family members, teachers, and principals) in her honor.

Perpich Arts High School began participating in the Rose Rees Peace Awards program in 2007. The award is given to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to peace, activism, and community involvement. Principal Conn McCartan said, “Faith’s ongoing commitment to justice and social awareness make her the ideal selection for this award this year.”

“I was extremely surprised and honored to hear that my school picked me for the Rose Rees Peace Award,” said Blackstone. “To me, doing activist work and helping my community isn’t something I really think about in hindsight. I just do it. So to be awarded with this honor was something that caught me off guard, but also reminded me how good it feels to help others. Peace be with each and every one of you because everyone deserves a life worth living and basic human rights.”

Students selected for the Rose Rees Peace Award have demonstrated leadership in community service or advocacy in a peaceful and positive manner. The award is not based on academic performance and is given to students regardless of their race, color, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, and/or sexual orientation. It was established in 1935 in memory of Rose Rees, a past NCJW president, to honor high school seniors who share her passion for peace and justice. The 86th Annual Rose Rees Peace Awards Luncheon took place virtually on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

Any questions about NCJW or the Rose Rees Peace Awards may be directed to Kristy Wesson at 952-922-7900 or kwesson@ncjwmpls.org.