Anna Maria Island Elementary School celebrates Peace Day and remembers Sept. 11, 2001, at a Sept. 21 celebration at the school. Students learned zero is a number, too, from Todd Persinger, center, as “Zero the Hero.” The character struggles to find value as a number and tries to change, but in the end realizes his value. The lesson: Students learn to accept differences in those around them, find value in themselves, and others.  Islander Photo: Courtesy Sharon Burgess

ZEROs – kids making Os with hands

New custodian Todd Persinger as Zero holds 6-week-old Vincent Gollamudi. Islander Photo: Sharon Burgess

AME counselor Cindi Harrison shares a moment with the microphone and second-grader Lance Valadie. Islander Photos: Sharon Burgess

AME first-grader Kolbe Huffman crats a clay peace sign in advance of the school’s peace day celebration. Islander Photo: Karen-Riley Love

Flag bearers Jaclyn Schlossberg and Jack Groves, both fifth-graders. Islander Photo: Sharon Burgess