The project began with a simple idea inside La Quinta High School's Interact Club: contribute something meaningful and lasting. That vision became reality with the installation of the Coachella Valley's first Rotary Peace Pole — a student-led symbol of unity at a time when the students behind it say the world feels increasingly fractured.

"Despite all of our differences, we're taking the steps to unite ourselves to showcase that we're heading in the right direction to help unify the world," said Lauren Cruz De Armas, the club's president.

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