Elementary school students in Hastings got a lesson on peace Friday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

First-graders at Hillside Elementary School marched loud and proud through the halls. They kicked off the weekend by commemorating Dr. King. The annual tradition is in its 15th year.

"We say this is where we keep our light of peace and love and hope, and how we want to spread it to the rest of the world," says retired music teacher Leigh Galanis.

Galanis returns each year to help teach the students the meaning of King's message through song.

Students spent the entire week prepping for the march and then sharing what they learned with others up and down the hallways to keep King's dream alive.

The students say they learn to be respectful to others and to not treat people differently.

The children will take their posters and their lessons home with them for a chance to spread a message of peace and love beyond the school's hallways.