(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost commended 42 middle-school finalists in four school districts for their captivating essays on how to reduce youth violence in their communities.
“I want you to know how incredibly proud I am of each and every one of you,” Yost told the students in a video played at each of their celebrations. “You’re tackling tough topics and making a difference with your words — and that’s amazing. Keep using your voices, keep pushing for change, and keep making a difference. Your words matter, and so do you.”
“Do the Write Thing,” established in 1994 by the National Campaign to Stop Youth Violence, empowers students to reflect, heal and lead through essay writing.
Since 2021, Yost’s office has partnered with the nonprofit to bring the program to Ohio schools. The Springfield district was the first to participate, with Canton, Cleveland, Lima, Youngstown and Zanesville joining in subsequent years.
This year, essays were submitted by students from Canton City Schools, Cleveland Metropolitan Schools, Springfield City Schools and Youngstown City Schools. Business leaders and community members served as judges in each community, selecting essays for publication in district booklets.
Student finalists were recognized at award ceremonies leading up to the end of the school year.
One ambassador from each district will represent the district in July at the “Do the Write Thing” national recognition event in Washington, D.C. Those ambassadors are:
- Xzhaun Lytle, STEAMM Academy, Canton City Schools
- Marceline Amos-Hernandez, Riverside School, Cleveland Metropolitan Schools
- La’Majestie Blake, Roosevelt Middle School, Springfield City Schools
- Josiah Jackson, Rayen Early College Middle School, Youngstown City Schools
MEDIA CONTACT:
Hannah Hundley: 614-906-9113
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