YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost recognized 10 middle-school students from Youngstown on Monday for their award-winning essays. 

The essays were focused on how to create safer communities to combat violence they have experienced or witnessed.

What You Need To Know

  • Students submitted essays on creating safer communities

  • The Do the Write Thing competition was created in 1994

  • Ten finalists were recognized on Monday

  • One finalist will go to the Do the Write Thing National Recognition Week in July

“It is clear you’re making waves, keep pushing forward and speaking out for change,” Yost said in a video addressing the students, this year’s finalists in the Youngstown City School District’s Do the Write Thing program. “Writing about violence isn’t easy, but your essays were powerful, thoughtful, eye-opening.”

Started in 1994, the Do the Write Thing competition was created by the National Campaign to Stop Youth Violence to encourage youth to help solve the issue of violence. Seventh- and eighth-graders are asked to reflect, heal and lead through their essays.

Springfield City Schools was the first district to take part, followed by Canton, Cleveland, Lima, Youngstown and Zanesville districts. 

This is the third year for Youngstown, which had more than 200 submissions from students at Chaney, East and Rayen Early College. 

There were 10 finalists recognized on Monday at an award ceremony at B&O Station Banquet Hall.

Local business leaders and members of the community judged the essays and selected 10 to publish in a booklet that will be distributed across the state.

Jaliyah Cundiff, one finalist, will represent Youngstown at the Do the Write Thing National Recognition Week in July in Washington D.C. Cundiff will be joined by four peers from other taking part districts.

“I’m proud of our YCSD scholars for using their voices through the Do the Write Thing contest,” said Youngstown City School District Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor. “Their courage and honesty remind us that our young people are not just the future, they are leaders today.”