Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has collaborated with Springfield for five years as part of the Do the Write Thing Initiative. This program, focused on anti-violence, recently honored nine Springfield middle school students for their essays on creating safer communities.
In a video message to the students who became finalists in the Springfield City School District’s Do the Write Thing program, AG Yost stated, “Writing about violence isn’t easy, … but your essays were powerful, thoughtful and eye-opening.” He commended them for providing insight into their experiences, which is instrumental in fostering collective improvement.
The initiative, founded in 1994 by the National Campaign to Stop Youth Violence, aims to encourage seventh- and eighth-graders to explore, understand, and guide through writing. The Attorney General’s office has been in partnership with the initiative since 2021 to introduce the program in Ohio. Springfield was the pioneering district, with several others, including Canton, Cleveland, Lima, Youngstown, and Zanesville, joining in subsequent years.
Springfield’s participation this year marked the fifth anniversary, with over 100 student submissions from Schaefer, Hayward, and Roosevelt middle schools. The nine finalists were celebrated in an awards ceremony at the John Legend Theater. The event was attended by students’ parents, teachers, and community leaders.
The essays were evaluated by business leaders and community members, and the selected nine essays will be featured in a special booklet for statewide distribution. Among the finalists, Jasyla Lambey will represent the district at the Do the Write Thing National Recognition event in Washington, D.C., in July, along with peers from other participating districts.
AG Yost urged the students to persist as voices for change. Dr. Robert Hill, Springfield Schools Superintendent, praised the initiative for its significant impact, stating, “Writing is one of the most powerful ways to express your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and by participating in this competition, you have exhibited just how strong and courageous you are.”
