Buckeye Reporter

(CANTON, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost recognized 20 students from the Canton City School District this morning as finalists in the "Do the Write Thing" program, aimed at reducing youth violence. One of the students, Nick Jones from Early College Middle School, shared his perspective on growing up in a violent environment, stating, "For most of my life so far I lived in a low-income area... it was normal for us."

Jones pointed out the impact of desensitization on the surge of youth violence, a belief echoed by many in communities across the country. Attorney General Yost commended the students for their candor and insight, stating, “They tackled the difficult subject with candor, thoughtfulness and insight beyond their years.”

Initiated in Ohio in 2021, the "Do the Write Thing" program has expanded to other districts like Canton, Lima, Youngstown, and Zanesville, providing students with a platform to address violence through essays. This year, over a thousand submissions were received from seventh- and eighth-graders in Canton.

While unable to attend the award ceremony, Attorney General Yost shared a video message with the students, acknowledging the difficulty of writing about violence and praising their thoughtful and provocative essays. Business leaders and community members served as judges, selecting 20 stories for publication in a booklet distributed statewide.

Two students, Nick Jones and Carlo Virola, will represent Canton at the national conference in Washington, D.C., along with students from other participating districts. Superintendent Jeff Talbert emphasized the importance of students' voices in discussions on ending violence, stating, “Sharing their experiences and ideas in their own voices helps encourage others to address challenges and resolve problems without conflict and violence.”

The "Do the Write Thing" program, established in 1994, has made a significant impact on students nationwide. Partnering with the National Campaign to Stop Youth Violence, Attorney General Yost's office continues to bring the program to school districts across Ohio, fostering young voices in advocating for safer communities.