Buckeye Reporter

Youth violence, a burgeoning societal issue, has been the focus of an essay by Springfield middle-schooler Adolfo Cruz Jr. He believes that to mitigate this problem, attention must be given to overlooked children who harbor feelings of anger and sadness. This emotional state can potentially lead them towards violent actions such as theft or causing harm to others.

Cruz's profound insight was shared as part of his submission for Do the Write Thing, a national anti-violence initiative that encourages seventh- and eighth-graders to reflect on how violence impacts their lives and propose potential solutions. His essay, along with those of nine other students from the Springfield City School District, received recognition from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost as program finalists. Yost's office works in collaboration with the National Campaign to Stop Youth Violence, the creators of Do the Write Thing, to implement this program across school districts in Ohio.

In a booklet containing the essays of the Springfield finalists, Yost wrote: “Once again, Springfield students were asked to write about how violence impacts their daily lives and to share their ideas of how to reduce violence in their community. They tackled the difficult subject with candor, thoughtfulness and insight beyond their years.”

The program first launched in Ohio in 2021 when Springfield became the inaugural district statewide to partner with Yost’s office on this initiative. Following its success, it has since expanded into four other Ohio districts: Canton, Lima, Youngstown and Zanesville.

This year saw participation from over 900 Springfield seventh- and eighth-graders. The award ceremony honoring these finalists was held at the John Legend Theater. At this event, AG Yost commended these young citizens for their enlightening essays which provide a deeper understanding of their envisioned world and faced realities.

The submitted essays were judged by Springfield-area business leaders and community members. The top ten were selected for publication in a booklet that will be distributed statewide. Among the finalists, Tah’ Tionna Taylor and Adolfo Cruz Jr., along with six students from the three other Ohio districts participating in this school year’s program, were chosen as ambassadors to represent their district at the Do the Write Thing national conference in Washington, D.C. in July.

Springfield Superintendent Robert Hill emphasized that addressing serious topics through writing can be empowering despite its sobering nature. He commended these young voices for making an impact in their community and throughout Ohio.

Since its inception in 1994, Do the Write Thing has influenced millions of students nationwide.

For media inquiries, please contact Hannah Hundley at 614-906-9114.