Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has praised 10 students from Cleveland for their essays on reducing youth violence. The students participated in the "Do the Write Thing" program, which encourages young people to express ideas on this topic through writing.

“Cleveland, welcome to the Do the Write Thing family!” Yost said in a video message to the participating students at Cleveland Metropolitan School District. “I know you’re going to bring incredible energy, ideas and passion to this important conversation.”

The "Do the Write Thing" initiative was launched by the National Campaign to Stop Youth Violence in 1994. It aims to empower students by encouraging them to reflect and lead through their writing. Since 2021, Yost's office has collaborated with the nonprofit agency to implement this program in Ohio schools. Initially introduced in Springfield, it has since expanded to Canton, Lima, Youngstown, and Zanesville districts.

This year marks Cleveland's first participation, with over 155 submissions received from Dike School of the Arts, Joseph M. Gallagher School, Luis Muñoz Marin School, Walton School, and William Rainey Harper School.

The finalists were honored at an award ceremony held at Arnold Pinkney East Professional Center. Parents, teachers, and community leaders attended the event.

Essays were evaluated by business leaders and community members who selected ten entries for publication in a booklet that will be distributed across Ohio.

Carolina Cornier-Mariani is among those chosen as a finalist and will represent her district at the Do the Write Thing National Recognition event in Washington D.C., alongside peers from other Ohio districts.

Dr. Warren Morgan, superintendent of Cleveland's school district commended his students' contributions: “Your willingness to share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas through writing is truly inspiring,” Morgan wrote in a letter included in the booklet. “Writing is a powerful tool and through your words you have not only expressed yourself but also contributed to an important conversation about change.”