SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — For the past five years, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has partnered with Springfield on the "Do the Write Thing Initiative," recognizing students for their essays and ideas for creating safer communities.

On Tuesday, Yost recognized nine Springfield middle-school students during an award ceremony at the district’s John Legend Theater.

“Writing about violence isn’t easy, … but your essays were powerful, thoughtful and eye-opening.” Yost said in a video addressing the students, this year’s finalists in the Springfield City School District program. “You’re giving all of us … a window into your world, and that helps us understand how we can work together to make things better.”

The National Campaign to Stop Youth Violence created the campaign in 1994. Do the Write Thing aims to help seventh- and eighth-graders lead, reflect and heal through essays. Yost's office has partnered with the agency to bring the program to Ohio since 2021. Springfield was the first district to participate, followed by the Canton, Cleveland, Lima, Youngstown and Zanesville districts in later years. 

This is Springfield's fifth year participating, receiving more than 100 submissions from Schaefer, Hayward and Roosevelt middle schools.

Business leaders and community members judged the submissions, picking nine to be published in a booklet that will be shared across the state. 

Springfield student Jasyla Lambey, will represent the district in July at the Do the Write Thing National Recognition in Washington, D.C. alongside four peers from other districts.

“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," said Springfield Schools Superintendent, Robert Hill in a letter.