A Chicago Public Schools student is heading to Washington, D.C. this summer after winning a major essay competition focused on violence prevention, according to CBS Chicago.
Chicago Public Schools student Damiya Myers, a 7th grader at Johnnie Colemon Academy, was selected as this year’s Chicago winner of the “Do the Write Thing” essay competition. Her essay was chosen out of more than 800 submissions from students across the city.
As part of the honor, Myers will travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers, national leaders, and other student representatives to discuss violence prevention and the impact violence has on young people and communities.
The “Do the Write Thing” program encourages middle school students to express their thoughts on youth violence through writing while promoting solutions centered around peace, safety, and community support.
Myers’ selection highlights both her writing talent and her willingness to speak out on issues affecting young people in Chicago. School leaders and community members praised her achievement, saying her voice will help represent the experiences and perspectives of students across the city.
The trip will give Myers an opportunity to share her message on a national stage while connecting with students from around the country who are also working to create safer communities.
