Zanesville Middle School Students Shine in Anti-Violence Essay Program, Earn National Recognition

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost recently recognized a group of students from Zanesville Middle School for their essays on youth violence. The students participated in the 'Do the Write Thing' anti-violence program, which encourages them to write about violence's impact and suggest community solutions. Levi Knott, a notable participant, discussed bullying in schools and recommended that principals interact more with students to tackle its root causes.

The program started in Ohio in 2021 with Springfield City Schools and has since expanded to other districts, including Zanesville for the past three years. This year, 435 seventh and eighth graders from Zanesville City School District took part. Their essays were evaluated by local business leaders and community members, and ten were chosen for publication in a special booklet.

At a recognition event at Zanesville Middle School, Attorney General Yost, unable to attend in person, sent a video message. He praised the students for their thoughtful discussions on violence and stressed the importance of their perspectives in shaping the community's future.

Levi Knott and Hailey Anderson, among others, were selected as ambassadors for Zanesville. They will join students from other districts at the national 'Do the Write Thing' conference in Washington, D.C., in July. This event will allow them to present their views and solutions on a national platform.

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