Roy Jr. High is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of four students who were named finalists in the prestigious Do the Write Thing competition,this year's theme was to reflect on youth violence and share their ideas for creating safer, stronger communities.
Among the 24 state finalists, two Roy Jr. High students were recognized as State Runners-up, and one student, Andre, earned the remarkable distinction of being named Utah's National Finalist and Ambassador of Peace.
Andre’s powerful writing captured both the heart and purpose of the competition. In his winning submission, he wrote, “Be the one that someone can look back delightfully upon and to appreciate the stability, security, and significance that you have given them to grow and become the person that they are.” His message emphasizes the importance of being a positive and steady influence in the lives of others.
Fellow finalist Malachi shared a deeply reflective and personal perspective through poetry. In his piece, he wrote, “Red like fire, / Their emotions are dire / Men love their pride / As they spew their lies.” His work explores the impact of emotions and pride, while acknowledging past mistakes and the importance of thinking carefully about words and actions. His message highlights how self-awareness and change can help reduce youth violence.
Adele approached the topic through a message of forgiveness and healing. In her submission, she wrote, “Every time forgiveness is done it becomes easier to do it again…” and introduced the acronym LAM—“Love, Accept, and Move on”—as a three-step process to break cycles of retaliation and promote peace. Her work encourages compassion and understanding as tools for meaningful change.
Harper’s submission focused on the power of choice and leadership in shaping a better future. She wrote, “Youth violence is not inevitable. It is created by choices, and it can be reduced by better ones.” Her message calls for stronger leadership, community responsibility, and investment in young people, inspiring others to take action and demand positive change.
These students demonstrated not only exceptional writing skills, but also insight, courage, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Their work reflects the values of empathy, responsibility, and leadership that Roy Jr. High strives to instill in all students.
Roy Jr. High congratulates these talented writers on their incredible accomplishments and is especially proud of Andre for his national recognition. He and Mrs. Georgiou will be traveling to Washington DC this summer to meet with other Ambassadors at the National Recognition Ceremony. He will meet with members of the Utah's Congressional delegation to discuss youth violence, attend a special reception hosted by the Ambassador to the United States for the State of Kuwait and have his writing published in a book placed in the Library of Congress.
Their voices are powerful reminders that young people can lead the way in creating a more thoughtful and compassionate world.