South Middle School

The Do the Write Thing Challenge is associated with the National Campaign to Stop Violence, in Washington D.C.

Students from around the country respond to some questions:  How has violence affected my life?  What can I do to stop violence in my community?  Their response can be essay/expository or poetry.  Panels of judges evaluate the entries on their creativity and originality.

Finalists were invited to attend a banquet on May 11, 2011 at which time the winning male and female  were announced and their pieces were read. 

Darius Frimpong, 8^th grader from South Middle School, had one of two winning entries, and he will be visiting Washington D.C. along with other national winners and their parents and teachers.  In Washington, students will stay in university housing, tour the White House and other historical monuments, visit with their state elected officials, and enjoy the camaraderie of other adults and young people who have taken a stand against violence and demonstrated leadership in the school and community.

Congratulations to Darius Frimpong! Here is his poem:

Violence

Violence in my world
Just stop it
Gangs, drugs, and jealousy
Just drop it
People getting shot
For wearing red or blue
Or people starting rumors
That ain’t even true
Drugs and guns not
The right way to go
When peer pressure
Hits-just say no.
Stupid kids getting
In dumb fights,
Coming home at midnight.
Violence can keep you
Out of school
Getting an education
Is still cool.
Violence can lead to injuries
And you’ll be hurt or pleading guilty.
Violence can get
You some serious jail time
Or you’ll be
On the streets
Begging for a dime.
Put this behind you
Get to a fresh start
Be a role model
And play a big part!