A student from Northeast Middle School in Charlotte-Mecklenburg has taken on the role of national ambassador at the Do the Write Thing Recognition Summit held in Washington, D.C. Haven Williams, who is entering eighth grade, attended the summit from July 12 to 16 with her teacher Mai-Lan Lewis.
Haven participated in the 2025 Do the Write Thing writing program, where middle school students across the nation wrote about youth violence. The program is part of the National Campaign to Stop Violence and is sponsored by the Kuwait-America Foundation. Her entry was selected from 587 submissions from 14 Charlotte-Mecklenburg middle schools. This year, students addressed issues such as domestic violence, bullying, cyberbullying, physical assaults, alcoholism, and exposure to violent media content.
Accompanied by her father and other middle schoolers from around the country along with their guardians and teachers, Haven took part in workshops and visited significant landmarks like the U.S. Supreme Court and Capitol Hill. Participants also enjoyed a dinner hosted by Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah, Ambassador of Kuwait to the United States. During her time in Washington, Haven met judiciary staff in U.S. Senator Thom Tillis’ office and saw her writing placed into the Library of Congress.
The summit’s theme was “Tapestry of Voices, Threads of Change,” highlighting how diverse stories and perspectives are interconnected. In her entry, Haven discussed domestic and youth violence’s impact on her life.
“Bullying is a big reason why some students resort to gun violence or even suicide,” she noted regarding social media’s influence on teens.
Do the Write Thing engages middle school students for their unique perspectives on youth violence through questions about its causes and effects while encouraging solutions. Meeting ambassadors and political figures in Washington allows these voices to be heard.
While North Carolina schools have seen a slight decrease in violence according to recent data, prevention remains essential. With insights gained from D.C., Haven plans to establish a mental health/emotional support club at her school for peer assistance. Northeast Middle received recognition with an award for “Most Essays” totaling 159 submissions alongside $300 worth of school supplies.
