Each year LSOC 8th grade students participate in The Do the Write Thing Texas Challenge: “National Campaign to Stop Violence” writing initiative sponsored by the Dallas County Juvenile Department. The DtWT Texas Challenge is an anti-violence and academic program targeted at middle school students. It provides youth the opportunity to think profoundly about the issues surrounding violence and enables them to express themselves through a nationally recognized forum. 
This year we are honored to announce that Anna Yao and Jeremy Taulton were selected as finalists from Life School along with our two runners-up – Eval Lopez and Jade Carter. These individuals were celebrated for their wonderfully written essays at a local recognition ceremony. Moreover, it was announced that Anna Yao was selected as a state and national finalist; thus, she will be heading to Austin, Texas and Washington D.C. to collaborate with other students from around the state and country to address the issue of violence. Ms. Yao received a brand new laptop computer for her efforts and her travel arrangements will be paid courtesy of DCJD.
Click here to read Jeremy’s essay – The Last Breath
Click here to read Anna’s essay - Friendship Kindness Love and Respect Beats Violence
