National Recognition Ceremony 2007

In 2007, over 120,000 students nationwide participated in the “Do the Write Thing Challenge” and more than 40,000 submitted writings on how to reduce violence in their communities. 

Over 50 national finalists, joined by their teachers and parents traveled to Washington, D.C. this past July to meet personally with their respective Members of Congress on Capitol Hill and had their book of writings presented and published in the Library of Congress.

On July 17, 2007 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., over 300 people attended a ceremony to honor the middle-school students, the Kuwait-America Foundation for its continued support and former MSNBC Correspondent and New York Times bestseller, Jeannette Walls (The Glass Castle.)  Also in attendance were actor/comedian and D.C. native Tommy Davidson (“Mad TV,” “The Bernie Mac Show,”) the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait, Salem Al-Sabah and White House Chief of Staff, Josh Bolten.  The emcee for the evening was News4 anchor, Barbara Harrison with opening remarks by the U.S. Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings.  Musical performances were conducted by Bridging the Gap. 

                                                                                                                                                2007 City Highlights

Austin/Travis County, Texas

This year 23 schools participated in the "Do the Write Thing Challenge" Program and 3,354 students submitted writings.  Writings were distributed for judging to the University of Texas Sociology Department, the University of Texas School of Social Work, the Travis County District Attorney's Office, the Travis County Public Defender's Office and the Travis County Juvenile Probation Department.

On May 3, 2007, the Austin/Travis County Committee hosted a local awards and recognition ceremony at the Texas Disposal System Wildlife Ranch and Pavilion.  Owner's Jim Gregory and Bob Gregory donated the use of this facility for the fourth year in a row and appeared at the event to personally congratulate the students, their families and their teachers.  At the ceremony, the local finalists, national finalists, teachers, and parents were recognized and given tokens of appreciation.

Dallas, Texas

The local recognition ceremony for the Dallas "Do the Write Thing Challenge" Program took place on April 20, 2007 at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center.  The guest speaker was Mr. Mark McLemore, former Texas Rangers baseball player.  Mr. McLemore delivered an inspiring speech to the audience about his decisions to "do the right thing" during his middle school years, and how that made a powerful and positive difference in his life today.

The two national finalists were presented with Dell laptop computers and each participant, from every school, received a certificate and a monogrammed backpack filled with school supplies.  

Washington, DC

On June 7th, at the Grand Hyatt Washington, student finalists, their families and teachers gathered to be acknowledged at the loacl recognition ceremony.  The event was sponsored by Comcast Cable, the DC Economic Empowerment Coalition, Lottery Technology Enterprises and Verizon.  Special guest speaker for the evening was WUSA-9 morning anchor, Mike Walter.  The national finalist for the District was awarded a laptop copmuter and local notable judges included: Leon Harris, WJLA-7; Chief of Police Cathy L. Lanier; The Honorable Robert Rigsby; and The Honorable Eugene Hamiltion. 

After attending the local event and the national recognition week, the teacher of the DC national finalist, Bianca Body of Paul Public Charter School, stated, "This program came at a time when I was beginning to questions my career choice, but attending the events helped to reaffirm my decision to become a teacher."