Beaumont student discusses the importance of writing to raise awareness

Reposted from 12 News Now

BEAUMONT, Texas — More than 570 students put their thoughts on paper, writing about violence, bullying and the challenges young people face every day. But one essay stood out because it came straight from the heart.

Diego Guerra, an 8th grade student at Odom Academy in Beaumont, was selected as the winner of the "Do the Write Thing" essay contest after sharing a deeply personal message about bullying, racial discrimination and the fear many children experience.

"I had to like write about it cause it was not just about a certain person but a certain type of people and you know it affected me a lot and a lot more other people," Guerra said.

As a Hispanic student, Guerra said his essay reflects the concerns of countless young people who worry about their families and the impact of discrimination.

"Me and hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of other kids are. Just feared, they're just scared that they won't be able to see their parents, you know, one day walking into the house," Guerra said.

The contest encouraged students to write honestly about issues affecting their lives. Judge Randy Shelton said the essays gave adults valuable insight into challenges many young people are experiencing.

"It's a way to give the kids an opportunity to get some things off their chest... and it gives the community more awareness about what's going on and identifies problems we didn't even know were there," Shelton said.

Shari Pulliam, Senior Director of Community Engagement for Texas Family Care Network, said Guerra's essay immediately stood out among the hundreds submitted.

"When I read Diego's essay, it just touched my heart. I knew he wrote it from his heart... and that's exactly what I was looking for," Pulliam said.

"I know without a doubt I picked the right ambassador for us to take to Washington," she added.

Guerra will soon travel to Washington, D.C., alongside his sister and teacher, where he will read his award-winning essay before members of Congress. He hopes his message will encourage people to reject bullying and racism in all forms.

"It's about all races. So, it's just stop bullying, stop. Stop saying racial things against people," Guerra said.