Revealing What's Under the Surface

Sad Tales of Violence in Essay Contest

Updated: Friday, 04 Feb 2011, 6:00 PM CST
Published : Friday, 04 Feb 2011, 6:00 PM CST

* Lauren Johnson

Lauren
Johnson

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The world is dark and violent for some middle school students. Now it's being revealed on paper. The "Do the Write Thing" essay contest challenges school-aged kids to help stop youth and school violence, and the best author could win a trip to the nation's capitol.

The essays are being judged by Criminal Justice students at the University of Memphis. Many of them, not from The Bluff City, are learning more about what happens in the homes and neighborhoods of Memphis school kids. The eye-opening experience is inspiring some of these college students to action.

Each handwritten letter tells a different story.

Jerrick Murrell remembered, "One of the kids talked about the murdering of a childhood friend."

Most of them are sad tales from home the neighborhoods nearby.

Graduate student Elizabeth Boywid said, "It is really, it's disappointing. A lot of children are talking about their parents and the community, in general, not supporting them in their efforts to succeed and learn."

The biggest barrier to their progress is violence, which is the topic of this year's "Do the Write Thing" essay contest.

Harold Collins, from the Shelby County District Attorney's Office, explains the rules, "What effects has violence had on you? What solutions would you use to solve them and to tell us why you think it's important to do these things?

So in black and white, there it is in the words of kids.

"These children are literally crying out for help," Boywid said sadly.

The District Attorney's Office is heavily involved in the contest, partnering with the University of Memphis to help shed light on juvenile crime and ways to fix it.

Murrell said, "At some point it has to stop, and programs like this, they are fostering the attitude to make a change."

The college students are challenged with choosing the most compelling writers, two from each school. It's a tough task since nearly 2,000 middle schoolers participated from over 30 Mid-South schools.

"I'm really impressed with the content of these poems. These children are bright and want to succeed," Boywid said. "We have to give them the resources."

And, it's teaching the criminal justice students lessons of their own. "It really makes you call for action. You really want to get in the community and do something. You don't want to be just passive."

Most of the entries this year came from Hickory Ridge and Elmore Park Middle Schools. The 2 winners from each school will be honored at Hope Presbyterian Church on March 24 at 6pm. The ultimate winner will go with Councilman Harold Collins to Washington, DC later this year.

We want to wish good luck to all the students!