Charlotte, July 29, 2025
News Summary
Haven Williams, an eighth grader from Northeast Middle School in Charlotte, recently attended the Do the Write Thing Recognition Summit in Washington D.C. Representing her school and community, Haven’s poignant writing on youth violence stood out among 587 entries from local middle schools. The summit focused on empowering young voices to speak out against violence, including topics like bullying and domestic violence. Haven’s inspiring experience included workshops, tours of significant sites, and a dinner hosted by the Ambassador of Kuwait. Her work was even placed in the Library of Congress.
Charlotte Middle Schooler Makes Waves at National Writing Summit
Charlotte is buzzing with excitement as one of its very own, Haven Williams, a rising 8th grader from Northeast Middle School, recently represented her school and Mecklenburg County at a prestigious event in Washington D.C. During the week of July 12-16, 2025, Haven attended the Do the Write Thing Recognition Summit, an inspiring national gathering aimed at addressing the pressing issue of youth violence. This summit is part of the national campaign to stop violence and is sponsored by the Kuwait-America Foundation.
A Wave of Voices
The summit invited children from all over the nation to showcase their thoughts through their writing. Middle schoolers were charged with penning their insights on various themes surrounding youth violence. Haven’s poignant submission stood out among an impressive collection of 587 entries from 14 Charlotte-Mecklenburg middle schools. It’s no wonder she was selected as a national ambassador for this initiative!
The Threads of Change
This year’s thought-provoking theme was “Tapestry of Voices, Threads of Change,” a title that perfectly captures the essence of what young minds are feeling and observing today. Haven took this opportunity to express her views and experiences with domestic violence and youth violence that have impacted her life in significant ways. Her piece shed light on common issues faced by many, including bullying, cyberbullying, physical violence, alcoholism, and the troubling influence of violent media.
Workshops and Whirlwind Tours
The experience wasn’t just about writing; it was a mix of learning, exploration, and inspiration. The summit organized various workshops designed to help kids learn more about advocacy and effective communication. Haven, along with her fellow student ambassadors, enjoyed tours of noteworthy locations such as the U.S. Supreme Court and the esteemed Library of Congress.
Dining with Dignitaries
A special highlight of the summit included a dinner hosted by Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah, Ambassador of Kuwait to the U.S. This event brought together students and significant figures in a celebration of the power of literature and youthful voices speaking out against violence.
Witnessing Her Work in History
What could be more thrilling for a budding writer than seeing her work immortalized? At the summit, Haven had the unique honor of watching her writing entry being officially placed in the Library of Congress, a location that houses some of the most significant texts in American history. Accompanied by her father, teacher Mai-Lan Lewis, and 27 other middle school students from across the nation, Haven reflected on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
More Information
Those interested in learning more about the Kuwait-America Foundation and Haven’s remarkable experience can find additional details on the Mecklenburg County government website. Her story serves as a testament to the power of youth in initiating change and addressing critical societal issues.
FAQ Section
What was the Do the Write Thing Recognition Summit?
The Do the Write Thing Recognition Summit is a national event that encourages middle school students to express their views on youth violence through writing.
Who sponsored the event?
The event is sponsored by the Kuwait-America Foundation, which aims to promote understanding and cultural exchange.
How many entries were submitted by Charlotte-Mecklenburg middle schools?
A total of 587 entries were submitted, showcasing a wide array of perspectives from local middle schoolers.
What types of violence did students write about?
Students addressed various forms of violence including domestic violence, bullying, cyberbullying, physical assaults, alcoholism, and exposure to violent media.
What were some activities at the summit?
The summit included workshops on advocacy, tours of significant locations, and networking opportunities with key leaders and diplomats.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Selma Youth Leaders Shine at National PAL Summit
Selma Sisters Shine at National Youth Leadership Summit
Additional Resources
- Kiss 95.1: Charlotte Crime Falls 25%
- Wikipedia: Youth Violence
- WCNC: Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Data-Driven Approach
- Google Search: Charlotte youth violence
- Ainvest: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Student Represents Community
- Google Scholar: Youth violence prevention
- The Charlotte Post: Art in a Message Youth Summit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Youth Violence
- WBTV: Charlotte Drum and Dance Organization
- Google News: Youth crime prevention Charlotte
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
