Students engaged in workshops at the National Writing Summit.
Charlotte, July 29, 2025
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The event is sponsored by the Kuwait-America Foundation, which aims to promote understanding and cultural exchange.
A total of 587 entries were submitted, showcasing a wide array of perspectives from local middle schoolers.
Students addressed various forms of violence including domestic violence, bullying, cyberbullying, physical assaults, alcoholism, and exposure to violent media.
The summit included workshops on advocacy, tours of significant locations, and networking opportunities with key leaders and diplomats.
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