YOUNGSTOWN — Kane Pickard and Madison Keys, both students at Rayen Early College Middle School, were honored as Ohio Ambassadors for their participation in the “Do the Write Thing” program.

The nationwide program organized in 1994 gives students a chance to write about the impact that violence in their community has on their daily lives.

In total, 10 finalists from the Youngstown City School District were honored for their work, which also asked students to share their ideas on how to reduce violence in Youngstown.

Gathered Wednesday at Cassese’s MVR downtown, the students heard from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who aligned with the district for it’s first year participating in the program.

“Talking about violence isn’t easy,” Yost said. “But shining light on the uncomfortable reality in many of our homes, schools and communities is critical to turning the tide and creating a better tomorrow. These students are our future, and we need to listen to their voices.”

The Youngstown program received 120 submissions from seventh- and eighth-grade students from Chaney Middle School, East Middle School and Rayen Early College Middle School.

Superintendent Justin Jennings addressed students and urged them to continue being a part of the change that previous generations like his have built up.

“It has to be you, you are the impetus to moving our country forward,” Jennings said.

Deputy Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor encouraged students to “knock down barriers and walls” to have the opportunity to change the world.

“I just want to encourage you young people, our scholars in Youngstown city schools, to continue to use your voice, to continue to use your writing, your words and let your light shine in our community,” Batchelor said.

Heeding that call, Pickard wrote in his essay, “some things I could do to change this world is give inspiration to others, make others think about their actions,” and start a youth nonviolence group “spreading love and consideration to other teens and kids.”

His hope is to one day be an entrepreneur with his own business that he’ll use to reinvest in his community.

“Shocked” was the word Keys used to describe the announcement she’d be an ambassador. Even though Keys said she’s never come face to face with the violence in her community, she thought it was important to put a spotlight on those that do, which includes some of her peers.

“Something needs to be done, especially given all the recent events in other states, with violence, with youth violence and the shootings in schools,” Keys said.

As ambassadors, Pickard and Keys were honored at the event with a special plaque. They will also go to Washington, D.C., to participate in a three-day conference where they will participate in meetings with legislators, including local officials, during a discussion about youth violence. Their essays will be published in a book featuring other ambassadors from around the country.

The other local students honored were Caleris Cruz Rosario, Haylee Daviduk, Meliyah Edwards, Jenna Kent, Kailey Kramer, Christian Moore, Alondra Rivera Rodriguez and Makaila Roland.