PENNSYLVANIA—Many issues surfaced as we searched for topics for our service-learning project last year. Our theme evolved as peace, non-violence, and justice. Although we completed a project last year, my class decided to extend the project this year because of its importance.

We realized that there was increased violence among youth, including in our school. Knowing that violence is never the answer, we set forth to do something about it. We looked for information on the Internet and in newspapers about what causes violence among young people. We invited speakers to come talk to us about their experience with youth violence and asked them the best ways to prevent it. From these experiences, the class invited someone to visit our classroom and teach us conflict resolution skills. We then wrote children’s books on the subject.

We focused on communication skills, especially writing, because we knew that we could not effectively get across our message otherwise. Students wrote to our City Council president, enlisting her help for our project. She sent an attorney who works in her office to talk to my class about the justice system and how we, as young people, can make a difference.

Currently, as eighth graders, we are researching the judicial system in the nation, our state, and our city. We will be visiting a local judge, so our knowledge in this area will be expanded even further. At no time in our nation’s history is it more important for us to be reminded of the principles upon which our country was founded.

In conclusion, our service-learning project has pushed us to become the best students and citizens we can be. By combining academics and service, I know we have made a difference and will continue to do so.”