‘Do the Write Thing’ Essa...

'Do the Write Thing' Essay Contest Awards Recognize 5 DCHA Youth

DC Housing Authority (DCHA) celebrated five youth residents as winners of the annual "Do The Write Thing" essay contest for their powerful essays about love, choosing peace and creating change.

Led by DCHA's Office of Resident Services (ORS), the annual "Do The Write Thing" essay contest invites residents ages 11 to 18 to participate. The 2026 ceremony for contest winners and their families was held Tuesday, April 14, at the EnVision Center.

2026 Contest Winners

• First Place: Miracle Mason
• Second Place: Serenity Steward
• Third Place: Kaylinn Mayo
• Honorable Mentions: Ethan Onyekwere and Ziona Spriggs

Winners read their essays and DCHA Director of Resident Services Brian Harris and ORS Special Initiatives and Youth Coordinator Ty'Ronn Spriggs shared remarks to honor them. Each winner received a certificate and a cash prize: $100 for first place, $75 for second, $50 for third, and $25 for honorable mentions. All attendees enjoyed a delicious meal together provided by DCHA after the ceremony concluded.

For the 2026 contest, participants were asked to submit essays on one of the following topics:

• Love is Power: How Acts of Love Can Reduce Violence in My Community
• Lessons From Black History: How Past Leaders Used Love to Create Change
• What Does Love Look Like When We Choose Peace Over Violence?
• Loving Myself is a Revolutionary Act: Explain How

To learn more about other opportunities and activities for DCHA youth, contact Office of Resident Services' Special Initiatives & Youth Coordinator Ty'Ronn Spriggs at [email protected].

Last Updated on April 22, 2026