Ella Lopez
Ninth Grade, Pinecrest Glades Academy
Washington, D.C. Trip Winner
Ella was brave when she spoke up about students using racial slurs and making threats against her teacher on social media. Two students had even made serious threats to harm the teacher and her family. Ella immediately came forward, showed the messages, and appropriate measures were taken to address the students who were suspended as a consequence. Even though she knew her peers would give her a hard time for speaking out, she does not regret her decision. Ella knows that the right thing to do is when you see something, you say something.