One Must Concede by Junior Reyes (age 15)

The bell rings out, the fighters clash, their gloves meet with a thunderous crash. A dance of footwork, a symphony of blows, each fighter aims for his opponent´s nose.

The crowd roars with every punch, their excitement building with each crunch. The fighters grit their teeth and fight, their determination shining bright.

The bell rings again, the fighters retreat, their corners tending to each bruise and beat. But soon they're back, ready to brawl, for in the ring, there is no time to stall.

The fight goes on, the rounds tick by, each fighter giving it his all to try to come out on top, to be the best, to leave the ring with pride in his chest.

And when the final bell does sound, the fighters stand, their feet on the ground. One is the victor, one must concede, but both have proven they have what it takes to succeed.

The Weight We Carry by

Ericka Itzel (age

With our voices, we can find strength within our hearts to inspire every one of those kids who lived like I lived growing up. In our hands, we hold our future. We have the power to choose what path to take, to succeed or to give in in a cell.

They said, “Do not let your dreams rot in jail.”

Together, we can fix and lift the wrong in the world. Con nuestras voces, we bring peace and unity even when feeling like we have no control.

We are the dreams that our parents fought so hard to take care of. We speak for their culture running through our veins, and I pray that my dreams do not crash on the way.

Mami, you will be proud. I know that the struggle we went through and the failed relationships you did not mean to involve us in will give me motivation to keep your love in my eyes and your strength in my heart, as I lift the disappointment off my shoulders.

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