Brady Middle School seventh grader Anna Kellermann was recently selected as one of only five student finalists in the annual “Stop the Hate” Awards for middle school poetry. She wrote the poem, “Words”, as part of her honors language arts requirement. Students could choose to submit a piece of writing to a contest or participate in an ongoing school club related to writing and language arts. Kellermann decided to participate in the Maltz Museum’s Stop the Hate competition, open to all students in and around Northeast Ohio. Her poem focuses on culture and respect.

In her poem, Kellermann wrote, “Words, hurt. But the same words can bring power instead of pain. You just need to switch a few words.” Visit the District Facebook page to listen to or read her whole poem.

More than 3,600 students from 150 Northeast Ohio schools participated in the program this year, where they wrote individual essays, poems, or group songs. The middle school poetry student finalists all receive a cash prize; the amount will be determined based on where each individual places at the final ceremony at Tri-C’s Eastern Campus on April 14, 2026. Kellermann will recite her poem at that time. The Stop the Hate program is devoted to fostering a more inclusive world.