Write On!

Dallas Woodburn, the founder of "Write On!" was recently awarded the presitigious Jefferson Award for her community service achievements, including Write On's Holiday Book Drives which have collected nearly 5,000 brand-new books for underprivileged children. The Jefferson Award was initiated by Jackie Kennedy Onasis and is a national award that recognizes American citizens for their oustanding committment to volunteerism. Dallas was chosen as one of five winners from Los Angles, Ventura and Santa Barabara counties, and she was the only teenager honored.

Dallas says, "I just feel so surprised and overwhelmed! I didn't even know that I was nominated for this award -- a family friend nominated me without my knowing -- and I am just so pleased that the award committee would recognize me for something that I truly enjoy doing. Community service is a reward in itself, but it is still nice to be recognized like this. Teenagers are often portrayed in a bad light, and I hope this helps to open people's eyes to the good side of our Generation Next, because I know there are countless other kids out there just like me who are working the make the world a better place."

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Write On's founder, Dallas Woodburn, won "Cosmo Girl of the Month" for December 2001:

"Dallas Woodburn, 14, of Ventura, CA, was 10 when she wrote her first book (!!!). Ever since, she's wanted to spread her love of writing to other kids. She founded Write On!, a literary organization that hosts activities like essay contests and read-a-thons. ... "I always tell people to go after their dreams," she says. "Don't let anyone tell you that you cannot accomplish your goals."
-- "Cosmo Girl!" magazine, December 2001

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