Lithonia Girl Wins Peace First Prize

Peace First, a national nonprofit dedicated to teaching critical peacemaking skills to youth, has announced 10 winners of the first annual Peace First Prize.

Mary Patricia Hector, 15, from Lithonia, is one of the winners. Hector founded the Think Twice campaign to decrease urban youth gun violence and change the mindset of youth in her community because she was tired of attending more funerals than graduations.

Peace First National Spokesperson and actress America Ferrera stated, “I am thrilled to be announcing the extraordinary winners of the Peace First Prize. The work done by these young peace-makers deserves the brightest spotlight our media can offer. Here are young people who are committing their lives to improving our world. They should be celebrated!"