Wat-aah writer

‘I just gave up in life!”

These words were written by a 17-year-old, Baton Rougean Lativia Hunt, winner of the Marques Colston #12 Kids Awards essay contest. But her story is getting brighter.

Hunt was honored recently during a Saints game after her essay, titled “What the Future Can Be?” was chosen by AMIKids and WAT-AAH! in conjunction with Saints receiver Marques Colston as one of a dozen written projects that exemplified a strong desire to make a difference.

Limited edition WAT-AAH! water bottles with Colston’s #12 on them are available at Rouses supermarkets across the state, with proceeds benefiting the work of AMIKids, a nationwide non-profit that works to empower children to make positive decisions.

Colston is proud to help introduce 12 young people who are turning their lives around in inspirational ways. “I commend their sincere efforts and hard work in light of the adversity and challenges which they shared openly,” he says.

Now, Hunt is studying nursing at Baton Rouge Technical College.

“I see myself independent with a job that makes me happy [in the future],” she says. “My goal is to take my family out the projects, put them in a home that’s warm and cozy.” wat-aah12.com