What is the Future Voices Column
Future Voices is a special student-written column by The Dallas Express featuring reflections, essays, and stories from teens across North Texas.
Every hour you spend writing and editing your submission counts as volunteer time with The Dallas Express, a nonprofit news organization.
Future Voices
The world can feel dark, but light still shines through future voices.
If you’re in grades 7–12, you can share your story, see your writing published in The Dallas Express, and earn verified volunteer hours with a nonprofit.
A Student-Authored Column of The Dallas Express
Each Published Piece is:
Written by a student in grades 7-12
Lightly edited by The Dallas Express team
Featured online as part of The Dallas Express Future Voices Column
Message From the Founder
Future Voices was launched with the heart and vision of student columnist Louis Darrouzet II, a 12-year-old seventh grader at St. Rita Catholic School who believes that even in dark times, light still shines through future voices. This program exists to give students a place to grow—earning volunteer hours for school, clubs, and applications while building real writing and communication skills.
It’s a space to share your faith, values, and perspective, to help other teens feel less alone in their struggles, and to create a meaningful portfolio you can use for high school, college, or scholarship opportunities. Most of all, it’s a place where your voice matters… and where your words can bring light to someone who needs it.
What Can I Write About?
What topics can I focus on?
You can submit real, honest, hopeful writing on meaningful personal experiences.
What themes are you looking for?
Topics like growth, perseverance, overcoming challenges, faith and doubt, friendship, loyalty, forgiveness, second chances, kindness, courage, and mental health (shared in a hopeful, responsible way).
Do my stories need to be perfect?
Not at all. You don’t need to be “perfect” or “super religious.” You just need to be authentic, respectful, and reflective.
Can I write about hard or confusing moments?
Yes. We welcome stories about finding light in dark or confusing situations—as long as they’re shared with honesty and hope
Submission Guidelines
Length: 500–800 words.
Deadline: Sunday at 5:00 p.m. the week before your agreed upon publication date.
Email to: louisdarrouzetii@gmail.com .
Include your name, grade, photo, school, and a short bio.
Interested in being a Future Voice? Complete the form and we'll be in touch!
Why Join Future Voices?
Earn volunteer hours for school, clubs, and applications
Build writing and communication skills
Share your faith, values, and perspective
Help other teens feel less alone in their struggles
Build a portfolio you can use for high school, college, or scholarships
