This series includes This I Believe essays written by students at Dr. Claudia Thomas Middle School in Lakewood, Washington. Inspired by NPR's "This I Believe Project," students reflect on their guiding beliefs, the values that they hold dear, and the character that possesses them to lead.

At Thomas, we believe in Character, Collaboration, Lifelong Learning, and Leadership. Students at Thomas can take Student Leadership as an elective, where students from 6th-8th grade reflect on what it takes to be a leader with good character.