Media Contact: Hannah Buchanan Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations Marketing and Communications The University of Texas at Tyler 903.539.7196 (cell)
August 21, 2015
UT Tyler hosted 10-year-old Savannah Solis of Tyler, creator of “Savannah’s Challenge,”
on Aug. 19 in the UT Tyler James H. Stewart, Jr. Administration Building.
Solis made a presentation to UT Tyler police officers. The department also presented
her with a gift, showing her their appreciation for the work she has done.
Solis wanted to thank law enforcement officers around the world for the job they do
by sending thank you cards to them. Her goal is to try to change negativity directed
toward police officers.
She was moved to send 200 cards to police in New York after NYPD officers Wenjian
Liu and Rafael Ramos were shot and killed in their patrol car last December. She then
launched the campaign asking other children to take the challenge and show their appreciation
as well.
To date, Solis has made about 1,500 handmade thank you cards, and more than 90,000
children have taken “Savannah’s Challenge.”