UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

In the Spotlight: UT Tyler Police Department - Savannah Solis Visits Campus

August 21, 2015

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.”