1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

Doesn't Anyone Care About The Children?

South Kent High School, South Kent, Connecticut

Teacher: Arthur W. Brown

1st Joseph Lee   2nd Jesse Callaway  3rd Alexander Brown

"Eduardo Samanigo, 14 years of age, was shot and killed after he testified against gang members. The police and prosecutors were not responsible enough to keep him under protection, even though over and over again his parents were promised that nothing would happen to him. Now his parents are suing for 15 million dollars."
Ryan Kosecki, South Kent High School, South Kent, Connecticut

"The irresponsible behavior of today's youths can be associated with a lack of moral education in our school systems. From ancient Greece to cold -war America, educators have felt comfortable instilling the differences between right and wrong. Yet the Social Revolution of the 60's eliminated schools from the triangle that once existed between family, church, and school. It was not until the late 80's that people began to realize the severe effects that valueless people have on society."
Patrick F. Welch, South Kent High School, South Kent Connecticut

"Since we cannot stop children from watching the movies they really want to watch without controlling them in a very strict way, and the law doesn't give us the [right] to stop stations from broadcasting their violence and sex-filled programs. We must find ways to motivate children and stations to control themselves."
Kilian Kreutzer, South Kent High School, South Kent, Connecticut

"I propose that grade schools should include a section in care for the environment that goes along with the regular Earth Science course. A group of students could 'adopt' a stream or pond and maintain it throughout the school year. To raise any money they needed for the project, they could sponsor fishing derbies or tennis ball races in streams. Instead of just talking about the PH of fresh water, the students could go to a local stream or pond and measure it themselves. If the students realize how important our fresh water supply is, and learn some ways to maintain it now, then they will be less likely to pollute and waste it in their later years." 
Alexander S. Brown, South Kent High School, South Kent, Connecticut

  "Bill Clinton has just proposed a new program which is called 'Good Cops For Less.' This plan states that selected high school students have their college education paid for and in return they serve four years on a police force. This might turn out ok, but these selected people have to be dedicated, and not just slack off. Some of the kids might just join to get a free college education; if that's the case then this program will be a total failure."
Mike Gagliardi, South Kent High School, South Kent, Connecticut

"I am a person who at one time in my life had four brothers and now I only have two. My parents were foster parents to three children. One of these children suffered from Down's Syndrome, and another was Puerto Rican. The organization that my parents received these children from took them away from us because the natural parents wanted them back. The children's parents didn't have adequate capabilities to raise these children. In the span of 30 days both children were dead. These children were victims of the system. They were subject to mistreatment and they had no say in it. The system should let the children decide their own destiny regardless of age. These children should not have to be responsible for someone else's mistake; and pay for it with their lives."
Matt Michalski, South Kent High School, South Kent,Connecticut

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