1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest
White Hats: People Who Are Trying To Make A
Difference
Teacher: Jan Weldin
Carbondale High School, Carbondale, Illinois
1st
Heather Stearns 
2nd
Jennifer Roosevelt 
3rd
Ryan L. Moore
"I
found throughout the course of my writing that it was very easy to depict
examples of irresponsibility, yet it was very hard to find examples of someone
making a difference in this society."
Ryan
L. Moore, Carbondale High School, Carbondale, Illinois
"In
our day and age societal problems are at an all time high. We are surrounded by
a world full of crime, brought on by [the] need to achieve the American Dream.
This has resulted in crime stemming from greed, lust, anger, revenge, and a
sickness that there aren't words to describe."
Mahasin Haqq, Carbondale High School, Carbondale, Illinois
"Mandatory
standards and procedures need to be set up in the workplace regarding employee
and employer conduct."
Nicole A. Mellado, Carbondale High
School, Carbondale, Illinois
"Huxley
pointed out throughout the novel Brave New World that many people would consider
an ideal world one where everyone is destined at birth to have a certain life,
and sexual responsibility is a mere joke. Huxley's satirical look at society is
frighteningly accurate. In order to stop the trend towards this society, we must
begin at the root of the problem: apathy. In order to solve the problem, we must
take action. To fix the environment, people should recycle and educate
themselves, instead of yelling at the government when it doesn't do the task for
them. Instead of complaining that children see too much violence on television,
people must lobby the stations to do something, and producers should change the
content of television programs. Instead of complaining incessantly about the
number of guns in schools, people should educate children and crack down on the
sources of hand guns. Action is the root of responsibility."
Stephen Vakil, Carbondale High School,
Carbondale, Illinois
"It
is crucial that more people stop trying to find people to blame, locate where
lies the actual fault, and start taking initiative towards teaching and
nurturing good, responsible deeds. ...In many cases, a dependable and caring
group of people can give a person enough incentive to do something wonderful
with his or her life. The future community center could enhance a supportive
atmosphere. The community center would be set up by the means of charity from
parents, schools, the city, and any willing contributors. To include a physical
description of this place or center, the volunteers would create a colorful,
free-style environment to enhance a friendly atmosphere. A few, small rooms
containing two or three recliner chairs in each would be the place for private
conversations for the ones who need help in resolving some of life's
inconveniences. This center can be [available] to any young person, or anyone
who wants to paint, play pool, listen to music, read, socialize, etc. Perhaps
this could be a place for recruiting young, community volunteers. Productive
activities might tend to drive the young people away
Patra Thipkhosithkun, Carbondale High
School, Carbondale, Illinois
"George
Sam, an ex-cop, created SAFE: Schools Are For Education, to clear guns from
Chicago schools."
Jenifer Roosevelt, Carbondale High
School, Carbondale, Illinois
"The
Alzheimer's Association...raised money for victims of the disease by
holding a 5 mile walk. This earned several thousand dollars."
Stephen Vakil, Carbondale High School,
Carbondale, Illinois