1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest
Doesn't Anyone Care About The Children?
Teacher: Linda Williams
Blue Ridge High School, Blue Ridge, Texas
1st Jeff Garner 
2nd Eileen Huston 3rd Alice Elizabeth Juvenal
"Values should also be taught in the classroom. ...My mother, a math
teacher of ten years, tries to include values in her lessons. They may range
from whether or not to return lost money to dealing with suicidal children.
Value lessons should be taught as early as Kindergarten, when children are
easier to influence in the ways of right and wrong."
Keli Crane, Blue Ridge High, Blue Ridge, Texas
"When people educate themselves, they open doors to
opportunity. ... Special schools should be provided for those who are
older."
Shelly Douglas, Blue Ridge High School, Blue Ridge, Texas
"Many consumers obtain illegal copies of software from
friends. These people are known as software pirates. The pirates refuse to take
responsibility for the proliferation of illegal copies with the excuse that the
software is too expensive and too underpowered. If you had a chance to borrow a
copy of an $800 software package, you would probably do it. The software
producers also refuse to take responsibility with the excuse that the prices are
so high because of the proliferation of illegal copies. At first software
companies tried to combat this problem by implementing some form of copy
protection. Some of them just prevented consumers from easily making honest
backup copies, but some were vicious, destroying files on your computer. Copy
protection has only proven to inconvenience and alienate the honest consumers,
and done little to thwart the dishonest software pirates. I think the only way
for this problem to be resolved is for consumers to start saying no to their
friends when they ask to borrow a copy of their software. The software companies
must also do their part too, by making better software at a more affordable
price."
Anthony L. Mabes, Blue Ridge High School, Blue Ridge, Texas
"The City Council of Omaha, Nebraska is trying to
teach parents to be responsible for their children. The Council has made a plan
to fine parents up to $1,000 for their children breaking the law. If the parents
can't afford the fine, then they should be required to do Community Service
work. This plan will encourage parents to set and enforce rules for their
children.
Shaine Jenkins, Blue Ridge High, Blue Ridge, Texas
Everyone from Walmart
to Daughters of the American Revolution is rewarding excellent students for
their achievements and interest in continued study. This encourages many
students to do their best in everything and reach the goals they set.
Organizations such as these are acting responsibly by promoting good
behavior."
Alice Elizabeth Juvenal, Blue Ridge High School, Blue Ridge, Texas