1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

Doesn't Anyone Care About The Children?
Teacher: Carlene Stueve

Colby High School, Colby, Kansas

1st Kristi St. Aubyn   2nd Michelle Berens   3rd Brian Albright

"How can kids take responsibility for their own actions when they are told consistently they are bad, corrupted kids caught in the crossfire of a messed up society? Most of them start to believe it if told enough. They may begin to think,'Hey, society has caused us to be this way so we better start fulfilling this idea.'"
Stephanie Wilson, Colby High School, Colby, Kansas

 "There are some people who are getting sick of the crime and are taking a stand. Chuck Hollom, a San Francisco cab driver, stopped a mugger in May 1989. He saw a man run up to three young Japanese women, knock one down, and steal her purse. He and another cabby chased the man, drove onto the sidewalk, and pinned him against a wall with his front bumper. Three minutes later, police arrived and the mugger, Ocie McClure, was arrested. Still, a lawsuit was pressed against the hero for using 'excessive force' against the villain. This is stupid. That only discourages people from helping others who are attacked."
Kristi St. Aubyn, Colby High School, Colby, Kansas

 "About half of New Haven's police officers have been trained to go on call to a crime scene, hospital, or precinct to comfort any children who may have witnessed a violent act such as murder. This way, the children aren't overwhelmed by the exposure to violence."
Stephanie Wilson, Colby High School, Colby, Kansas

 "Some students at my high school in Colby have volunteered to teach religious education to grade school students in our church on Wednesday nights. The classes are going quite well and the students and children are having a great time learning."
Sandra K. Aschenbrenner, Colby High School, Colby, Kansas

 "At Lincoln Elementary School in San Bernardino, California, 'Kids Against Crime' teaches kids how to protect themselves and prevent crime. Kids are the ones who teach and it offers a national hot line, a drop-in center, and crime-prevention training. Membership has grown to 4700 worldwide."
Amy Severson, Colby High School, Colby, Kansas

 "The best thing adults can do to be good examples, is to live their lives to the best of their ability. Fortunately, there are many people who have chosen to be responsible. They are aware of the example they are setting. An example of this is my father. He knew that his first career choice [as an attorney] was not what he was called to do. After 10 years of practicing law, he decided to become a pastor. His career switch was drastic, but it had tremendous effect. That does not mean everyone should become a pastor. It means that there is a need to find out what it is that's most important to one specifically. Once that's determined, it's important to take action on it."
Rebecca Turner, Colby High School, Colby, Kansas

 "Many kids find school boring and some drop out. A teacher in South Valley School wants to make school more fun for kids. He uses a map of the United States in a gym to combine geography with physical educational games. Creative teachers using ideas like this help keep kids off the street and promote school instead of violence and drugs."
Ryan Stanton, Colby High School, Colby, Kansas

 "My high school has many great ideas, one of which is our Renaissance Program. Students with good grades, citizenship, and attendance are rewarded with cards that allow certain advantages. They can go out for lunch, receive business discounts, homework passes, and some may even choose a day off from school. This program challenges teenagers to achieve their best, while giving them a start to a successful life."
Shelly Miller, Colby High School, Colby, Kansas

 "TWIKA is a program that teaches parents how to teach their children about alcohol and drugs."
Amy Severson, Colby High, Colby, Kansas

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