1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

Doesn't Anyone Care About The Children?

Teacher: Janet Newton

Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

   1st Amber Irish  2nd Jenni Williams 3rd Ramona Lazanis

"The definition of family has changed. Fewer children grow up in two parent homes, while many are being raised by grandparents or other family members."
Amy Deehr, Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

 "Michael Reese was convicted of rape four times and after each time he was convicted, he would always get the lesser charge or parole and would later be set free. What kind of message is this sending to these criminals?"
Jenni Williams, Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

 "As more and more people think only of themselves we see the homeless population grow, crime rates accelerate, suicide rates jump, and education scores decline."
Amy Deehr, Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

 "Kids follow by example; therefore we must show how to take responsibility and not just spout our ideals. Otherwise, we won't be taking responsibility ourselves!"
Jenna Freeman, Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

 "Not enough people in our society today care enough about themselves to try to be an example. People need to learn that no matter what they do somebody is always watching them, we always have an admirer of some sort."
Jenni Williams, Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

 "Imagine our country without crime. It seems impossible, but it's not. We first have to want a nation without crime and believe that we can achieve one. The next step is to set up stricter laws against people who commit crimes. This will help people think about the consequences before they act. We need to start educating our children about how bad crime is and how to take responsibility for their actions."
Kari Mills, Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

 "We are all different, and young people need to know that it's all right to have a sense of individuality. People with uniqueness will have more confidence and this will enable them to express how they truly feel without feeling as if they are outcasts in society. If we have diversity among our thoughts and opinions, conflicts will have more creative resolutions...individualism will help decrease irrespons- ibility and people will be less likely to follow the lead of others in the wrong."
Shanna Mabie, Freeman High School, Rockford Washington

 "I believe there should also be a meeting set up at the local schools to help parents with the problems of raising children, a counseling center to teach parents and kids how to communicate with each other. This center will teach parents how to raise their kids to be responsible and to impress in them good morals that can't be broken."
Justus Snyder, Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

 "A solution to crime has already been instituted in Washington state. It is called the 'three strikes' policy... The principle behind the policy is that criminals convicted of a felony over three separated occasions are automatically sentenced to life imprisonment."
Chris Jensen, Freeman HS, Rockford, Washington

 "Yet another example of an intended solution is that of anti-parole legislation. At a private workshop in Washington, D.C., four big-city mayors gathered to discuss the rising crime problems in their cities and proposed initiative action to produce bills that would limit the entire parole system. The premise of their meeting is also the foundation of another possible solution: organized inner-city coalitions. Under this system, representatives from major cities would meet and discuss strategies for eliminating crime in their respective areas. One of the many solutions discussed at the aforementioned meeting was the improvement of housing for lower class citizens. Poverty and despair are two major reasons for crime."
Chris Jensen, Freeman High , Rockford, Washington

 "We can not always be taking advantage of each other when we get the chance. We need schools where solid values can be taught through childhood into adulthood. Society needs reinforcement of character and values in homes, public institutions, movies, and television."
Justin Johnson, Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

 "In downtown Spokane students from Saint Patrick's School marched and prayed. This vigil were held to recognize street kids and downtown residents who are afraid to walk outside alone. The students' slogan was Wake up Spokane. Protect our children."
Shanna Mabie, Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

 "In June of 1990, the House of Representatives passed the Student Right To Know And Campus Act that requires all institutions that receive federal aid to publish yearly statistics of crime for their campuses and to let women know of the dangers."
Jenna Freeman, Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

 "In Seattle, rival gang members are becoming peacemakers at Cleveland High School. They are known as The Council and they represent a half- dozen ethnicity's and more than a dozen rival groups. They care about what happens to their surrounding environment and know its up to them to take action." 
Shanna Mabie, Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

 "In my community Habitat for Humanity is trying to build up walls, literally. New homes are built for low-income or homeless families at little or no cost to them. All materials and labor are donated by local contractors and citizens. As we work together to build these homes our sense of community pride is strengthened and everyone benefits."
Amy Deehr, Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

 "One other example is found in a local hospital, where over one hundred teenagers volunteer at least four hours a week to help the hospital. I had the privilege of being a junior volunteer and I found it to be a great experience."
Amy Deehr, Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

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