1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

Doesn't Anyone Care About The Children?
Teachers: Anne Kline and James Foletta

Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

1st Melissa Mix   2nd Tisha Bacigalupi   3rd Sarah McDonnell

"I've been on a few ride along with a police officer and on his radio there were problems with gangs constantly. We responded to one call, which reported about gang trouble. The Cambodian gang was arguing with the Sure no gang about race, but an officer broke it up before anyone was injured."
Todd Gordon, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

"Rap stars who act as role models for many teens think its okay to kill people."
Todd Gordon, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

"In San Francisco, a man went into a high-rise building and killed several people, including a wife and mother of a baby girl. The woman's husband, who now has to raise his daughter without a mother, went to Washington, D.C. to speak out against gun violence."
Carlene Fast, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

"Guns could be traded in for vouchers that could be used toward college expenses. For instance, every gun that is turned in could earn a $100 voucher toward college books or tuition. This not only might remove guns from our young people, but gives them something that can be applied toward their future and a more productive, responsible life."
Carlene Fast, Pioneer High, San Jose, California

"About half of all the families in American own at least one gun. The steps that the government is taking [toward gun control] are good, and children must be taught about guns, but [even more importantly] children must be brought up knowing their lives are worth something. A majority of kids today have been raised by one parent and have been taught no basic rules. I think the problem with teens having the attitude 'I don't care if I die,' all starts with their development as a youngster. ...Self-esteem is very important."
Todd Gordon, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

"The parents feel that they are being responsible by teaching their children how to safely handle a gun, but in the end it turns out badly because it does not occur to them that when the child runs into difficulty, he will remember where that weapon is."
Eric Bachmann, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

  "The gang members need to be counseled and show them that there are better things in life such as a good education. The need to be convinced that the only place they will end up is in jail or dead."
Todd Gordon, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

  "I also have a solution. It is very simple. Let's try for once to actually enforce our current laws. So often in our society laws are either not obeyed or not enforced. A person going over the speed limit is not given a ticket or a person sitting on death row is not killed. It is the lack of enforcement and follow through that is the problem."
Scott Lichtenberg, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

"Make birth control readily available, and inexpensive. Make more teen clinics where teens can go and ask questions, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. I think that condoms should be available for students at school when they need [them]. Most of all we need to educate our parents... so that the school doesn't need to take on the full responsibility of educating the youth."
Tracey Weiss, Pioneer High, San Jose, California

"The parents and teachers have put up with gang colors, clothing and fights long enough. Starting in September 1994-95 school year, the students will wear uniforms...This new idea will also cut down on expenses of normal clothes."
Kerri Frankling, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

"California now makes parents criminally responsible for shootings involving their children."
Eric Bachmann, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

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