1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

Doesn't Anyone Care About The Children?
Teacher: Joan S. Barrentine

Armwood High School, Seffner, Florida

1st Chris Newcomb   2nd Chad Harrison   3rd Robert Braxton

"Here in Tampa, Florida, vandalism, auto theft, drug use, and underage drinking are just some of the shameless acts teens commit. These teenagers are often bored late in the night and have nothing better to do.... More often than not, these kids have no family background to establish morals and values.... Morals and values are instilled at home, and how a child acts outside the home reflects his/her learning and understanding of parental teachings."
Chris Newcomb, Armwood High School, Seffner, Florida

"Maybe it is poverty that causes kids to steal and sell drugs, or maybe it is that kids have too much free time on their hands that causes them to rob stores late at night or beat people up. It may even be the lack of attention by the parents that causes kids to go and vandalize buildings or cars or houses. It could even be the violent television shows that depict that using violent means is an acceptable way to solve their problems."
Aaron Bradley, Armwood High School, Seffner, Florida

 "The problem [crime] isn't exactly the teenagers themselves, it is the role models or people they look up to."
Aaron Bradley, Armwood High School, Seffner, Florida

 "A common belief held [by students] is that if the teacher does not like them, they will automatically fail. This has become a common excuse for students when they do not get the grade they feel they deserve."
Susan Harrison, Armwood High School, Seffner, Florida

 "Greg Manley, art teacher, truly cares about his students and makes it known that he will do anything to help them. Mr. Manley has set the example for me and many other students to follow our dreams and do all that we do to the best of our ability. He has taught us to be responsible at our work and not to be lazy."
Carrie Milam, Armwood High School, Seffner, Florida

 "In my opinion, young people need positive role models outside the family to view and gain proper attitudes, aspirations, and personal characteristics. If values are instilled when the child is younger, the child can aspire to be something more than just average. To inspire these values, I believe in having a mentor program between younger kids and teenagers. In this program, teenagers actually become the child's friend and role model. They can read books, play games, and listen and talk to each other, which help the teenager and the young child. For the younger child, it gives them someone to look up to, someone to imitate, and someone to aspire to. These children may not have a father/mother figure role in their life, and by having a mentor can fulfill this vital role in a child's development. For the teenager, this mentor, father/mother figure role can ultimately change his or her life. By setting an example for these young kids, the teenagers are learning the complete meaning of responsibility. These teenagers must always be in a position to be leaders, always giving kids good personal values and manners. And by giving these teens such an awesome responsibility, a real meaning is being created in their lives simultaneously. To enhance my idea, I believe that the schools, community centers, and businesses must all contribute to the education of both the young kids and the teens by setting up scholarships, job training, and more corporate involvement. I believe that with all this community involvement, a program like this can really be successful, and it can teach kids a real meaning of responsibility."
Chris Newcomb, Armwood High School, Seffner, Florida

 "Another way to hopefully curb the crime situation would be to have more anti-crime seminars at elementary schools. We have to teach kids at a young age. ...Another solution may be to stiffen the penalties for youthful repeat offenders. ...But even that won't solve all of the problem. But, I feel that it will probably help more than a state-wide, unconstitutional and, not to mention, very expensive curfew."
Aaron Bradley, Armwood High School, Seffner, Florida

 "The main step for youth to become more responsible is for them to see more responsible role models to follow. If more people would be generous enough to freely give of themselves for the benefit of others, the youth of today would follow their example and the generations to come would become more responsible."
Carrie Milam, Armwood High School, Seffner, Florida

 "Interact clubs are funded by Rotary clubs. The Interact club of Armwood High School has made a very good impression in the Greater Brandon community by the standards that they have set in community service awards and their dedication to their motto: "Service Above Self". They have found their own way to help clean up the environment and try to get everyone in the community as involved as they can."
Dennis Clanney, Armwood High School, Seffner, Florida

                        Back