1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

Responsibility, Who Has It and Who Doesn't and What That Means For The Nation

Teachers: Donna Cox and Martha Collings

Plainview High School, Ardmore, Oklahoma

1st Amy Brimer  2nd Kristi Chaney  

"A black woman in a small town in Texas was refused public housing because the only housing available was in a 'white' section of the complex. This woman took her case to court, not for money, but [as a matter of principle.] This woman peacefully and justly battled the housing authorities for what she believed in, without trying to twist it to her personal advantage. The court awarded her the right to live [in the complex], but the woman chose to give up the right because her [principled] stand would [have] only made her life more difficult in that town."
Jera Chandler, Plainview High School, Ardmore, Oklahoma

"In Carter County, Oklahoma, a woman brought suit against a rancher for failing to remove a dead, decaying cow from land adjoining her property. She complained that when the wind blew from the South the cow produced an awful odor. She said she asked the rancher to remove the dead animal on several occasions, but her requests were ignored... I think if the lady had such a problem with the cow, she should have been responsible enough to remove it herself."
Angela Anderson, Plainview High School, Ardmore, Oklahoma

"Whether or not people take responsibility in the world could make or destroy the world in a matter of seconds."
Courtney Paniagua, Plainview High School, Ardmore, Oklahoma

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