1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

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

Teacher: Don Cavallini

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Lexington High School, Lexington, Illinois

so00629_.wmf (4070 bytes) Brian Toon   so00629_.wmf (4070 bytes) Jamey Payne  so00629_.wmf (4070 bytes)Mike Tallon so00629_.wmf (4070 bytes) Julie Thomas
so00629_.wmf (4070 bytes) Nick Eagan  so00629_.wmf (4070 bytes)Mark Hudson  so00629_.wmf (4070 bytes)   Eric Hepner

"A Virginia special education teacher sues in federal court after being penalized for repeatedly failing to achieve the minimum acceptable score on a standardized test. The teacher claims that she was discriminated against because she has a handicap that inflicts her with a slowness in understanding written and spoken information."
Mike Tallon, Lexington High School, Lexington, Illinois

"If more people were recognized for being responsible, then society might have more people acting responsibly. ...All types of media should give examples of responsible behavior for others to model instead of always telling people about the irresponsible behavior of others."
Brian Toon, Lexington High School, Lexington, Illinois

"Television and movies are not the root of the problem. All the editing and censoring in the world cannot solve the basic problem the need for people to take responsibility for their actions."
Nick Eagan, Lexington High School, Lexington, Illinois

"I have decided that responsible behavior usually comes from average people. ... These people get up every day and go to work. They pay the bills and put food on the table for themselves and their families. These people are usually not recognized in the media."
Brian Toon, Lexington High School, Lexington, Illinois

"If I was to personally find a large sum of money, I would reinvest into the community to make life easier throughout the community. Many of my peers would agree with the decision I would make."
Mark Hudson, Lexington High School, Lexington, Illinois     

"Consequences for irresponsible behavior need to be more strict. If a person does not suffer any consequences for his irresponsible actions then he will not care if he acts that way again."
Brian Toon, Lexington High School, Lexington, Illinois

"We will no longer be a country of freedom and independence if this irresponsibility continues. As a whole, the morals of our country are becoming more alike and these uniform ideas are not those shared by our founding fathers. We are transforming ourselves into a country that doesn't care anymore because nobody has the time or patience to change the direction of our morals."
Julie Thomas, Lexington High School, Lexington, Illinois

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