1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

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

Teacher: John Hendricks

Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

1st Michelle Harris  2nd Dawn Brown 3rd Drew Johnson

"An employee of a jewelry store in Wisconsin. . .was trying to break in (at night) and steal their most expensive item....He accidentally stepped on a skylight, fell through, and broke both his legs. He sued the jewelry store for thousands of dollars, and won!"
Holly Hart, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

"A family just bought a brand new vehicle. They use half of their welfare check each month to finance it. Is this a wise way to use the check?...The same woman who told me about how irresponsibly some people use their welfare checks, also told me about some people who are just the opposite. There are many recipients who will pay off all of their important bills promptly. They don't spend large amounts of money needlessly, and they use their food stamps wisely. In other words, they use their aid the way it was meant to be used."
Heather Crocker, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

"[People] make themselves out to be victims. Someone can do a back flip in a bar while intoxicated and sue the bar for injuries. If someone had 'compulsive gambling syndrome' they could steal money and there's not much anyone can do about it. ...It's like telling people that its okay to do something wrong and still not be at fault."
Holly White, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

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