1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

Responsibility: Who Has It and Who Doesn't and What That Means For The Nation
Teacher: Mary Ellen Schoonover

Strasburg High School, Strasburg, Colorado

1st Nancy Graff   2nd Justin Mitchell   3rd Erica Anderson

"The problem of journalistic ethics a widespread problem. No one person can solve it completely. I think, however, that it can be corrected by concentrating on the future journalists. If I could get together with the journalism department in my school, [I would urge them to put out a newsletter to circulate to other schools. It would include activities for teachers to give journalism students in order to stress the importance of ethics in the media. It would also teach aspiring reporters that researching a story is imperative to being a well-respected, successful reporter. As the newsletter grew, we [might] get additional support and funding from other schools [in order to expand circulation."
Erica Anderson, Strasburg High School, Strasburg, Colorado

“If we can’t be held responsible for our actions, decisions then we are innocent. But, if we are also the product of our syndromes, complexes and oppressions then we are denying our free will.  Yes, because if you are not taking responsibility for yourself, [you are] letting courts decide [whether] you’re a victim or not.  If you’re letting that happen, you’re also letting them take away [some of] your freedom.”
Becca Spiller, Strasburg High School Strasburg, Colorado

“Yes, the irresponsibility can be corrected but it would take everyone working and pulling together to make it worthwhile. He suggests that we work on correcting the welfare system and start making divorced parents pull together to help their children.”
Ruth Kaupp, Strasburg High School, Strasburg, Colorado

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