1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

White Hats: People Who Are Trying To Make A Difference

Teacher: Linda Williams

Blue Ridge High School, Blue Ridge, Texas

   1st Jeff Garner  2nd Eileen Huston 3rd Alice Elizabeth Juvenal

"Myron Guyton of the New York Giants left his Chevrolet Blazer in a parking lot, locked, and it was stolen. Nine months later he was notified by police that his car had been found and was parked in a storage yard. When he went to retrieve it, he was charged $11,969̉the cost of towing the car, plus 288 days of storage at an average of $38.43 a day. Guyton later stated, "When I asked why it took so long to notify me, I was told that somebody didn't do the necessary paperwork."
Alice Elizabeth Juvenal, Blue Ridge High School, Blue Ridge, Texas 

"By giving people "too much" through welfare and other organizations, many people have quit trying to compete in life. They have quit trying for employment and for self-made success. Instead, they wait for unemployment or welfare checks. In trying to help people who really need help, our government has destroyed initiation initiative."
Willis Smith, Blue Ridge High School, Blue Ridge, Texas 

"Schools, families, churches, and organizations, such as Boy Scouts, should teach discipline, respect, honesty, civility, and responsibility to strengthen character. Some of the social regressions of the past can be blamed on the failure of these civic institutions to properly teach these morals. Although the government should play a larger role in the solutions of society's problems, it should emphasize that the responsibility lies in the hands of the people."
Brian Wallace, Blue Ridge High School, Blue Ridge, Texas 

"And then there's my cousin Bob. He lives in New York City, often hailed as the rudest, unfriendliest city in America. I can't think of two more inappropriate words to describe Bob---he is the most giving person I know. Bob works a full-time job to support himself, and brings homeless children into his apartment for warm blankets, hot food, and a little slice of love." 
Leah Fuller Bates, Blue Ridge High School, Blue Ridge, Texas 

"The Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon has raised millions of dollars in the fight against muscular dystrophy. Every year Mr. Lewis pushes harder and tries harder to receive more money for the disease stricken children. He puts time, energy, and money into this 24-hour event."
Willis Smith, Blue Ridge High School, Blue Ridge, Texas 

"In one particular area of Dallas, citizens have formed an alliance to combat gang violence and drug sales. They work in union with the police, searching for evidence of drugs, breaking up gang activities, and making their neighborhood a better place to be."
Keli Crane, Blue Ridge High School, Blue Ridge, Texas

"One radio station in Dallas, Texas, KDGE, got a letter from a mother wishing she could get her son his Christmas wish. Her son wanted a bicycle, but the mother couldn't afford food, much less a bicycle. The radio station not only sponsored a food drive for the two, it also bought a bike for the boy."
Shaine Jenkins, Blue Ridge High School, Blue Ridge, Texas

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