1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

White Hats: People Who Are Trying To Make A Difference
Teacher: Jan Weldin

Carbondale High School, Carbondale, Illinois

1st Heather Stearns   2nd Jennifer Roosevelt   3rd Ryan L. Moore

"I found throughout the course of my writing that it was very easy to depict examples of irresponsibility, yet it was very hard to find examples of someone making a difference in this society."
Ryan L. Moore, Carbondale High School, Carbondale, Illinois 

"In our day and age societal problems are at an all time high. We are surrounded by a world full of crime, brought on by [the] need to achieve the American Dream. This has resulted in crime stemming from greed, lust, anger, revenge, and a sickness that there aren't words to describe." 
Mahasin Haqq, Carbondale High School, Carbondale, Illinois

"Mandatory standards and procedures need to be set up in the workplace regarding employee and employer conduct." 
Nicole A. Mellado, Carbondale High School, Carbondale, Illinois 

"Huxley pointed out throughout the novel Brave New World that many people would consider an ideal world one where everyone is destined at birth to have a certain life, and sexual responsibility is a mere joke. Huxley's satirical look at society is frighteningly accurate. In order to stop the trend towards this society, we must begin at the root of the problem: apathy. In order to solve the problem, we must take action. To fix the environment, people should recycle and educate themselves, instead of yelling at the government when it doesn't do the task for them. Instead of complaining that children see too much violence on television, people must lobby the stations to do something, and producers should change the content of television programs. Instead of complaining incessantly about the number of guns in schools, people should educate children and crack down on the sources of hand guns. Action is the root of responsibility."
Stephen Vakil, Carbondale High School, Carbondale, Illinois 

"It is crucial that more people stop trying to find people to blame, locate where lies the actual fault, and start taking initiative towards teaching and nurturing good, responsible deeds. ...In many cases, a dependable and caring group of people can give a person enough incentive to do something wonderful with his or her life. The future community center could enhance a supportive atmosphere. The community center would be set up by the means of charity from parents, schools, the city, and any willing contributors. To include a physical description of this place or center, the volunteers would create a colorful, free-style environment to enhance a friendly atmosphere. A few, small rooms containing two or three recliner chairs in each would be the place for private conversations for the ones who need help in resolving some of life's inconveniences. This center can be [available] to any young person, or anyone who wants to paint, play pool, listen to music, read, socialize, etc. Perhaps this could be a place for recruiting young, community volunteers. Productive activities might tend to drive the young people away from some of the madness that comes along with sex, drugs, and violence. If enough donations, funds, and volunteers come forward, including our own input, I think that things might turn around in any community. People of the community who can work together, have a good time, and deviate from irresponsibility will advance the future in the right direction. I notice that people my age tend to fall into trouble when there is nothing to do and no one to talk to, so an activity/self-help center could be successful."
Patra Thipkhosithkun, Carbondale High School, Carbondale, Illinois 

"George Sam, an ex-cop, created SAFE: Schools Are For Education, to clear guns from Chicago schools." 
Jenifer Roosevelt, Carbondale High School, Carbondale, Illinois 

"The Alzheimer's Association...raised money for victims of the disease by holding a 5 mile walk. This earned several thousand dollars." 
Stephen Vakil, Carbondale High School, Carbondale, Illinois 

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