1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest
White Hats: People Who Are Trying To Make A Difference
Teacher: John Hendricks
Salem High School, Salem, Missouri
1st Michelle Harris
2nd Dawn Brown 
3rd Drew Johnson
"I work
in a drug store and everyday I see [taxpayers'] money being grossly abused in the Medicaid
system. People take advantage of Uncle Sam every single day. Most of the people we see
with Medicaid cards have no real handicap that keeps them from supporting their own
families, except the knowledge that they don't have to. Their welfare checks will support
them. Sadly enough, the people we see who actually need federal help usually make just a
little bit too much money to qualify for it, and not enough money to pay their hospital or
medical bills. "
Dawn
Brown, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri
'America
needs to figure out what's important and what's not. [Perhaps] being the wealthiest person
in the world isn't, but being honest is. Many analysts believe that America is going to be
only a place of crime in the near future. Although it is getting worse, there are still
millions of hard working, honest people out there [who] won't let that happen."
Holly
Hart, Salem High School, Salem, Missour
"I
am glad to live in a country where I know that I have freedom and opportunity to make
myself as successful as I desire."
Brett Tolman, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri