1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest
White Hats: People Who Are Trying To Make A Difference
Teacher: Steve Reich
Valhalla High School, Valhalla, New York
1st Amy Torchia 
2nd Rocco Troiano 3rd Kim Mandragona
"Although
there are many organizations and clubs that are run by responsible people, and
help others in need, I think one will always hear about the bad and
irresponsible acts over the good acts."
Erin Sweeney, Valhalla High School,
Valhalla, New York
"Here
are some people who are taking the responsibility for themselves and others.
After having survived a life-saving bone marrow transplant, Daniel Lindsay was
determined to see what he could do to aid others struggling with leukemia and
similar blood diseases. With the help of several of his classmates, Lindsay
organized Project Life. It's goal is to get members of the campus community to
sign up as potential bone marrow donors. The undertaking has been a dramatic
success, with more than 1,100 students and teachers now registered. Through the
bone marrow donations, the group has so far saved two lives."
Rocco Troiano, Valhalla High School, Valhalla, New York
"Herman
Wrice declared war on the crack and cocaine problem in his neighborhood and
school. He was a coach in the neighborhood and one of his champion players was
hooked on cocaine. He went directly to the dealers and threatened them. It was a
small victory but someone had done something for the children. He set up
different functions for the kids to do instead of drugs."
Jennifer McLaughlin, Valhalla High School, Valhalla, New York
"Alvin
Brooks, a former policeman and city administrator in Kansas City,
Missouri...started a neighborhood organization called the Ad Hoc Group Against
Crime."
Jennifer McLaughlin, Valhalla High School, Valhalla, New York
"Patti
Malkin walks dogs and feeds cats for their owners, who are bedridden with AIDS.
Paul Phillips organized a pie auction to help pay for the surgery of a
child with congenital problems. Gwyn Helie answers calls on the hotline at a
Transition House, which is a shelter for battered women and their children.
Sylvia Wright volunteers at a soup kitchen.
Mary Tyler started a shelter for homeless people."
Kim Mandragona, Valhalla High
School, Valhalla, New York
"Gertrude
Lewis volunteers her free time to go and take care of abandoned babies with
AIDS. Recently, she has taken one of the ill babies of her choice as her own.
She knows the child will not live much longer, but while he is still on this
earth she wants to give him the good life he deserves."
Danielle Johnson, Valhalla High
School, Valhalla, New York
"Say
What Ya Want, is a record put out by Mercury records to support the Rock the
Vote voter registration drive. This is to encourage the younger generation to
vote. A portion of record sales is donated to this group."
Marc Eggers, Valhalla High School,
Valhalla, New York
"In
Mt. Vernon, N.Y., my aunt's church gives a baby shower to all expecting moms who
are in need. At the shower these mothers-to-be receive diapers, bottles,
blankets, and clothing for their unborn child."
Erin Sweeney, Valhalla High School,
Valhalla, New York
"At
my school we contribute many things to our community; we have different
organizations that participate in different activities. During the holiday
season a group called Helping Hands persuades the entire school to
participate in giving gifts to the needy. The students wrap up different gifts
for boys and girls and send them to the local Salvation Army. It helps
the kids in school gain more of the holiday spirit while giving the needy a
happier holiday."
Dana Guiffreda, Valhalla High
School, Valhalla, New York
"In
Valhalla, New York, at least 75 students, including myself, volunteer at
Blythedale Children's Hospital. We work with children ages two to the teenage
years. Every Saturday I spend three hours playing games with the kids and
watching television
Larry Weingarten, Valhalla High
School,Valhalla, New York
"A
recent action of responsibility was Westchester's [New York] Invest-In-Kids
fund. The Fund focuses on 'preventing problems, ...and preparing young people to
become productive citizens. The Fund wants to set up programs for kids who
aren't getting the care and guidance they need."
Amy Torchia, Valhalla High School,
Valhalla, New York
"The
Harvard Campus Outreach Opportunity League branched out to 250 schools
by having its oldest college service organization dream up projects, and write
detailed proposals on how to operate and fund them. The reward was a funded
contract for the best project."