1997-1998 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

Responsibility: Who Has It, Who Doesn't, And What That Means To The Nation 

Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

    1st   Dustin Hofer    2nd Niki Ill       3rd Allison Speth

"Being responsible means helping out…Responsibility takes an attitude of caring for what happens in our society and having the initiative to take action when a problem develops. Without these qualities, responsibility would not exist. Awareness of groups less fortunate, requires action with compassion. There is always opportunity to help others."
Clint Stevenson, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Every day of our lives we are faced with the chance to do or not to do something. Making this decision involves weighing the positives and negatives, using common sense, and taking responsibility [for our decisions]. People make good or bad decisions constantly, but taking responsibility for those decisions is much less common."
Tom Feldman, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Recently a California television star and her boyfriend were followed home from their shopping trip and later robbed in their own driveway. This irresponsible act just proves that it is easier to steal from others than to feel the pride of working for what you want. A person who steals will never feel that pride because they are only thinking of themselves and not the overall consequence of their actions."
Erica Keller, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"A teen-aged couple decide to engage in sexual activity, but do not consider the dangers. The couple disregards the importance of birth control, and end up having an unwanted and unexpected baby.
    In 1997, a college student attends a fraternity party, where he is killed…binge drinking, the new and irresponsible fad of attaining a fast buzz that has become popular.
    Christian Davila, 14, and Maryling Flores, 13, were sweethearts who were forbidden by Flores' mother to see each other. In November, 1995, the couple met one last time standing at the edge of a Florida canal, where they joined hands and plummeted to their deaths 15 feet into the cold, murky water...Teenage suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers. Every one hour and forty-five minutes, a teen commits suicide...There are many 24-hour hotlines that those who are confused and contemplating suicide can call. Many times, talking to someone who knows how he/she is feeling can make the person feel that he/she is not alone in the world. They can be informed that whatever the problems they are facing, they can be worked out, and there are always people out there who are willing to help one in need.
   Baby April was found on the riverbank stuffed in a plastic bag. Her mother decided she had no choice but to throw her baby out like trash. Maybe she was too young and could not face her parents. Or, maybe she had nothing in the world and did not want to bring her baby into it. Whatever the reason, she [had other] choices. There are many couples unable to have their own children who would have adopted Baby April and loved her. Instead, she was just a nameless body in a bag on a riverbank. She was loved after she died and given the name Baby April and a place to rest by saddened community members."
Chala Mills, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Where does responsibility begin? Is there a growing failure on the part of parents and other adults to set an example of responsible behavior?
"Responsibility starts with the parents. Teaching children obligations must be a priority. It can start with doing your homework, walking the dog, and belonging to a club. Parents need to help their children make the right choices and become involved in their lives. If they are not involved, the child has no guidance, which results in a lack of judgment between right and wrong. Kids these days have a hard time deciphering between good judgment and bad judgment anyway, so they need a little push in the right direction. I just advise that if you have a child, actually become a parent and teach your child the responsibility that comes with life."
Niki Ill, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Christy favors service-learning:
"In some schools, in order to graduate, you are required to take a service-learning course. If this course [were] required everywhere in the United States at every school in order to get a high school diploma, so many people would help out. People would think of 'responsibility' as an important word…"
Christy Coulter, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Two of my friends who are dating recently found out that they are going to have a baby. They are both straight-A students and have high hopes for their careers. They have chosen to have the baby and are transferring to a community college closer to home to finish out the year. They took responsibility for their actions and told their families. I know that they love each other and I respect them for their decision. [Their decision is] a prime example of [taking] responsibility."
Jackie Hauer, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Role models help to shape the values and character of those they interact with.
"A person does not have to be big, strong, or well known to make an impact on the world. Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun who saw how the poor lived in India. She decided to spend her life traveling all over the world helping the poor. Mother Teresa was a small, frail woman who became well known because she took the poor of the world as her responsibility and made a difference."
Dustin Hofer, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"For some, helping others is something they do occasionally, but for Ida Johnson it is a way of life. Ms. Johnson is the Executive Director of United Neighbors, Inc., which is an organization that helps to unite neighbors and benefits the community. United Neighbors began with only a few members, but it has grown into a task force and is looking forward to celebrating its 25th. anniversary. It has helped build a church, created gardens and more parking, renovated parks' helped people buy homes, and given children a sense of belonging by establishing a Youth Group."
Amanda Beauchamp, Rockridge High, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Most women enter motherhood because they want to create a child with the man they love. That is not the case with a single, 27-year-old woman named Theresa who was raped by an acquaintance of hers. She was quite scared and did not report the rape, but she soon realized that her ordeal was not over; she was carrying his child. When confronted, he asked Theresa if she wanted him to throw her down the stairs to get rid of [the baby]. She was ashamed of the whole incident and confided in a few friends who all recommended she get an abortion. She knew that was not the choice for her and decided to have the baby and raise it. She told the rapist that she had gotten the abortion, then moved to another town where she is now raising her child. This woman must be commended for her bravery. She took responsibility…for the actions of a rapist."
Niki Ill, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Most people think of a neighbor as someone from whom we can ask to borrow a hammer or a rake, or maybe even to watch our pets when we are out of town. But seldom does anyone think of a neighbor as a person who would risk his or her life to save our own. Denny Zweifel did not ask questions when his neighbor, Kathy Peterson, came banging on his door late one night. There had been an explosion in the Peterson's garage and Wayne was trapped. Mr. Zweifel could think of only one thing as he rushed next door; he had to help Wayne. He arrived in a smoke-filled garage and found Wayne trapped inside his truck. Denny stopped the smoke and got Wayne safely out of the garage. Mr. Zweifel's heroic act of unselfishness earned him the "Neighbor of the Year" Award in the Quad Cities. Mr. Peterson is truly grateful for his neighbor and friend who risked his life to save someone else's."
Amanda Beauchamp, Rockridge High, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Another case of a small person helping was demonstrated in Wisconsin. A school bus driver had a heart attack and slumped over at the wheel. A responsible junior high student quickly reacted and jumped behind the wheel. Even though he had not driven before, the student took on the responsibility and saved the busload of kids. People cannot wait or assume that someone else is going to take care of a problem. Every individual should be responsible for themselves and act accordingly. The world needs more bus drivers like this student. The world is veering off of the road and there is no one at the wheel. What can we do?" Dustin Hofer, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

It didn't work in Connor's example, but Erica and Maria like taking away car keys
"I think that drinking should be banned from most public places and if drinking must take place, the place that sells these drinks should take the car keys away from these people before they [are] served. When the person wants to return home, they then must walk or call a cab."
Erica Keller, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Outreach programs for runaway teens…is another way to make a difference. This program helps troubled homeless teens. The center realizes the importance of responsible teens and focuses on finding, promoting, and developing the teen's ability to take on responsibility. By watching adults and role models they accept and learn responsibility for their actions. The youth of today are tomorrow's future. Making teens responsible for themselves is the key to success for our future."
Dustin Hofer, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"The common trend these days is to commit a serious crime and then see what brilliant excuse can be concocted to defend it. For example, in Lynwood, California, a boy and his cousin stabbed the boy's mother to death. Their excuse? None other than the two worst recent smash-hit horror flicks, Scream and Scream 2. Until people come to grips with the fact that sometimes people just do bad things for no reason, any old excuse will suffice."
Allison Speth, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Recently, a friend and I were talking about the Oklahoma City bombing when I learned that after the bombing, the rental company that rented the U-Haul truck was sued for renting the truck to terrorists…Then Ford Motor Company was sued for making the U-Haul truck that carried the bomb. Ridiculous!"
Clint Stevenson, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

No more mistakes:
"Everybody makes mistakes. After all, that is what makes us human. But people must stop blaming others and start taking the blame for their actions. If people see that they have made a mistake and admit it, then they truly start to learn the meaning of responsibility."
Amanda Beauchamp, Rockridge High , Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"In Colorado this year, Michael Kennedy failed to heed the warnings and ended his life suddenly with a head-on collision with a tree. The thing that makes this incident irresponsible is that he was playing football with a water bottle while skiing down the mountain. The family and media were quick to blame the resort, question the danger of skiing, and demand the requirement of helmets for all skiers. The blame really lies with the individual. His lack of responsibility cost him his life.
    People are also careless regarding laws that pertain to them. Putting a seat belt on does not require much thought or effort, but still people forget or neglect to buckle themselves or their children safely in their vehicles. They not only endanger their lives, but they jeopardize the lives of innocent children. In the news every day are stories about people being injured or killed because of their irresponsible actions. Lawyers make lots of money defending people even though some of the injuries could have been avoided if the person would have acted more responsibly. Putting the blame on someone or something else is easier than taking responsibility on your own. Many innocent people suffer because of someone else's irresponsibility."
Dustin Hofer, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of death in America today. On the radio this morning, I heard of a local man who has had 20 DWIs in the past five years. For his most recent punishment, the judge decided that all the man has to do is move [to] within walking distance of the bar. What is wrong with America's judicial system today? Clearly the man is not going to learn his lesson if he is practically being handed the bottle as long as he does not drive."
Amanda Beauchamp, Rockridge High, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Another example of irresponsibility was seen on the Oprah Winfrey show. A mother told a story of her eight-year-old son, a pitcher for a little league baseball team, warming up before a game with his catcher when one of the pitches bounced off the catcher's mitt and hit a woman sitting on the bleachers. The woman sued the boy's family for fifteen thousand dollars. If a person knows that they are sitting in an area where they could get hit by a baseball, then that person should not have the right to sue for being hit by accident."
Clint Stevenson, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Another example of irresponsibility is when people abuse their positions of power to benefit themselves. One State Senator was removed from office because he solicited gifts, money, and even a luxury car from a state college. These are people who are elected to represent the public and their views. They have a responsibility to these people to do their job. It is a great privilege to become an elected official, which should not be taken lightly."
Allison Speth, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"With all the disheartening stories we hear on the news and read in the newspaper, one wonders if there is any responsibility left in this world…There is too much irresponsibility and not enough solutions. The top news stories are overridden with violence and tragedy."
Chala Mills, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"'A New Boston man pleads innocent in the charges of beating a pregnant woman,' I hear over the radio on my way to school. I shake my head in shame and pity and switch the station in search of music. So many of my mornings begin this way as I drive to school with the news of robbery, rape, and murder. Is the world ever going to change?"
Amanda Beauchamp, Rockridge High, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"When we see all the negative aspects of life, it is hard to see the positive aspects. People seem to take for granted all the joys of life today, because we pay too much attention to all of the bad things. People today don't 'see' nearly as much of others or themselves taking responsibility in their everyday lives. It is not because there is more irresponsibility, it is because we make a bigger deal out of it. For instance, for every responsible act shown on television, there are ten irresponsible acts shown."
Benjamin Norris, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri
"A person reading the newspaper could see an article about a volunteer group working to get food for the needy. This makes a person feel good, like there are actually people out there who make a difference. A flip of the page shows a group of kids…vandalizing churches because they worship Satan. Talk about going from a state of high spirits to a state of low spirits! It seems like the good and the bad just cancel each other out."
Clint Stevenson, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"My solution for irresponsible people is to start with the children. I think we should…get children involved with food drives or even have them collect for a mitten tree in a classroom. If their parents would simply show them responsibility at an early age, they are more apt to carry it through their lives."
Krista Dwinal, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"More businesses should sponsor programs that will benefit children…"
Niki Ill, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

The ultimate solution
"I advise you to take the opportunity to help someone less fortunate than you. It is a rewarding experience that stays with you forever…Take responsibility for your actions and, at times, for other's actions. Be active and help others; you may find out that it benefits you the most."
Niki Ill, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Responsibility begins with you and me:
"People may worry about clean water, clean air, and wildlife. Some people worry about what is happening to society as a whole. Others may think the world is changing and we need to be responsible for the whole picture. I believe you need to be responsible for yourself before you [become] responsible for the planet."
Dustin Hofer, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Responsibility begins with a single step.
"Responsibility starts with [each individual]. Responsibility begins with a single step. In order to create a world that we are proud to leave for our children, we need to build bridges for our future. If we do not set a good example by being responsible, then what will our future hold? The time has come [to take] responsibility."
Dustin Hofer, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Littering and pollution. These two things have become problems throughout the world. Big businesses pollute the air, the water, and the land, thinking that rules do not pertain to them. Vehicles are essential for our way of life [with] no thought [given] to what it does to our air. People litter our highways and streams thinking that their little bit does not make a difference. Children bear the burden of our environmental irresponsibility. Their dreams are shattered, their health is sacrificed, and their chance for a safe world to live in is compromised because of our negligence."
Dustin Hofer, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Community-based forestry programs…can improve the way Americans care for their urban and rural ecosystems. Quincy, California, once a thriving timber town, has a forest management plan that includes fuel reduction and an acceptable harvest level. The plan works because the people compromise and work toward the goal of common survival. Conserving, protecting, and restoring the environment should be our common goal."
Dustin Hofer, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Volunteers for school are needed in Rock Island. However, this is no ordinary school. This is clown school, a special class being offered through the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department. Everyone, ages 14 and up, may join to spread smiles, laughter, and kindness. Sometimes a smile is the best medicine in the world for cheering up someone."
Amanda Beauchamp, Rockridge High, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"In last week's paper, a twenty-three-year-old man was recognized for picking up thirty-five thousand pounds of trash along the Mississippi River. This man was given twenty thousand dollars by Alcoa, a major area corporation, in order to organize a group and continue his work. In order for this world to be a responsible place, we need people who do not just sit around and think that there is nothing they can do to help. There is always room for more help, especially in a poor part of society."
Clint Stevenson, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Research has shown that many people who volunteer made their own lives better. Some have completely changed their lives around." Christy Coulter, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"A responsible organization [is] the Quad City Furniture Connection. They collect old couches, tables, chairs, lamps, or any other used furniture and hand them out to families who need them but cannot afford them [to buy them]. This charity serves a double purpose: it is a great way to recycle and it helps make life easier for someone in need. This responsibility shown is very helpful and beneficial to the community."
Nicole Madison, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"Some firemen in the city projects wanted to help the children in their neighborhood. As a result they have become mentors to the children and encourage the children by giving them prizes. For example, they fix up old bikes and at the end of the school year, they give them to the kids with good attendance and the ones with good grades."
Christy Coulter, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

"People who adopt animals from shelters keep them from being euthanized. Most times, the animals are there as the result of some form of human neglect to begin with, so it is nice to see others pick up the slack."
Allison Speth, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Who cannot be filled with pride and admiration when they read stories like those provided by students? We can all be justly proud of the United States and its well established network of volunteers. But Nicole, below, makes a good point:
"By everyone just giving a little to help others, communities become much closer and happier…I think that the best way to persuade people to be responsible is to offer more recognition for those who volunteer and work to make a difference. One way to do this is to hold summits to show the satisfaction involved in volunteering. When people realize how fulfilling their experiences can be, they will be more inclined to lend a helping hand."
Nicole Madison, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Taylor Ridge, Illinois is an example of the numerous communities around the country that are recognizing good deeds. We can't do enough of it!

"In our own area, the Moline Pride Commission is establishing a Citizen of the Year program. The award will honor people who have done a lot for the community, or have just done good neighborly deeds. It is nice to see an organization step forward and recognize people who do responsible things, and give back to everyone around them. For as much irresponsibility as there is publicized, I think there is three times as much responsibility that occurs. It is up to us to commend these people and encourage more acts like theirs. If society as a whole can realize the importance of owning up to its actions, the question of whether or not people are responsible would never even have to be asked."
Allison Speth, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

As Christy says:
"We make our own choices. I hope to read about more stories of good deeds and volunteerism and [fewer] stories [about] irresponsibility. The only way we can is if we go out there ourselves and make a difference, no matter how big or small."
Christy Coulter, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois                                                             [Back]