They gained new respect for compromise:
"As you can see, there are equal pros and cons to this situation.
More research should be done on this to work some of the disincentives out and to provide more incentives.
I believe this is a very effective idea and is worth [having] the people in power look into [it]."
Emily
Greene, Helena High School, Helena, Montana
"In conclusion there would be a lot of barriers to
overcome for our alternative to work. Lots of hard work and open mindedness would also be a big factor.
It would be easier in a community that would be just starting out, or a smaller community. For any alternative
to work people have to É be willing to compromise or it will be impossible to change the government."
Bryan
Apple, Helena High School, Helena, Montana
"Now it is up to the [voters] and the legislature
to make a decision and decide if the financial [savings] overcome the risks. Combining the police and
fire department does not have to happen [all at once]; one agency with different departments is a milder
alternative that also [would have] positive effects on the county's budget. In spite of the different
opinions that exist about this proposal, an evaluation should be considered, in the best interest of
the people."
Piotr Stipa, Helena High School, Helena, Montana
The students in Harrisburg, Illinois learned caution:
"Several ideas ... need [to be] examined more closely. A combination of [well] developed
ideas [may bring] success. ... The process takes time and patience."
Kelly Gorman, Harrisburg High School,
Harrisburg, Illinois
"So, what else can we do that we haven't already done to solve the unemployment
problem in our town? Our class ran in circles trying to find an answer that would solve the entire problem.
We finally decided, after a heated debate, that we must work to alleviate a few of the symptoms at a
time."
Brad Ross, Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg, Illinois
"It will take time and the
efforts of many people to solve this problem."
Damon Lampley, Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg, Illinois
Others learned when to pull back:
"Street improvement was too difficult and expensive to consider; it also
had too many legal complications. Better snow removal was a very close choice until the class found
out what it would cost to hire, train, and employ extra workers for the city."
Shannon McDonald, Wallace
High School, Wallace, Idaho
"Our class also considered building an off-road bicycle and snowmobile
trail. This idea was immediately opposed because of the liability involved. After some discussion, we
also felt that if we were to do this proposal, there would be a land purchase involved. Since this is
a project to stretch and conserve resources, our class decided that this would not be a feasible plan."
Stacey
Thompson, Centerville High School, Centerville, South Dakota
"Efforts have been made to bring in new
industries and failed because we lack water resources and efficient ways of transportation in and out
of our town. The possibility of a big job-supplying industry coming into our area seems unlikely because
of these deficiencies."
Amy Molinarolo, Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg, Illinois
"The
size of our community, the lack of resources it has, and other impossible barriers, such as money and
space, would not make this project impossible, but [would make it] unlikely."
Harmony Burwell, Meadow
Bridge High School, Meadow Bridge, West Virginia
"At first, our class liked an idea for renovation
of the theater downtown, but we decided that, since the theater had not been used for a number of years,
it may not be structurally sound. The class also decided that if the building was safe to use, the owner
may not be willing to approve the idea, especially if he was liable should any accidents occur."
Stacey
Thompson,Centerville HS Centerville, South Dakota
"Next we made a list of problems we might encounter.
Some facts we needed to find out included: funding, size, furnishings, maintenance, support, volunteer
work and supervision. After discussing this list, we took another vote and [decided] this project was
too involved. We didn't want to give up on our goal, but we needed to be reasonable."
Jessica Lounsbery,
Centerville High School, Centerville, South Dakota
"In my opinion I do not think there is any
way a combined police and fire would ever work. We need trained policeman to protect each person and
keep traffic in order. We need trained firemen when our house catches on fire. As the fire marshal said,
'When a bank robbery is in progress and a house is on fire how do we decide who will go where?' Let's
just leave it the way it is; there is nothing wrong with how these two departments are currently run.
... Even though there might be a 25 percent savings the efficiency and quality of services would get
worse. The cut back in 10-20 positions would leave people unemployed and put more people on welfare.
No matter how the idea is looked at the outcome always seems to be negative."
Coletta Vonada, Helena
High School, Helena, Montana
"I found that by researching this alternative that it just wouldn't
be safe. The alternative is a good idea but I just don't think that we would be getting the savings
we hoped for and there are better alternatives out there that [may] save us more money. Saving money
is what the people want and I just don't believe that this [alternative] is going to [do it]."
Amy Evenson,
Helena High School, Helena, Montana
They sharpened research skills:
"The next group's job was
to find out what kind of license would be needed. É They also found out the reasons for the license
and if there were any exceptions. One license they would need for sure, is a building permit. They also
inquired about the need for insurance. É They [learned] insurance was very important because [without
insurance] if someone gets hurt the [city] would have to pay for the hospital bill and medication. They
also had to talk to the planning department to figure out how the park would be set up with the natatorium,
arboretum, baseball/softball field, playground (slide, swings, monkey bars, and the merry-go-round),
and a fitness trail."
Brandy Roberts, Meadow Bridge High School, Meadow Bridge, West Virginia
"Insurance
analyst, George Harris, was a big help. He gave us exact numbers and figures. We asked him how many
vehicles were in the state É motorpool and he told us that there were 1,628 passenger cars, 38 buses,
2,067 trucks, and 1,010 heavy trucks. When we called these places: the Department of Commerce, state
and city motorpools, the Motor Vehicle Department, and the Office of Research and Information, we were
told that the law in Montana [declares] a state vehicle will not be used for personal reasons. É Then
we called Sign Works in Helena to get an estimate on what a pair of 12" x 24" signs would cost. They
gave us a price of $125 to make a pair of these advertising signs to put on the cars. Then we did
some more research and found out that it costs $1,500 to rent a billboard for one month. We would only
have to charge $200 a month for rent. If we could put 4 signs on each passenger car, bus, and truck
(we are excluding the heavy trucks) we could make $75,528,000 in revenue a year. [This would] only cost
the people $325 a month."
Heather Braten, Helena High School, Helena, Montana
And discovered a practical need for math:
"If you take every passenger-vehicle the state owns and put one-thousand
dollars worth of ad space on each vehicle, the state would make $1,628,000 a month. É If you put fourteen-thousand
dollars worth of ad space on each bus you would make $532,000 per month. É If you put two-thousand dollars
worth of ad space on each regular-truck you would make $4,134,000 per month. É If you put eight-thousand
dollars worth of ad space on each of the states heavy-vehicles you would make $8,080,000 per month.
É That's $172,488,000 per year for the fleet. This would pay the cost of maintaining the vehicle [and
leave] money [for the] general fund. Please keep in mind that these figures are our projected figures
and would vary from month to month. Even if you only [leased space for a month, you would earn] $14,374,000
which probably would pay the maintenance cost for the fleet.
Business people would like this because
they would only have to pay $325 for the first month and $200 for each additional month. That's very
cheap advertising compared to a billboard which is $1,500 per month, and can only be seen if you happen
to drive by it. Everybody knows that TV is not cheap; neither is print. So this is a cost-wise way
to advertise."
Justin C. Trafton, Helena High School, Helena, Montana
"The new plan [requires]
one or two full-time directors and several part-timers. With four workers and three pieces of machinery
for nine hours, it would cost approximately $120 per hour."
Tonia Cook, Barnesville High School, Barnesville,
Minnesota
"Family memberships, with a maximum of six people, would be $40/month. [Memberships]
would help pay for electric and heating costs. Individual memberships could be set at $10 per month
to help cut down on other costs. Since we know that not everyone can afford to pay even $5 a month,
we would have to [subsidize low-income] members."
Tabitha Stanfast, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri
"Installing
ITV in Kinsley High School comes to an initial cost of $807,000. [This includes] $576,000 cost for
fiber networks and terminals, $4,000 for coaxial cable terminal electronics, $171,000 for interactive
classrooms, $41,000 for teachers' training and project coordination and $15,000 for miscellaneous expenses.
If Kinsley High School could network with eight other schools (Bozel, Lewis, Macksville, St. John, Stafford,
Hutchinson, Langdon and Hutchinson Community College), the cost would be divided equally among each
school. Then each school would have to pay only $89,667. The cost for yearly operating costs is É $44,500
for personnel (directors and in-school coordinators), $3,600 for maintenance of ITV equipment in the
classroom, $2,000 for travel, seminars, and miscellaneous expenses. Then again, if KHS would divide
the cost equally with the same eight schools, it would cost only $12,011 for each school. Some possible
ways for overcoming the cost obstacle for KHS could be to come up with different fund-raisers for the
money. The best way to save and use the money would be to forget the new schools that are planned. If
the school board would table the new school plays, the board could use that money for installing ITV,
then they would have the money for necessary purchases. Another way to get money to install ITV could
be to raise taxes on the school books, the lunches, and other possible areas."
Angie Chamberlain, Kinsley
High School, Kinsley, Kansas
Students in Oregon discovered that possibilities exist within the tax code:
"The cost of the land may be reduced if the land owner can be persuaded to sell at a discount
because of the great benefit to the community. The difference [between] his original price [and his
selling price] may be a [charitable] tax write-off. Corporations and private citizens may also contribute
in donating to this community service as a tax write-off."
Michelle Knutson, Harrisburg Union High
School, Harrisburg, Oregon
"If the town owns the [proposed] center, taxes would be saved. Also,
declaring the lot where the center is located a recreation district, would change the tax base and decrease
any taxes the center would [otherwise] pay."
Nicole Hughes, Harrisburg Union High School, Harrisburg,
Oregon
West Virginia students excelled in salesmanship:
"Having a recreational facility in our community would be beneficial in several ways. It would improve the health of the community by proving a place to exercise. It [would] also pull the community together É and by interacting with each other, [neighbors might] learn to tolerate and respect each other. A recreational facility can be more than a place to play. It can be a place to build lasting relationships" Danny Meadows Meadow Bridge High School, Meadow Bridge, West Virginia
"Everyone in this class thought this was a spectacular idea because it had something
for everyone. The arboretum could be used by science classes so they would be able to have hands-on
experience to learn and see exotic, poisonous, or everyday plants. The natatorium would give an opportunity
for the school to offer swimming classes and gym class could use the fitness trail to do daily exercises
instead of using the gym all of the time."
Shannon Fox, Meadow Bridge High, Meadow Bridge,West Virginia
"The
park would be a great advantage for Meadow Bridge High. The natatorium could be used for a new curriculum.
When not in use by the school, admission to the natatorium could make a small profit. Welding and carpentry
classes could also benefit from and contribute to the park project. Welding classes could make monkey
bars, slides, swings and see-saws for the playground. Carpentry classes could build sandboxes, playhouses
and a fence for the playground. They could also create signs for the fitness trail. Biology and science
classes could plant shrubbery for the entire park. Math classes could calculate distances for the fitness
trail. É The Meadow Bridge fire department is proof that our community is hungry for growth. Although
it may sound unbelievable, bake sales and bingo keep our fire department afloat."
Audrey Brandstetter,
Meadow Bridge HS, Meadow Bridge,West Virginia
"This project is very possible with a little coordinated
effort from citizens who are looking for the very best for their children. This project could be an
example, an incentive, for future generations to keep striving to provide an interesting, exciting,
and safe place for their children to enjoy the company of other youths."
Aaron Brown, Meadow Bridge
High, Meadow Bridge, West Virginia
"Building a fitness center would pull the community together
as well as temporarily getting their minds off their problems at home. Once completed, the complex could
provide many enjoyable hours of exercise and activity. The healthier Meadow Bridge residents are, the
more capable they are of defending themselves from the criminals the county police refuse to investigate,
and the more intimidating they will be to those officers when they file their complaints! Also, a healthy
person is a relaxed person, and relaxed people are more creative. Somebody just might have a brainstorm
while playing softball, and solve the homeless problem or create a town militia, or think of a cure
for cancerÑthe possibilities are endless. Since the parents would feel less pressure, they would be
more civil to their kids, who would feel less stress and have more desire to learn. Their grades would
rise and they could wind up in Washington solving the deficit, in Switzerland making Nobel acceptance
speeches, or genetically engineering a tree that can grow on Mars, and all because of the Meadow Bridge
Community Fitness Center."
Leslie Gilbert, Meadow Bridge High School, Meadow Bridge, West Virginia
Many students were persuasive:
"I see a need today. I see a need for a youth center in Salem. In fact, I
see a center for youth reform as a primary family issue and a major goal for the Salem community. We
will achieve this goal only through intergenerational action."
Melissa York, Salem High School, Salem,
Missouri
"Now is the time to act! It is not enough to simply acknowledge a problem. In the past,
the citizens of Salem have overcome problems, such as the need for improved facilities for our handicapped
citizens, through the Dent County Developmental Disability Center, and the same way, we can overcome
[future problems]. The citizens must take the first step towards preparation for tomorrow."
Jonathan
Thomas, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri
"The suggestions that have been made are very positive
and, if authorized, should work. If I were a parent I would want É these helpful things [instituted]
in the community and schools. Lack of sexual knowledge is a big issue and cannot be [ignored]. Sex education
is an important matter that needs to be addressed with a much more concerted effort by everyone."
Traci
Richerson, Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg, Illinois
"Its pretty clear that government needs
more money. An extra $75 million could help a lot, and that's just for one, small state. [Montana]
This [commercial advertising on state vehicles] would mean more money for our children's education,
our elderly's medical problems, money for research of cancer, aids, and other diseases. This won't solve
all of our government's funding problems, but it is an extra push that may help. Stated in this paper
is just one of many ideas that will help us all into the next century."
Craig Kissinger, Helena High
School, Helena, Montana
"We would benefit [from Interactive Television (ITV)] by having more
classes available. É We could add German, Latin, Japanese, Russian, and ... advanced classes [in] our
Spanish department. In the science department, we could add advanced chemistry, advanced biology, advanced
physics, and maybe a new science program like astronomy. In our math department we could add advanced
classes, such as calculus. In our business department we could add advanced computer classes. We could
add art, higher level woods classes, and even auto mechanics. Not only would we receive classes, but
we could also share some classes, such as English composition and speech. Our school would benefit because
students from other areas would come to Kinsley because we would have better classes. This would bring
more money to our school to help pay for ITV or for other projects. The students would also benefit,
not only because of the wider range of classes, but also because there would be better teachers. There
would be better teachers because our teachers would not have to double up on their classes. This means
they could spend more time on their one class, giving the class all of their effort, thus making the
student better educated. The teacher from other [ITV] networking schools, such as Lewis, St. John and
Hutchinson Community College, to name a few, will also be better and give their all-out effort because
that subject will be the teacher's main concern. É The students would also benefit because they would
be able to meet other students from other towns without leaving the classroom. É Citizens could get
the classes they need [while remaining] in Kinsley, instead of traveling somewhere else. É Our hospital
could network with other hospitals, just in case they needed help with an operation, or to provide certification
classes for the personnel. There are many benefits to having ITV in Kinsley High School."
Matthew Swager,
Kinsley High School, Kinsley, Kansas
"The young people of Salem and Dent County do not really
have a place set aside for recreation. The only things that they are about to do are cruising, drinking,
going to surrounding towns, and in the summer, going to the river. When youth go to the surrounding
towns, the money they spend goes to support these towns and not their own. We believe there would be
a decrease in violence, teen pregnancies, drinking and accidents if there were some kind of supervised
recreation for teens. Because there is not a theater, skating rink, or bowling lane that is fit to use,
the youth have little to do except cruise or for the academically inclined, study. É If there were something
for teens to do to keep their minds off what hurts them mentally and physically, then the negative acts
[might] disappear. The youth center could have tutors to help those who need help in school and a computer
library and regular library for further reference. Also, support groups could be set up for people who
need them to gain self esteem to overcome their problem."
Julia Murray, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri
"A
new library is desperately needed in our community. I have clearly shown here in this proposal that
the incentives or a more efficient library far outweigh the disincentives. The community of Benton County
does not have much. A new library would combine everything the people wanted in the polls and much more.
With the proper funding from the government, and enough support from the people, this proposal could
actually happen."
Esther Gutierrez, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee
"In conclusion
our class has covered all of the possible objectives to gaining our proposal. We have thought about
all of the possible problems and benefits we É could come up with. We tried, any way we could, to offset
them and provide some workable points that anybody reading our thesis could understand and possibly
put into use. All in all, I think our amateur committee did well on providing some innovative solutions
to the problems in our community."
Jennifer Lynch, Harrisburg Union High School, Harrisburg, Oregon
"Aside
from giving our local teenagers a substitute for some of their less desirable social activities, the
civic center could have many other benefits for the entire community. Many of the existing programs
for community service for volunteer work could be utilized in the formation of the civic center. Local
youth could volunteer their time helping Salem's handicapped and elderly citizens, participating in
literacy programs, etc. An incentive for youth participation in these activities could be freedom to
use the center's sports and recreational facilities in return for a certain number of hours of volunteer
work each month."
Jonathan Thomas, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri
"In conclusion, I have
supplied information which anyone, could [use to] better a community and stretch resources. This project
could also make [Centerville] a safer place for [residents]. It is an excellent way for any community
to celebrate Earth Day."
Mandy Nelson, Centerville High School, Centerville, South Dakota
Doug made a suggestion:
"Instead of looking for innovative and colorful ways of getting things done, maybe
we should consider what has worked for hundreds of years; we need to take an active part in our community."
Doug Heckart, Harrisburg Union High School, Harrisburg, Oregon
Other students agreed:
"Through
new thinking and old values, the citizens of this town could greatly improve the financial health and
image of Medicine Lodge without experiencing a loss of services or a change in lifestyle. The answer
to improving Medicine Lodge or any other town will not be found in a budget, it will be found in the
hearts of the residents."
Tim Marshall, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas
"When
the community works toward a common goal they can then make things better for the next generation."
Justin Worley, Niantic-Harristown High School, Niantic, Illinois
"Our town is full of caring
citizens that are willing to put forth a little extra effort, but no one is willing to lead. Even though
we are getting a city administrator, it will take the entire community working together in order to
succeed."
Rebecca Ohler, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas
"The community
is a helpful and caring group and teamwork would help provide these and other projects."
Crystal Stallman,
Meadow Bridge High School, Meadow Bridge, West Virginia
"This project did not grow by itself,
but had help from individual students and residents, the junior class, in cooperation with the community
of Centerville, and the love given to it by everyone involved."
Jamie Austin, Centerville High School,
Centerville, South Dakota
"It is important that we get the entire community involved so that
everyone can be a part of this center."
Jeremy E. Riley, Harrisburg Union High School, Harrisburg,
Oregon
"Open hearts and minds in the community of Meadow Bridge are anxious to make this project
work."
Audrey Brandstetter, Meadow Bridge High School, Meadow Bridge,West Virginia
"Another
incentive is the fact that the project would promote community awareness and involvement. Community
activism also can help stop crime in any given area if enough people are willing to take a stand."
Shawn Burke, Rock Hill High School, Ironton, Ohio
"Eighty-eight percent of local businesses that
were polled agreed that they would be willing to work with others to bring jobs to the community. Maybe
everyone in Harrisburg could come together for the good of Harrisburg."
Jaclyn Mann, Harrisburg High
School, Harrisburg, Illinois
"All people are involved in their local government in some way;
whether by being on the city council and taking direct part in how the local government is run, or by
paying taxes to help run the governmentÑeveryone contributes."
Brett Donovan, Medicine Lodge High School,
Medicine Lodge, Kansas
Students wanted their neighbors to feel good:
"People in the community are getting great personal rewards
knowing that they are helping the community for years to come."
Shawn Manning, Barnesville High School,
Barnesville, Minnesota
"If you have ever volunteered to help [a person], a business, or a community,
you know the feeling it gives you knowing that you have helped someone out at a hard time. It is a rewarding
feeling and that is what keeps you coming back. If the community members were to volunteer their time
and get involved in the recreation center they would not only have the feeling of satisfaction of a
job well done, but also they might take a little more pride in our community and in themselves."
Mary
E. Giles, Harrisburg Union High School, Harrisburg, Oregon
They discovered something useful about human nature:
"By using all of the resources in the community and the entire community having a part
in the development of this project would give the community more of the feeling that it was really theirs
and the [project] would most likely be taken better care of than if the community had just hired someone
to do everything for them."
Teddy Claypool, Meadow Bridge High School, Meadow Bridge, West Virginia
Most of the students who participated in the 1995 Singer project, were optimistic and willing to persist despite being misunderstood or even ignored:
"In the end I guess our biggest downfall was our will power.
The idea of doing this project was great, but for only twenty-two students we just could not get a strong
motivational drive out of people to want to help us achieve our goal. 'Nothing's ever too tough to
achieve if you put your mind to it,' so I guess we will have to go back and analyze the situation and
try a different approach."
John Philp, Wallace High School, Wallace, Idaho
"So let's get a head
start by being pro-activists instead of reactivists. Even in the small town of Harrisburg things are
being done."
Kimberly Blinn, Harrisburg Union High School, Harrisburg, Oregon
"In conclusion
I feel that this is an alternative that lawmakers should look into. After all everyone likes the person
whom saves them money."
Patty I. Hertweck, Helena High School, Helena, Montana
"Barnesville is always
looking for a better way. The class decided to make a proposal and send it to the council members.
This would include what the people [those polled] wanted."
Kerry Bohner, Barnesville High School, Barnesville,
Minnesota
"Because of Harrisburg's size, there are not many activities offered to students. Maria's
Video and Arcade was one hang-out before its closure earlier this year. This leads Harrisburg students
to one of two options: either go to Eugene for their activities, or go out drinking. Senior citizens
also need [recreational] activities. Many do not like to travel long distances, especially at night.
They have to travel to Eugene to play Bingo or any thing else that they like to do. What Harrisburg
needs is somewhere for people of all ages to meet and have activities."
Reed Langdon, Harrisburg
Union High School, Harrisburg, Oregon
"[Providing] incentives for volunteers would be a chance
to do something good for the community."
Kevin Harper, Meadow Bridge High School, Meadow Bridge, West
Virginia
"Even after we decided to end this project, I still thought it was a good idea. If our
town joined together to create jobs and promote our town's tourism, I think it would be appreciated
for years to come."
Camille Mangelli, Wallace High School, Wallace, Idaho
"If you really feel
that it's important to have a youth center in Salem, then you will find a way to fund it. The money
could be there if it were wanted badly enough."
Carolyn Asher, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri
"I
think advertising on state and federal cars is a good idea. I don't see why there is a law against putting
ads on state vehicles. There is no reason why we shouldn't. Let's look especially at how much money
we could make and save. We could put more money into the programs like social services or make recycling
more convenient by making more accessible facilities. This money could pay off our national debt. This
money could go for many things to help our country."
Vanessa Picard, Helena High School, Helena, Montana
"Just
because this idea failed in other cities does not mean we could not learn from their mistakes and make
it work in our city."
Lisa B. Herman, Helena High School, Helena, Montana
"As for us, in the
meantime, we still need to continue working and never give up on our proposal."
William Hawkins, Camden
Central High School, Camden, Tennessee
Students wanted to be appreciated for the effort they put into this project:
"I'm sorry if my essay got a little lengthy, but I wanted you to see the time
and effort we had to go through to come up with one alternative."
Erika Lieberg, Helena High School,
Helena, Montana
"Our senior government class has been working on the Harry Singer Foundation
essay for quite some time now. As a participant, I feel it was [an] interesting as well as a valuable
learning experience. I have gained insight as to what services our community wants and needs. We have
put a lot of time and effort into this project and I hope you will consider our proposal."
Sarah Buchanan,
Helena High School, Helena, Montana
"This essay had to be planned out and was a very time-consuming
project. We started this essay in January and our first step was to divide into five groups. Everything
must be met by the guidelines of what is required or it would not be qualified. For example, a class
that was in the Harry Singer Foundation essay contest was disqualified because it failed to meet the
required guidelines. After we found that out, we wanted everything to be right so we did not get disqualified."
Melanie Strom, Barnesville High School, Barnesville, Minnesota
"This proposal took a lot of
thought, planning, time and hard work."
Harmony Burwell, Meadow Bridge HS, Meadow Bridge, West Virginia
"Our
class worked hard on this project, and I hope it serves the needs of the community."
Shawn Burke, Rock
Hill High School, Ironton, Ohio
"The class has worked very hard on developing alternatives ...
to help the local government decide how to raise money without a tax increase."
Sarah Stamm, Niantic-Harristown
High School, Niantic, Illinois
It is the Foundation's goal to encourage students across the nation to identify and help government officials and ordinary citizens choose economical alternatives whenever possible. Young people may not have extra dollars, but they do have excess energy and spirit. They are our nation's undeveloped treasure.
The students said it best:
"Knowing that we cannot renew
everything, we decided to do the next best thing which is improving what we already have. With a few
volunteers, a bucket of paint, and the desire for improvement, an old, run-down building can turn into
a community center. Already, volunteers from the community have painted some of the street signs. It
is amazing how a little paint can make our town look much nicer."
Rebecca Ohler, Medicine Lodge High
School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas
"Many residents were interested in a community center with an
indoor pool. This idea had previously been talked about in Barnesville, but was rejected because the
residents didn't want to fund [it]. This resulted in the cleanup of the local lake."
Paula Tenderholt,
Barnesville High School, Barnesville, Minnesota
"In the end, our project has its minor flaws,
but by improving something that we already have, we can expand our resources."
Ellen Holmberg, Centerville
High School, Centerville, South Dakota
"In conclusion, the residents of Centerville could work
together to improve what we already have and save money, instead of starting from scratch."
Debbie Stevens,
Centerville High School, Centerville, South Dakota
They exuded confidence in themselves and the abilities of other teens and young adults:
"I'm sure everyone is thankful for the work our sixth period
English class has accomplished to stretch the money of the Wallace city government."
Michelle Gotcher,
Wallace High School, Wallace, Idaho
"In closing I would like to say, again, what a great alternative
this is. The community would be cleaner and making money, without raising taxes. If everything goes
as planned, Ramsey will be a cleaner and safer place to liveÑall because of these two alternatives."
Kara
Merriman, Ramsey High School, Ramsey, Illinois
"I believe our idea is great. It will bring in
more jobs and take money [now] used by police to apply to other needs. Our community would become responsible
and closer as a whole family."
Sara Callahan, Rock Hill High School, Ironton, Ohio
"I believe
that this project would be a very good proposal to carry out. I expect that there would be a terrific
amount of community involvement to support this project to better our community."
Carrie Peterson, Centerville
High School, Centerville, South Dakota
"Our Alternative was based on Vice President Al Gore's
Reinventing Government proposal. É Is it possible to form a proposal that would save money and stretch
the resources of our local government? I believe so."
Crystal Stallman, Meadow Bridge High School,
Meadow Bridge, West Virginia
"The possibilities and profits to be made from this idea are limitless. We simply need to have the cooperation and help of the politicians who want to take this country out of debt. Everyone is always asking for a reasonable way to help pull this country up; well here it is!" James H. Kaczmarek, Helena High School, Helena, Montana
"I am not saying that we have all the answers
but for a group of high school students, I believe we have some decent suggestions."
Jaclyn Mann, Harrisburg
High School, Harrisburg, Illinois
The students in Ironton, Ohio were especially enthusiastic about their proposal:
"I believe that we have a great plan on our hands and we need to take the proper
measures to avoid the red-tape our society has created. So we must find some way to get this program
on its feet and running."
Dusty D. Ross, Rock Hill High School, Ironton, Ohio
"Together, the
class feels as though we have devised an idea for a plan that would provide the citizens with a program
that they want and are willing to help provide."
Krista Lambert, Rock Hill High School, Ironton, Ohio
"We
feel we have come up with an extraordinary system for our community. With some coaxing and lobbying
on our part, it could be implemented and would be greatly appreciated by the public and our officials."
Ginny Scott, Rock Hill High School, Ironton, Ohio
In fact, Angie, below, steadfastly refuses to be dissuaded from the class project:
"Later a committee of five was sent to visit Mayor Tordiff and
he seemed to show opposition and resistance. He explained to the committee that due to the police union
contract and problems dealing with liability that the whole idea wasn't [workable]. He strongly discouraged
our continuation, yet we believe in our program to better our community."
Angie Dillow, Rock Hill High,
Ironton, Ohio
Other students exhibited this same "can do" spirit:
"We, the creative writing class of Meadow Bridge
High School, have decided we are tired of hearing complaints and being told that it's 'just the way
it is', and we are going to do something about it."
Leslie Gilbert, Meadow Bridge High School, Meadow
Bridge, West Virginia
"There are many ways to conquer the task of building, maintaining, and
paying for the Family Fun Center. There is a need and we found the answer. There are stumbling blocks
but we'll jump over them with innovative techniques of fund raising."
Michelle Knutson, Harrisburg
Union High School, Harrisburg, Oregon
"Although we may not have some of the advantages of a larger
town, we know that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to."
Angel Lundeen, Harrisburg Union
High School, Harrisburg, Oregon
"In the end this would prove to be very beneficial not just to
one group, but to everyone who is willing to take the opportunity of using the facilities made available
by the determination of all those who helped this project become a reality. This would also prove that
with some determination anything could be done."
Michael McClung, Meadow Bridge High, Meadow Bridge,
West Virginia
"Our plan involves hiring people, not firing them. It creates jobs, and income at the expense of nothing. The State of Montana gets something for nothing. That's a tough bargain to turn down. In conclusion, I feel this idea should be looked at very seriously, The benefits far overshadow the negatives, and how often can you say that about government?" Jess R. Harris, Helena High School, Helena, Montana
"Even though this is a school project, we also wish to take it one step further. By putting the flags out on the street, we will show the people that we care about our town. We will also show the people that school students have enough responsibility to do something that will help other people. This project made a class realize they you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it.!" Randy Tester, Wallace High School, Wallace, Idaho
"This project is far from being completed, but we know that if we present our ideas to the right people at the right time, this would be a very exciting and achievable goal to accomplish. Our class will not be the ones to carry on with the entire process of getting this accomplished because of time and funding, but hopefully we can promote this project to another group who can get behind it 110%" Cotter Owen, Wallace High School, Wallace, Idaho
Participants were proud of the results:
"The city said this project was fantastic. The
city was willing to let us do this project. The city would be responsible and liable for the volunteers
while working on the park."
Mandy Nelson, Centerville High School, Centerville, South Dakota
"I
thought this essay contest was very rewarding; in fact, it took teamwork. With the skills of social
communication and a lot of thought and discussion, we made it all work."
Aaron Tester, Barnesville
High School, Barnesville, Minnesota
"This [project was] a good experience for the class. Everyone
liked the fact that one day we might make a difference to better our town. With many personal ideas
and participation in polls and interviews, we came together to come up with the safety proposal."
Anthony
Allen, Rock Hill High School, Ironton, Ohio
"In conclusion I think that this project is a very
well-organized and thought-out project. I think it can be accomplished and will be done in the future
of Centerville. I hope that it is, so the park of Centerville can be a place for all to enjoy."
Patrick
Carlson, Centerville High School, Centerville, South Dakota
"In conclusion I would like to add
that this project has helped me to realize just how much money we are wasting, that services that are
provided are abused, and that a lot of people bring the issue up but aren't willing to do much about
it."
Renatta Banning, Helena High School, Helena, Montana
"I think this essay contest helped
our class get closer in learning how to work under specific regulations. I believe it was a learning
experience that will help us as we move on to the real world beyond the seclusion of our school walls."
La Rae Tucker, Barnesville High School, Barnesville, Minnesota
"This essay kept you thinking.
It took quite a bit of team work and plenty of organization. It was a great assignment and was an honor
to get to write for such a great Foundation. It was an excellent experience as my senior year in English."
Melanie Strom, Barnesville High School, Barnesville, Minnesota
"This was an exciting and different
project with its ups and downs. It is just too bad that our class could not complete our project which
upset everyone. Over all though, it was fun and it brought our class closer together. É The Singer Foundation
has a great program going and I sincerely hope it will never end."
Michael Cox, Wallace High School,
Wallace, Idaho
"When we first heard of the essay [contest] we were told to act as if the project
would be one that we were going to actually accomplish for the community. I know when I first heard
... ideas of projects spun around in my mind ... I thought that it would be a great opportunity for
my school's junior class to show the town that good things can still happen. É Despite minor disincentives
and the hard work involved, I feel this essay was worthwhile and exciting. It shows that people in this
world still can [lend] a helping hand, whether it be to a single child or to a whole town. All it took
was a group of willing bodies and a plan."
Lesley Bertrand, Centerville High School, Centerville, South
Dakota
And we were proud of the participants.
We found a lot of competent young people willing to step up to the plate:
"Many people in communities often complain about nothing to do or nowhere
to go, but few ever do anything about it. The future does belong to the young, and we took it in our
hands to do something about it."
Danny Meadows, Meadow Bridge High School, Meadow Bridge, West Virginia
"In
fact, we feel so strongly about this, that we are even going as far as seeing it through to the finish.
By this I mean that we are setting out to have these flags produced and put up. Our first step is presenting
this idea to the city council. Wish us luck."
Courtney Drake, Wallace High School, Wallace, Idaho
"Life is like a boomerang: what you put into it will come back to you. This hold especially true to small communities like Centerville. As our junior class brainstormed in English class we asked ourselves, 'What can we put into our community to make it a cleaner, safer and generally a better place to live?' " Michael Myers, Centerville High School, Centerville, South Dakota
"Countless other ways are
being thought of to fund this project. One idea sparks another and eventually, little by little the
$2.2 million dollar amount will be reached. Although the project is large, I believe it is possible
if local volunteers play a significant role. People will be needed to work with the state, county and
city governments. Citizens must be active in the fundraising, construction and publicity aspects of
the center. However, the most important thing for a volunteer to do, is to have the vision for the center
and stay motivated enough to spread the dream to others, I would be more than willing to lend a hand
in any way I could. I am excited about the possibilities this recreation center holds for our town."
Deanne Heckart, Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg, Oregon
"Have you ever looked at a place
so timeworn and dilapidated that you were able to say, 'I remember how it was.'? That's how it is for
many of my classmates. They remember when they were young and would go to Gunderson Park (the beach)
and play. Now, after the flood of '84, it is run-down, and nothing beautiful is left. Our class decided
to do something about this."
Nichole Husman, Centerville High School, Centerville, South Dakota
"Our
class thought of several fund-raisers to help raise the money. These included a É speaker, É a fish-fry,
a car wash, a penny drive, a road block and others, including a book sale. Our class also sent a letter
to the local newspapers showing our disagreement with the county for reversing its previous decision
of giving the library $500,000."
Diana Molina, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee
"By
conducting this survey, we may have already made a difference in the community. With a request from
a city council member, our class sent a copy of the results from our survey to city hall. Hopefully
through our survey, city officials will see that the residents in town want to see some changes, and
they will work to achieve them."
Joel Nasstrom, Barnesville High School, Barnesville, Minnesota
They emphasize responsibility and cooperation:
"We need to pull together all of the resources into one.
But most importantly, we need to respect the past and [join it with] the future. The youth of today
[are responsible for the] youth of tomorrow."
Tom Sheffield, Harrisburg Union High School, Harrisburg,
Oregon
They are grateful and optimistic:
"Step back and look around at the tremendous blessing
it is to live in such a place as America. Despite all the controversy and disagreement, it is still
the best system with the greatest É freedoms. ... The writer's of the Constitution were not perfect;
they obviously could not have created the perfect government. They [did not know] the answer to every
problem that would arise, but [they did know enough] to lay down the guidelines and leave ... solutions
to future generations. ... Americans must find new options and different ways to keep everything running
smoothly."
Janet Diane Lay, Helena High School, Helena, Montana
This pilot project has already borne fruit. The excerpts below show that the Foundation has, in some small way, accomplished what it set out to do:
"The Helena High School government class of 1995 will graduate with a better understanding
of our local community and the government needed to run it. It is now possible to understand the frustrations
in government and possible to view the government as a working team struggling to overcome the obstacles
in our society today."
Jennifer Johnson, Helena High, Helena, Montana
"This project showed us
that even though we are young, we are important people and the decisions we make will affect the future
of everyone."
Shelly Sparks, Wallace High School, Wallace, Idaho
"This survey has taught me
that we have to prioritize what is most important in our lives and be willing to volunteer or make sacrifices
for what we feel is important for the town and for what we, as individuals, believe in."
Paula Tenderholt,
Barnesville High School, Barnesville, Minnesota
"If the people in our communities know what they
want, why not give it to them. We decided to combine volunteerism with the government and see what happened.
What would happen, we feel, could be very beneficial to our community."
Ginny Scott, Rock Hill High
School, Ironton, Ohio
"Learning how government operates is important. The project that our class
decided to do involved much of [our] local government and gave students a good idea of what procedures
you have to take to do community projects."
Matt Davis, Wallace High School, Wallace, Idaho
"To
unite the wishes of the government and the demands of the taxpayer is a [tough] job. It was a genuine
privilege to take part in an opportunity to at least get an idea of where both sides were coming from."
David Sakry, Barnesville High School, Barnesville, Minnesota
"After all our questioning and
discussions with members of our class and community, it becomes clear that there are many alternatives
to improving our community which wouldn't cost the taxpayers more money. Many of our class and community
members are willing to help make Centerville a better place for the young people in the area. It seems
that the way to help keep our communities strong, even during this time of budget-cutting and reduced
funding, is for all of us to work together for the good of everyone."
Bryan Stevens, Centerville High
School, Centerville, South Dakota