Weymouth High School - Campus / Reflector Yearbook (Weymouth, MA)

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AMERICA ' S GREATEST . ASSET YOUTH Mary Eunice Koliler As the race for world supremacy feverishly continues, each nation counts its assets — material wealth, natural resources, the stockpile of atomic weapons. We shudder to think that guided missiles, capable of mass destruction, are now ready. In the haste of nations to produce aircraft of supersonic speeds, many have forgotten that that nation will remain supreme which utilizes its most precious asset; that is, its youth. In the early nineteenth century, Disraeli observed, The youth of a nation are the trustees of posterity. How true this is! Yet have freedom-loving countries fully realized the significance of this statement? Possibly not to the extent of the despotic or communistic powers. In our own century, we have the example of Adolph Hitler, who said, Let me train your youth, and I will rule the nation in whatever way I choose. More recently we have only to look at Russia, quietly carrying on the greatest youth conservation program in her history. It is the task of America to begin an equally magnificent effort to con- serve and utilize her youth. Think of the millions of dollars Americans are pouring into conservation projects, giant dams, and efficiency surveys of business resources! Shouldn ' t there be at least a comparable amount set aside for conservation of democracy ' s greatest asset? Does the lack of an effective program indicate that Americans are unable or unwilling to think in terms of long-range results? Here in America, most of the money allo- cated to youth goes to the study and correction of juvenile delinquency. Yet the results are not what they should be. In a recent statement, J. Edgar Hoover warned that the United States crime rate has mushroomed three times faster than the nation ' s population and that youngsters under

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high honor essays AMERICA ' S GREATEST ASSET YOUTH j lary Eunice Kolile. DEMOCRACY YOUTH ' S GREATEST ASSET -Gail B EDUCATION FOR DEMOCRATIC LIVING Mary Ethel Hurst

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21 eighteen committed almost half the major crimes. Surely the time has come when more drastic measures must be taken to prevent the future rise of such a disgraceful condition. Thoughtful Americans will realize the urgent need for immediate and wholehearted action. Whatever the cost, we must eradicate juvenile delinquency. But at the same time we must not neglect an equally strong program for developing the talent of the nation ' s youth. Perhaps, in the end, the ounce of prevention will diminish the need for a pound of cure. Since a democracy is a government of the people, it is the American citizen himself who will have to see that the federal government, community, church, and home successfully co-operate in a great program for the advancement of youth. One of the obligations of the federal government is to hold in check the subversive agencies which try to poison young minds. Laws have been made to protect the body against poison, but very few to protect the mind against harmful comic books, motion pictures, television programs, and cheap adver- tising. It is the duty of the community to supply wholesome recreation in order to rid young people of that excess physical energy which often leads to trou- ble. Every citizen should consider it a personal obligation to see that his com- munity has a centre, under the supervision of youth leaders, where all chil- dren may freely go during their leisure time. Every community must also see that the schools teach more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. Now, as never before, a child must be taught to ap- preciate the magnitude of his democratic heritage and be inspired to uphold the traditions as set forth by our first great leaders. The public schools should give as much help as possible to the superior child. Much has been done to help the retarded boy and girl, but comparatively little for the exceptionally skilled. Also scholarships of considerable amounts should be provided for those in need, so that the talent of the naturally gifted can be given to the nation The influence of the church can be great, since any country believing in God and His principles will never fall under the influence of a dictatorship or Communism. Despots have continually tried to extinguish religion because it has always proved detrimental to totalitarian aspirations. By advocating regular attendance, churches can help to promote the cause of democracy, for to believe in God is to believe in what is right. In the home a child must be taught the great values of love, respect, and obedience, not only for their parents but also for all others. The impor- tance of having faith in God and leading a life according to the Ten Com- mandments must be emphasized. Juvenile delinquency usually stems from trouble or neglect in the home. If, ho wever, one grows up with the attitude, I was made for happiness for God, for the fullness of his revelation and all that is, he cannot help becoming a good and laudable person. Americans must be impressed now with the urgent needs of the youth of the nation. Each citizen must be made to see the absolute necessity for con- serving the country ' s most precious asset. He must recognize that an in- vestment in youth is an investment in the future, paying high dividends. For given a firm foundation, American youth, with an ingenious nature and faith in God, will stand unequalled in the world.