 |
 Cheating is a type of dishonesty that is very common in today’s society. In a recent national poll, 40 percent of U.S. teenagers said they would cheat if they knew they could get away with it. A 1994 survey of students in Who’s Who Among High School Students revealed:
• 70 % had cheated at one time or another,
• 67 % copied another student’s work,
• 40 % cheated on a test or quiz, and
• 25 % used plot summaries to avoid reading an assigned book.
We asked teens from St. Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish in Macclenny and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Palm Coast –
Is it morally wrong to cheat?
Under what circumstances if any, is it okay?
Stephanie – Yes it is morally wrong to cheat. It all depends when and where you are, but overall, no under any circumstances.
Bryan – It is definitely wrong to cheat. There is no reason why a person should cheat. When a person cheats, they are stealing in some way from other people. When a person wants to achieve a goal, they should put their own work into it and not take from other people. I don’t believe that a person could cheat in a good way. Although cheating may be easier, it is wrong.
Kristen – Yes it is wrong to cheat because if you don’t learn to do it yourself it will be harder on you in life.
Jeff — Cheating on anything is very wrong and I think that cheating should be against the law. But the only time you should cheat is if you have a gun pointed at your head. But cheating is always wrong.
Wendy – Yes it is wrong to cheat because if you cheat you will keep on doing it and you will never learn right from wrong.
Laura – Cheating is breaking the Seventh Commandment, “Thou shalt not steal.” By cheating you’re stealing from yourself and others. There is no good enough excuse to cheat. You have to do everything for yourself to succeed.
Julia – The problem with cheating is the illusion behind it. Cheating brings instant gratification – a good grade on a test, sexual pleasure, or victory in a game. But it encourages long-term disappointment and damage. When you think about things solely on a short-term basis, cheating seems to be the way to go. After considering the long-term effects, it is obvious that cheating is not worth it.
|
 The Choice Game is a new computer game that aims to teach teens how to make smart and moral decisions about real life situations.
The game takes you on an interactive journey where teens can explore the consequences of their decisions, while “angels” keep tabs.
Some of the role-playing situations you can choose from are: dating, teen pregnancy, depression, peer pressure, drugs among others. These topics are very effective because they are areas where teens have many questions.
The game is fairly easy to play once you get started, due to the simple to use buttons and sounds. Each scene contains three choices to choose from, and various scenarios that you can choose or ignore and listen to what the “Angel” or “Demon” have to say.
Other helpful tools include a side bar with links to websites that are related to the topic at hand. Once you have selected your choice to the scenario, you will see and hear the answer used in the next stage. Depending on the choice you select, you are awarded points.
Technological needs to play this game are somewhat demanding. Some components required include Windows 95, a sound card with speakers, 32MB of RAM minimum, and Internet Explorer 5. The game does include a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page on their website for additional help.
My verdict on the game: It’s a good game that is cool enough to be played by teens, and is also a great game to play with a group of friends.
If your youth group would like to try the game, a copy is available through the Diocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office, (904) 355-1100.
 Beginning this issue we are introducing a new column for teens called Did You Know????
We want to highlight the many accomplishments, honors, awards and special recognitions that teens throughout the Diocese of Saint Augustine have recently received.
So brag a little to peers and send us your good news — the following teens did!
Did You Know…
Torey, a senior at Clay High School in Green Cove Springs and a parishioner at St. Luke Parish in Middleburg was named First Runner Up for Miss Clay High School?
Torey competed with 22 girls in five different categories: Interview, speech, walk, impromptu question and talent.
As First Runner-up Torey received a $500 college scholarship. She also won the Best Overall Talent Award. Congratulations Torey!
William, a parishioner of Sacred Heart in Green Cove Springs just earned the honor of Eagle Scout for the Boy Scouts of America.
William is one of five young scouts from this parish to receive this award in recent years.
Boys have until their 18th birthday to complete the requirements of Eagle Scout. William built a sign for Sacred Heart Parish that can be seen at the new church on Highway 17. As part of his project he had to come up with a plan, obtain donated materials, and solicit help from fellow scouts who can then help implement the project. Congratulations William! |
Feb. 4 – Diocesan Youth Rally
For youth in 9th-12th grades
Sunday, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
St. Patrick’s, Gainesville
Call (904) 355-1100
Feb. 9-11 – SEARCH Retreat #72
For Juniors and Seniors in High School
and College Freshman
Cost: $40
Camp St. John, Switzerland
Call (904) 355-1100
Feb. 16-17 – Journey Retreat
For youth in 9th-10th grades
Friday, 7:30 p.m.-Sunday, 8 p.m.
Marywood Retreat Center
Call (904) 287-2525
Feb. 17 – Diocesan Youth Rally
For youth in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades
Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
St. Matthew Parish, Jacksonville
Call (904) 355-1100
March 18 – Scout Recognition Ceremony
With Bishop John J. Snyder
Sunday, 3 p.m.
Cathedral-Basilica, St. Augustine
Call (904) 355-1100
April 16 – Annual CYO Golf Tournament
Fundraiser for Youth Ministry
San Jose Country Club, Jacksonville
Call (904) 355-1100
April 20-22 – SEARCH Retreat #72
For Juniors and Seniors in High School
and College Freshman
Cost: $40
Camp St. John, Switzerland
Call (904) 355-1100
April 28 – Kingdom Bound Concert
Featuring Christian Artists: Newsboys,
Scarecrow and Tinman, Third Day,
Rebecca St. James and more.
Saturday All Day with a Vigil Mass.
Spirit of Suwanne Park, Live Oak
Call Pete Blay for more information including transportation (904) 355-1100
|
|
