Public Speech: School Shootings, Part II

Hey. This is my whole completed speech. Top to bottom. I hope you enjoy it!! Please review. It was ran trough spell check this time!!!

"Massacre at Columbine", "Terror at Tech".

Good morning, teachers and fellow students. My name is Kelsey Howlett. Today I am going to talk to you about the school shootings that have taken place in the United States in the past several years.

School shootings is a well used term in both American and Canadian media to describe gun violence at an education institution, epically the mass murder or spree killing at people of the institution. A school shooting can be perpetrated by one or more students, expelled, faculty members or an outsider. Unlike acts of revenge against certain people, school shootings involve multiple intended victims that are often randomly targeted.

As many of you already know, school shootings receive extensive media coverage, but are fortunately infrequent. They often result in nationwide changes in school policies concerning discipline and security. Some experts have describe the fear of school shootings as a type of moral panic.

The first school shooting I'd like to tell you about is the well televised Columbine High. On April 20th, 1999 in the small town on Littleton Colorado two teen boys, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold met up at the student parking lot as they loaded their weapons. Then they made there way to a grassy hill, just outside the schools cafeteria. They there shot their first victim, Rachel Scoot. According to Richard Castaldo who was next to her (also shot but survived) the two boys taunted her about her faith before taking her life.

Then at 11:21 you could hear the shots ringing throughout the school. When the shooters entered the library, they took with them the lives of their last ten victims. When all was said and done, twelve students and one teacher had been killed. The two shooters committed suicide shortly after the library attack. Twenty three students and faculty members were wounded.

Columbine was the fourth deadliest school shooting in United States history. The first being the Bath School Disaster on May 18th, 1927 where 45 lives were taken and many more wounded.

The Columbine massacre provoked many debates about gun control laws. It also prompted more discussion centered around on high school cliques and bullying.

If you think nothing like that could ever happen here, think again. SuccessTech Acamady is one of Cleveland's best public schools with the highest graduation rate (94%). But that all changed awfully on October 10th, 2007 when 14-year-old Asa Coon opened fire in the school. He injured three students and two teachers, which were his personal targets. But fortunately no one was killed aside from Asa who turned the gun on himself and fired it to his face.

Even universities took a huge blow this past year. Virginia Tech's mass murder Seung-Hui Cho took at total of 32 lives on April 16th 2007 before he shoot himself. That is this entire class dead.

This incident prompted immediate changes in the law that allowed an mentally unsound man like Cho to purchase firearms. It also led to the passage of the first major gun control measure in mare then 13 years. This law strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check System signed by the President of the United Sates on January 5th 2008.

The Virginia Tech review panel , a state-appointed body assigned to review the incident, criticized the university administration for failing to take action that might of reduced the number of casualties. They also pointed out gaps in mental health care as well misinterpretations of privacy laws that left Cho deteriorating condition untreated.

Then in Montreal, Dawson College was fell a victim to a gunman. On September 13th, 2006 the gunman Kimveer Gill began shooting outside the de Maisonneuve Boulevard entrance to the school. He then moved toward the cafeteria on the main floor of the college. One victim died at the seven, 19 more wounded with six of them needing surgery.

This was the FOURTH fatal shooting in Montreal alone. The first being Ecole Polytechnique massacre on December 6th in 1989 where 14 people died. Since the attack in 89, many feminist groups and public officials have characterized the massacre as an anti-feminist attack. Others emphasize about his abuse he suffered as a child, in my opinion and in many others this was simply an act of a madman, unrelated to larger social issues. However, many people blame it on the violence in media. [I disagree with this last argument, it is a logical fallacy of appeal to the people. Quote an expert, but don't say what public opinion is]

If so many people are complaining about the violence in media and blaming every act of violence on it, why do they let their children watch TV, play video games on it, and even use the computer?

This incident also led to more stringent gun control laws in Canada and the changes in the tactical response of police to shootings. This change was credited for the minimizing deaths at Dawson College.

Then an Amish community school house was hit in Lancaster Pennsylvania. On October 2nd, 2006 Charles Carl Roberts arrived at the one room schoolhouse were the students were preparing for a German class. He walked in to the room and ordered all the males to leave the room, he then lined up all the young girls and tied their legs. He then shot them execution style. In the end five girls from age seven to thirteen were dead and seven were wounded. Roberts then committed suicide.

This schoolhouse, West Nickel Mines School was torn down and a new schoolhouse with a very appropriate name. The New Hope School was built at a new location.

I believe bulling plays a major role in these kind of incidents. Metal unsound teens can snap easily with your cruel words. Think about it, the people you bully, do you really know the first thing about their home life? And you don't know about their psychological stand point is so I believe you shouldn't be able to contribute in helping the possible go of the edge. In school shootings Innocent people are injured or killed, do you really want to be the ones who know you pushed that person to snap like this? Unfortunately many bullies don't expect their victim's to do this, but it is possible if you keep it up.

Now I'm not saying that ever person you bully is going to come to come and inflict some kind of horrible violence on us, all I am saying is it is 100% possible. Like do you really know what they are capable of? Honestly.

Now lets go to the media. Media in many peoples opinions play a major role. For me, I don't believe this. Sure it does play a role if all you do is kill virtual people so why not do it on the people who are hurting you in real life? But in 1927 they didn't have video games then. I believe as our technology progress, we think of new reason to blame these horrific incidents on. But if you ask me it all leads back to bullying. If these perpetrators do watch these violent things, who do you think their targets are going to be? My answer would be the people who could be tourting them in school, where they are suppose to be safe.

So I ask you this, if so many people are complaining about the violence in media and blaming every act of violence on it, why do you let you children watch the t.v, play video games on even go on the computer?

I also believe that when young people make such threats, adults don't take them as seriously as they should. I know when who would this VERY seriously, but in Hillsborough, North Carolina August 30th, 2006 after shooting his father to death, a student open fires at his high school, injuring two students. Deputies found guns, ammunition, and homemade pipe bombs in the student's car. The student had emailed Columbine High's principal, telling him that it was "time the world remembered" the shootings at Columbine. I believe that if the principle at Columbine had taken it more seriously then the incident might of not even occurred. Grant it, some people may make threat's like this for attention. But we don't know that they are doing it for attention. Peoples track records come in to play of course, but I don't think they should because it could be real and with the track records, we still wouldn't know if that person was bullied or has a bad home life. So I believe that every threat should be treated seriously, just like we would if it was a terrorist threat. It could save lives.

So to rap everything up, don't bully people because you really never know what they are truly capable of and don't listen to everything you hear and see in The Media. it's make, made up by people and if you act them out someone could end up injured or dead. And if you are someone on your breaking point, talk to someone, they can get you some help.

So remember the victim's of Columbine, Virgina Tech and all the others who had died during these acts of violence when you are taunting someone.

I'm going to leave you with a stanza of a poem written by one of Columbines students, Joanna Gates who wittiness the massacre

11:21
The choir hushes to the rhythm of pounding hearts.
Students scream through the halls as terror burns itself on innocent faces.
Tick, Tick, Tick- 11:21-
lives are forever changed.
Shock.......Hysteria......
Why?
The sound of bombs ignite horror through our veins and send chills that pinch the skin like needles.

Thank-you.

Remarks/add-ins are in braces:


Good morning{,} teachers and fellow students. My name is Kelsey Howlett{.} {T}oday I {will speak to you} about the school shootings that have taken place in the United States {over} the past several years.

{In both American and Canadian medias, “}School shootings{”} is a well used term describ{ing} gun violence at an education institution, {especially} mass murder{s} or killing {sprees} at {educational facilities}. A school shooting can be perpetrated by {anyone}. Unlike acts of revenge against {specific} people, school shootings {often} involve multiple{,} {random} target{s}.

As many of you already know, school shootings receive extensive media coverage{.} They often result in nationwide changes {to} school policies concerning discipline and security. Some experts have describe{d} the fear of school shootings as a type of moral panic. {If “moral panic” is being quoting from something (you say experts – in other words, someone else – described it this way), you should have it in quotation marks.}

{The well televised Columbine High School shooting is the first that} I {would} like to tell you about. On April 20th, 1999{,} in the small town o{f} Littleton{,} Colorado{,} two teen{age} boys, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold{,} met at the student parking lot {to} load their weapons {shortly before lunch}. {On a grassy hill outside the school's cafeteria at 11:21}, {t}hey shot their first victim, Rachel Scoot. According to the {nearby} Richard Castaldo who was also shot but survived{,} the two boys taunted her about her faith before taking her life. {After this} the shooters entered the library, they took {ten more} lives. The two shooters committed suicide shortly after the library attack {I moved this sentence.}. {When smoke and screams had cleared the air}, twelve students and one teacher {were dead}. Twenty three students and faculty members were wounded. Columbine was the fourth deadliest school shooting in United States history. The first being the Bath School Disaster on May 18th, 1927 where 45 lives were taken and many more wounded {Although this sentence is interesting, it's irrelevant. The Bath School shootings aren't important to the Columbine School shootings}. The Columbine massacre provoked many debates about gun control laws. It also prompted more discussion centered around high school cliques and bullies.


I would like to continue to read, but before I do this, you should read, tweak, re-read, tweak, re-read, edit, re-read, tweak, re-read, edit, re-read, tweak, re-read, edit, re-read, finalize. I think you understand what I'm trying to get at. Here are some things you need to work on: the way you spell (or looking more carefully at what you type); the use of words, phrases, or clauses (nothing unnecessary); the use of contractions (It's OK to use contractions in speech and informal writing, but it can be avoided, especially when you're getting a grade for it.); and ensuring all the info is relevant. Oh ya, don't forget to remove other previous comments when reposting your work (see paragraph 5 of the original part II).

Hey. Thank-you so much for the great editing! It sounds a lot better now and you did a awesome job at it!!
Thanks!!!!
Kelsi =)

Hey again people!! This is the edited version of my speech. Please READ AND REVIEW!!!!! Thanks!!!!
Kelsi =)


"Massacre at Columbine", "Terror at Tech".

Good morning teachers and fellow students. My name is Kelsey Howlett and today I am going to speak to you about the school shootings that have taken place in the United States in the past several years.

In both American and Canadian medias, school shootings is a well used term to describe gun violence at an education institution, especially the mass murders or killing sprees at educational facilities. A school shooting can be perpetrated by anyone. Unlike acts of revenge against certain people, school shootings often involve multiple, random targets.

As many of you already know, school shootings receive extensive media coverage, but are fortunately infrequent. They often result in nationwide changes to school policies concerning discipline and security. Some experts have described the fear of school shootings as a type of "moral panic".

The well televised Columbine High massacre that I would like to tell you about. On April 20th, 1999, in the small town on Littleton, Colorado, two teenage boys, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, met up at the student parking lot to loaded their weapons. On grassy hill, just outside the schools cafeteria 11:19am, they there shot their first victim, Rachel Scoot. According to the nearby Richard Castaldo who was next to her (also shot but survived) the two boys taunted her about her faith before taking her life.

Then at 11:21am you could hear the shots ringing throughout the school. When the shooters entered the library, they took with them the lives of their last ten victims. When smoke and screams had cleared the air, twelve students and one teacher had been killed. The two shooters committed suicide shortly after the library attack. Twenty three students and faculty members were wounded.

Columbine High was the fourth deadliest school shooting in the United States history. The first was the Bath School Disaster on May 18th, 1927 where 45 lives were taken and many more wounded.

The Columbine massacre provoked many debates about gun control laws. It also prompted more discussion centered around on high school cliques and bullying.

To all of you who think nothing like Columbine could happen here, I'd think again. SuccessTech Acamady is one of Cleveland's best public schools with the highest graduation rate at 94%. But this all changed awfully on October 10th, 2007, when 14-year-old boy, Asa Coon opened fire throughout the school. He had injured three students and two teachers, which were his personal targets. But fortunately no one was killed aside from Asa who turned the gun on himself and fired it to his face.

Even universities are being victimized by these gun men. Virginia Tech's mass murder Seung-Hui Cho took at total of 32 lives on April 16th 2007 before he shot himself. That is this entire class... dead.

This incident prompted immediate changes in the law that allowed a mentally unsound man, like Cho to purchase firearms. It also led to the passage of the first major gun control measure in more then 13 years. This law strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check System signed by the President of the United Sates on January 5th 2008.

The Virginia Tech review panel ,which is a state-appointed body assigned to review the incident, criticized the university administration for failing to take action that might of reduced the number of casualties. They also pointed out gaps in mental health care as well misinterpretations of privacy laws that left Cho's deteriorating condition untreated.

Then here in Canada, up in Montreal, Dawson College fell a victim to a gunman. On September 13th 2006, Kimveer Gill began shooting outside the de Maisonneuve Boulevard entrance to the school. One victim died at the seven, 19 more wounded, with six of them needing surgery.

This was the FOURTH fatal shooting in Montreal alone. The first being Ecole Polytechnique massacre on December 6th in 1989 where 14 people died. Since the attack in '89, many feminist groups and public officials have characterized the massacre as an anti-feminist attack. Others emphasize about his abuse he suffered as a child. Many officials say this was an act of a mad man, unrelated to larger social issues. However, many doctors do blame it on the violence in media.

The Ecole Polytechique shooting also led to more stringent gun control laws in Canada and the changes in the tactical response of police to shootings. This change was credited for the minimizing deaths at Dawson College.

Also, an Amish community school house in Lancaster, Pennsylvania took a major blow when five young girls were killed . On October 2nd, 2006 Charles Carl Roberts arrived at the one room schoolhouse were the students were preparing for a German class. He walked in to the room and ordered all the males to leave the room, he then lined up all the young girls and tied their legs. He then shot them execution style. Roberts then committed suicide.
This schoolhouse, West Nickel Mines School was torn down and a new schoolhouse with a very appropriate name, The New Hope School was built at a new location.

I believe bulling plays a major role in these kind of incidents. Mentally unsound teens can snap easily with a bullies cruel words. Think about it, the people you bully, do you really know the first thing about their home life? And you don't know about their psychological stand point is, so I believe you shouldn't be able to contribute in helping the possible go of the edge. In school shootings Innocent people are injured or killed, do you really want to be the ones who know you pushed that person to snap like this? Unfortunately many bullies don't expect their victim's to do this, but it is possible if you keep it up.

Now I'm not saying that ever person you bully is going to come and inflict some kind of horrible violence on us, all I am saying is it is 100% possible. Like do you really know what they are capable of? Honestly.

Now lets go to the media. Media in many peoples opinions play a major role. For me, I don't believe this. Sure it does play a role if all you do is kill virtual people. So why not do it on the people who are hurting you in real life? But in 1927 they didn't have video games or that much T.V. I believe as our technology progress, doctors and the public think of new reason to blame these horrific incidents on. But if you ask me it all leads back to bullying. If these perpetrators do watch these violent things, who do you think their targets are going to be? My answer would be the people who could be touting them in school or touting them at home. Both are places where you should feel safe.

So I ask you this. If so many people are complaining about the violence in media and blaming every act of violence on it, why do you let you children watch the T.V, play video games on even go on the computer?

I also believe that when young people make such threats, adults don't take them as seriously as they should. I know teachers and parents who would take this VERY seriously, but in Hillsborough, North Carolina August 30th, 2006 after shooting his father to death, a student opened fire at his high school, injuring two students.The point is, the student had emailed Columbine High's principal, telling him that it was "time the world remembered" the shootings at Columbine. I believe that if the principle at Columbine had taken it more seriously then the incident might of not even occurred. Grant it, some people may make threat's like this for attention. But we don't know that they are doing it for attention. Peoples track records come in to play of course, but I don't think they should because it could be real and with the track records, we still wouldn't know if that person was bullied or has a bad home life. So I believe that every threat should be treated seriously, just like we would if it was a terrorist threat. It could save lives.

So to rap everything up, don't bully people because you really never know what they are truly capable of and don't listen to everything you hear and see in The Media. it's fake, made up by people and if you act them out someone could end up injured or dead. And if you are someone on your breaking point, talk to someone, they can get you some help.

And remember the victim's of Columbine, Virgina Tech and all the others who had died during these acts of violence when you are taunting someone.

I'm going to leave you with a stanza of a poem written by one of Columbines students, Joanna Gates who wittiness the massacre:

11:21
The choir hushes to the rhythm of pounding hearts.
Students scream through the halls as terror burns itself on innocent burns.
Tick, Tick, Tick-- 11:21-- lives are forever changed.
Shock........ Hysteria.......
Why?
The sounds of bombs ignite horror through our veins and send chills that pinch the skin like needles.
Our school is now the grounds of warfare-- mortal fighting in a field of bombs and bullets.
Weapons that have fallen into the wrong hands have only one purpose and they are killing us and all I hear is gun fire.
Crackling, Crackling
Humming, bursting, screaming, ringing, what now.
Too much.
Too soon.
Too young.
So scared.
Help us.

Maybe not "the well-televised Columbine massacre that I would like to tell you about," but "Take the well-televised Columbine massacre." This would sound more natural and less stilted.

"Bullying" as opposed to "bulling"? "Wrap everything up" and not "rap"?

There's a lot of shock and horror in this speech - find a moment or two to take a pause in your speech so as not to overwhelm your audience.

Try to get rid of redundant and pretentious-sounding sentences such as "Let's go on to the media." Think of something more inventive to link your points together, such as: "And what role does the media have to play in this carnage?" Etc.

Otherwise, a great improvement on the first draft!

8.5/10

Thanks, I think it is a lot better from my first draft also.

Hey!! Thanks for the great reviews!!!!! This is yet again another revised versison. SO PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!!!! Thanks!!! Enjoy =)


Public Speech- School Violence

"Massacre At Columbine", "Terror at Teach"

Good morning, teachers and fellow students. My name is Kelsey Howlett, and today I am going to speak to you about the school shootings that have taken place in the United States and here in Canada during the past several years.

In both American and Canadian medias, “school shootings” is a well used term to describe gun violence at educational institutions, especially the mass murders or killing sprees at these facilities. A school shooting can be perpetrated by anyone. Unlike acts of revenge against certain people, school shootings often involve multiple and random targets.

As many of you know, school shootings, although infrequent, receive extensive media coverage. These shootings often result in nationwide changes to school policies concerning discipline and security. Some experts have described the fear of school shootings as a type of "moral panic".

First, I would like to tell you about the well-televised Columbine High School massacre. On April 20th, 1999, in the small town of Littleton, Colorado, two teenage boys, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, met up at a student parking lot to loaded their weapons. On a grassy hill, just outside the school's cafeteria at 11:19 AM, they shot their first victim, Rachel Scoot. Richard Castaldo, who was shot but survived, said the two boys taunted her about her faith before taking her life.

At 11:21 AM shots rang throughout Columbine as the attackers made way to the library. Upon entering the library, Harris and Klebold took the lives of their last ten victims, before their own. When the smoke and screams had cleared the air, twelve students and one teacher had been killed. Twenty-three students and faculty members were wounded.

Columbine High was the fourth deadliest school shooting in the United States history.
The Columbine massacre provoked many debates about gun control laws. It also prompted more discussion centered on high school cliques and bullying.

To all of you who think nothing like Columbine could happen here, I'd think again. Remember, no school is safe from attack. Success Tech Academy is one of Cleveland's best public schools with the highest graduation rate at 94%. But all that changed on October 10th, 2007, when 14-year-old Asa Coon opened fire throughout the school. He injured three students and two teachers, which were his personal targets. After injuring his victims, Asa fatally shot himself.

Even universities are being victimized by these gunmen. Virginia Tech's mass murderer Seung-Hui Cho took a total of 32 lives on April 16th, 2007, before he shooting himself. That is this entire class...dead, in one day.

This incident prompted immediate changes in the law that allowed a mentally unsound man, like Cho, to purchase firearms. It also led to the passing of the first major gun control measure in more than 13 years. This law strengthens the National Instant Criminal Background Check System signed by the President of the United Sates on January 5th, 2008.

The Virginia Tech review panel, a state-appointed body assigned to review the incident, criticized the university administration for failing to take action that might of reduced the number of casualties. They also pointed out gaps in mental health care as well misinterpretations of privacy laws that left Cho's deteriorating condition untreated.

An Amish community schoolhouse in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, took a major blow when five young girls were killed. On October 2nd, 2006, Charles Carl Roberts arrived at the one room schoolhouse were the students were preparing for a German class. He walked in to the room and ordered all the males to leave; he then lined up all the young girls and tied their legs. After shooting them execution style, Roberts committed suicide.

This schoolhouse, West Nickel Mines School was torn down and a new schoolhouse with a very appropriate name, The New Hope School was built at a new location.
Let us switch to the Canadian front. In Montreal a gunman started shooting at Dawson College on September 13th, 2006. Outside the de Maisonneuve Boulevard entrance to the school, Kimveer Gill killed one female and wounded nineteen. Six of the nineteen needed extensive surgery. Dawson College was the FOURTH fatal attack in Montreal alone.

The first Montreal attack was Ecole Polytechnique massacre on December 6th, 1989. Fourteen people died. Since the attack in '89, many feminist groups and public officials have characterized the massacre as an anti-feminist attack. Others emphasize about his abuse he suffered as a child. Many officials say this was an act of a mad man, unrelated to larger social issues. However, many doctors do blame it on the violence in media. The Ecole Polytechique shooting also led to more stringent gun control laws in Canada and changes in the tactical response of police to shootings.

I believe bulling plays a major role in these incidents. Mentally unsound teens can snap easily with a bully's cruel words. For those who bully, do you really know the first thing about their home life? You don't know about their psychological standpoint, so I believe you shouldn't contribute in pushing them closer to the edge. In school shootings, innocent people are injured or killed. Do you want to remember yourself as the person that helped them go over the edge? Unfortunately many bullies don't expect their victim's to do this why should they? But it is possible if you keep it up. Do you really want to know what these people will do if you keep pushing them?

Now to the media. Many people believe the media plays an major role in these shootings. I however, do not believe this. Take for instance the Bath School disaster – the first school shooting in the U.S..... in 1927. 45 people died that day and many more wounded. The Bath killers didn't have video games or that much T.V. It seems as our technology progresses, doctors and the public think of new reasons to blame these horrific incidents. If you ask me, it all leads back to bullying. If these perpetrators do watch and play these violent things, who do you think their targets are going to be? My answer would be the people who could be touting them in school or touting them at home. Both are places where you should feel safe.

So I ask you this. If so many people are complaining about the violence in media and blaming every act of violence on it, why do you let you children watch the T.V, play video games, or even go on the computer?

I also believe that when young people make such threats, adults don't take them as seriously as they should. I know teachers and parents who would take this very seriously, but in Hillsborough, North Carolina, on August 30th, 2006, after shooting his father to death, a student opened fire at his high school, injuring two students. Previously, the student had emailed Columbine High's principal, telling him that it was "time the world remembered" the shootings at Columbine. I believe that if the principle at Columbine had been taken more seriously, the North Carolina incident might not have occurred. It is true that some people make threats like this for attention, but we can't always count on this. Peoples track records come in to play of course, but I don't think they should because even thought they have done stuff wrong in the past, we still wouldn't know if that person was bullied or has a bad home life. I believe that every threat should be treated seriously, just like terrorism. It could save lives.

So to wrap everything up, don't bully people, and don't believe to everything heard and seen. It’s fake, made up by people and if you act them out someone could end up injured or dead. If you are someone who is being bullied, talk to someone. They are there to help.

I'm going to leave you with a stanza from a poem written by one of the Columbine students, Joanna Gates, a witness to the massacre:
11:21
The choir hushes to the rhythm of pounding hearts.
Students scream through the halls as terror burns itself on innocent hearts
Tick, Tick, Tick-- 11:21-- lives are forever changed.
Shock... Hysteria...
Why?
The sounds of bombs ignite horror through our veins and send chills that pinch the skin like needles.
Our school is now the grounds of warfare-- mortal fighting in a field of bombs and bullets.
Weapons that have fallen into the wrong hands have only one purpose and they are killing us and all I hear is gunfire.
Crackling, Crackling
Humming, bursting, screaming, ringing, what now.
Too much.
Too soon.
Too young.
So scared.
Help us.

Thank-You.

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!!