Almost every evening on the news, at risk youths with antisocial tendencies dominate the headlines. But that's only a small part of the picture; every day there are thousands of youths who are doing the right thing.
And some of them were honoured today at the Belize Police Department's 7thAnnual Du Di Rait Ting Award Ceremony at Old Belize.
There were 29 monthly winners, but there were 10 students who were singled out for special distinction.
Here's how they described what it means to stand up for the right thing.
Ken Alexander Gabb -1st Place Gwen Liz High School
"Doing the right thing wasn't an easy task for me growing up because I had a lot of obstacles in my way, distracting and holding me back. But as I matured, I started to realize that I wasn't going on the right path. So, I decided to stand tall, and hold my head high, proceeding through the path of righteousness, and knowing that at the end of the road, will be a lot of rewards. Thus, I was told about the Du Di Rait Ting Competition, and decided to compete. I was elected as the regional first-place candidate for Belize City, and went on to achieve first place as the National Du Di Rait Ting candidate."
Steven Michael Green - 2nd Place Georgetown Technical High, Independence
"I really want to thank my sponsors, my school, my family, my friends and my teachers for their help. If it wasn't for them, I would not have made it. I would have been in the streets doing all kinds of different things. As a youth, it's very challenging and very hard, a lot of peer pressure. So, to the youths, I really want encourage them to do the right thing, and to continue what I am doing. I am so surprised, and so amazed. You guys don't know how I feel right now, but I just feel happy because this is the first time that our school ever got into something like that. I like it because I came in second. I would have really wanted to come in first, but I have to try harder. I will never give up. I am a survivor. I always survive."
Shakeem Guzman - 3rd Place, St. Ignatius High, Independence
"I am very honored to be the 3rd place winner. I didn't quite expect it. It's all about making the right decisions in my life. That's what made me a part of the program. There were challenges that I had to meet, to stay away from bad decisions, and to focus on my goal, like what I want to be in the future. I look around, and there is not one person whose lives I want mine to be like. I want to be a positive role model for my friends, my family, and everyone around me."
The top 10 winners will receive either a full scholarship to a tertiary Institution of Belize, a laptop, a netbook, or a monetary Award.
The second place winner, Steven Michael Green, is of special interest because he told us that it is a constant struggle to continue high school due to financial problems.
He currently has to find the financing for his final year in high school. Anyone who would like to help this young man can contact him at 625-5805.
Email
Print