Gwen Liz student commended for doing the right thing

Ken Alexander Gabb

‘Do the Rait Ting’ is an annual initiative by the Belize Police Department that seeks to recognize young people for their commitment and dedication for making positive choices in life, regardless of the economic or social ills that they encounter. This year’s award program is scheduled for next week, but we caught up with the national winner, Ken Alexander Gabb today. The former prefect from his high school was surprised to learn that he will be awarded for his good work. The excited youth spoke with News Five’s Andrea Polanco.

Andrea Polanco, Reporting

Twenty one year old Ken Gabb of Gwen Lizarraga High School is the national ‘Do the Rait Ting’ student. This model student has championed many causes in his community and school. But he says that even doing the right thing can prove to be difficult at times; yet he stood the test:

Ken Alexander Gabb

“It was difficult because during the time we were working on the project, I had CXC’s I had different SBA’s to do so it was really hard for me at that time but she managed to work with me and I just did my school work and at night I managed to write my essays for ‘Do the Rait Ting’ stuff and I came out on top as she told me and I was happy and I was glad.”

Andrea Polanco

“Alright so when we hear ‘Do the rait thing’ a number of things come to mind; like giving service at school and in the community. Tell us a little bit about the different things you were involved in for the past year?”

Ken Alexander Gabb

“For the past year and previous years, I used to do a little work for BAHA, charity work, work for Belize Audubon Society; numerous works for graduation like community service. Around school, my job as the head boy and head prefect was to look around, ensure that students are doing the correct thing and they are attired appropriately. If they are littering just correct them and tell them they are not doing the correct thing and just be a bigger brother and someone to look up to.”

Andrea Polanco

“Now, was it ever challenging to continuously be doing the right thing?”

Ken Alexander Gabb

“Well, at times it was challenging because you know in this world you usually have people who tries to bring you down and look down on you although you’re doing the right thing. So at times it was really challenging.”

Therese Chavarria

And for single parent, Therese Chavarria of the Immigration Department, the task was even harder.

Therese Chavarria, Ken’s Mother

“It’s, it’s challenging; being mother and father, having to monitor; having to ensure that they are in school and ensure that the school work is completed; very, very challenging and raising a young man in Belize City is difficult.”

Andrea Polanco

“Now, going about from day to day, what are some of the things that you do with your son to show him the right way and to help him do the right thing?”

Therese Chavarria

“That is something that I always preach. I always ask him to do the right thing; if you notice above me. I also do that at home and ensure that they are at home all the time and ensure that the school work is completed and if project needs to be done, the project is completed.”

Andrea Polanco

“Did it come as a surprise to you that your son was named among the top students for “Do the Rait Ting?”

Therese Chavarria

“Yes, it came as a surprise. I never expected that.”

Andrea Polanco

“Alright, Ms. Chav, leave us with one last piece of advice for parents in terms of helping their children to do the right thing?”

Therese Chavarria, Ken’s Mother

“I want to say to parents; single parents and all other parents; we need to realize that the work at the school or the teacher’s job cannot be done at the school only. We cannot expect the teachers to do everything. The parents have their role to play and the parents need to do their part.”

Gabb says while he wasn’t an A student, he was surrounded by people who encouraged him to push for what he believes in; the right thing.

Ken Alexander Gabb

“The thing that inspired me the most was my peers, teachers, my parent, mostly my mother; Miss Therese Chavarria. She had been my mother and my father from ever since I’ve known myself and these people in my life, they just motivated me and the things that I went through from a kid and I matured.”

Andrea Polanco

“Now, the institutions you’ve attended; just summarize for us briefly how you ended up here at the Gwen Liz?”

Ken Alexander Gabb

“I didn’t do the full four years course here at Gwen Liz. I ended up here in third form as a technical student. I was transferred here as a technical student and during the course of my education, I wasn’t per say, an A student but I came here and decided and noticed that hey, I have to step up and be a bigger person.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Andrea Polanco.

Gabb, along with other winners, will receive their prizes at the seventh annual ‘Do the Rait Ting’ program at Old Belize on July eleventh.