The young men that make it on this news are normally murder victims or murderers – but tonight we’ll introduce you to a few of them who are neither – on fact they are not even close. They are shining examples of youths doing the right thing – staying in school – or returning to school and helping the community against all the odds. 29 youths did the right things and they were honored this morning. Here are their stories.
Norman Jones, 2nd Place in ‘Do The Right Thing’
“I have a lot of things I want to accomplish and I think going to finish high school was one of the first steps.”
And that’s what drove 22 year old Norman Jones to do the right thing and return to Orange Walk Technical High School when he was 17 – which is usually the age when students are graduating.
Norman Jones,
“When I was younger I didn’t really put much interest in school until when I got to high school but then part of my high school was with my father who was trying to support me and now this time it is with my mother so it is like a whole transition period.”
Keith Swift,
On graduation day this year, what was it like? What did it feel like to finally finish school?
Norman Jones,
“It felt pretty good. I was the first one out of all my brothers to finish.”
17 year old Brittney Vernon’s right thing was travelling from Gales Point to Dangriga every day for two years – leaving home early in the morning and returning late in the evening to complete high school.
Brittney Vernon, 1st Place in Doing the Right Thing
“I really glad that I am here today because after all that I have been through, it really pays off.”
Keith Swift,
What have you been through?
Brittney Vernon,
“A lot, really a lot because I was going to school in Dangriga and then I live in Gales Point. I had to catch the bus in the morning to go to school, catch back in the evening to go home, and when I reached home it was 6:30 and I didn’t have time for myself. I only had time to do my homework, study, and get ready for the other day. That was a lot. For two years I did that and I came in third in my class so I think I really went through a lot.”
Keith Swift,
Why was getting an education so important to you?
Brittney Vernon,
“Because I wanted to make my life a better life, although I had a good life, but I just wanted to be the person that I want to be. I don’t want nobody to help me and nobody to push me for I to get an education and in life an education will help me, it won’t help the person that will push me so I think might as well I just work and be who I want to be.”
For 27 year old Noreen Roches it was a bit more personal. She is a single mother
of two who, at age 27, returned to high school in Santa Elena a year ago.
Noreen Roches, ‘Do The Right Thing’ Awardee
“I decided because I have two daughters and I want to have a education so that I can have a good job so that my children can have a good education also.”
Keith Swift,
Why did you stop high school?
Noreen Roches,
“I don’t want to say.”
Keith Swift,
What age were you?
Noreen Roches,
“17.”
Keith Swift,
Ten years later you decided to go back?
Noreen Roches,
“Yes my mom encouraged me.”
And it was 17 year old Felix Gonzales’ mom from Julian Che High School in Toledo who encouraged him to stay in high school and do the right thing.
Felix Gonzales, Julian Che High School
“First I does follow bad friends and do everything that is not right. Then I planned to change my life when I failed the first year at school. Then
I asked my mom if I could go back to school and she agreed.”
Pietra Gonzales, Mother
“He is my oldest son and I am proud of him to do the right thing and I am proud of the teacher’s them for choosing him, Felix, to do the right thing.”
The Police Department says this year’s list of 29 do-gooders are shining examples of young people who, despite all odds – whether it be age, distance, or money have done the right thing. They got medals this morning from Education Minister Patrick Faber and National Security Minister Carlos Perdomo.
Gerald Westby, Commissioner of Police
“It is all about intervention and trying to get people away from crime so they are all positive programs that we are trying to do.”
Brittney Vernon,
“It really means a lot because I wasn’t going to go to school until I go work and then make I own money so I could finish school. Now that I have this scholarship straight on I won’t stop.”
Keith Swift,
You already know to which school you’re going and what you’re going to study?
Brittney Vernon,
“St. John’s and I want to study biology because that is my favourite subject.”
Keith Swift,
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Brittney Vernon,
“I want to be a doctor.”
Keith Swift,
What lesson do you think other youths can learn from you?
Norman Jones,
“It is that no matter how hard things get, you can always find a way out and there is always a way. For me I just thank God for everything because pretty much if it wasn’t for God I don’t think I would be able to get this far.”
Keith Swift,
What are your plans for the future?
Norman Jones,
“Well my plan for the future, with this scholarship I am not sure. I am still interested in being a missionary some day but I am really not sure. I will just let God decide.”
And that’s probably because right now after overcoming so much - the sky probably seems to be the limit.
Brittney Vernon from Delille Academy won the top award which came with a scholarship to pursue an associates degree at a junior college in Belize courtesy Belize Natural Energy, a new computer donated by Fultec Systems, a year of DSL internet access from Telemedia. Norman Jones was second and he got a tuition scholarship for sixth form from the Ministry of Education as well as a cell phone.
Tyson Tate from Eden Seventh Day Adventist was third. He also got a tuition scholarship from the Ministry of Education and $250 from First Caribbean Bank. Commissioner of Police Gerald Westby says he hopes to expand the do the right thing program to include youths not in high school.
