Eight young men and women from high schools across the country were honoured by the Police Department 2011 “Du Di Rait Ting” awards, aimed at developing youths into leaders of tomorrow through recognition and assistance.
They received certificates and medals of recognition in an awards ceremony at the Old Belize Museum at Mile 6 on the Western Highway on Thursday morning, July 14.
First place went to  Keenan Moguel of Independence High School in Mango Creek Village, who won himself a scholarship to pursue an Associate Degree at Sacred Heart College, a computer, one year of free Internet access donated by Belize Telemedia Limited, and a thousand dollars in cash donated by Atlantic Bank.
Miss Bracilia Sanchez of New Hope High School, Orange Walk took the second prize. She won a tuition scholarship to pursue an Associate Degree at the University of Belize or at a junior college of her choice, donated by the Ministry of Education.
She also received a fully loaded computer system sponsored by Belize Natural Energy Limited and $800 in cash provided by Social Security.
Third place went to Rolando Chub of Corazon Creek Technical High School, in the Toledo District. He got a mini laptop provided by the Development Finance Corporation and $500 in cash from First Caribbean Bank.
Leonardo Chiac of Corazon Creek Technical High School, Toledo District placed fourth, and received a mini laptop provided  by Fultec Systems and $300 donated by First Caribbean Bank.
Fifth place went to Marcos Zambrano of Independence High School, Mango Creek Village, Stann Creek District. His prize was $800 cash from First Caribbean Bank.
Sixth place went to Debra Xis of Mount Carmel High School, in Benque Viejo. She received a $700 cash prize from First Caribbean Bank, while student Joylyn Burgos of New Hope High School, Orange Walk Town, won the seventh  prize: $400 cash from First Caribbean Bank.
The eighth place winner was Abdiel Alonzo of New Hope High School in Orange Walk Town. He took home $300 cash from First Caribbean Bank.
The Police Department hosted the award ceremony as an ongoing initiative to work with the community through its Community Policing Unit.
The program was launched in February 2006 and has become immensely popular among high schools all over the country. This year most of the awards went to students of the Toledo District.
“It encourages high school students to do the right thing or continue doing the right thing,” a press release from the department explained.
Students had to meet tight criteria to participate. They had to pass five tests to be even nominated for an award.
Students are first identified by the principal of their school or a school Counsellor. Those who excel receive handsome prizes and recognition, from the Commissioner of Police. The “Du Di Rait Ting T-shirt is a bonus.
At the end of each school year, students countrywide gather at a selected location, where the team spirit is kept alive and there are more honours and prizes.
The successful eight candidates came from a short list of sixteen.
The Police Department claims phenomenal success for this program, and the business community has responded with enthusiasm, offering cash and other prizes.
The Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Police and Public Safety, Lt. Col. George Lovell (Rt’d), the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Crispin Jeffries, and the Commander of Community Policing, Superintendent Dezerie Phillips, were all present for the special occasion.
Reporter

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