The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
After his six years of work at Ruth Betts School, Physical Education teacher Rob Abbott was honoured in what he says is the best way possible. Abbott was nominated for the Award of Merit by then-principal John Belfry last spring. Abbott, who is now a teacher at Hapnot Collegiate, says while it is an honour to receive the award, it was more the meaning behind the story that really counts. "I was honoured to be nominated by my mentor and friend," says Abbott, who received the award in Winnipeg at the Manitoba Phys Ed Teacher's Association Awards. "It's nice (to be recognized), but where it's coming from makes it nicer," says the humble teacher. Abbott says when it comes down to it, he's in the teaching industry because he's just always known it's what he's wanted to do. "I've known all my life this is what I wanted to do; teach and work with students," he says. "When I was in high school I used to wonder how someone gets played to play in a gym all day." Abbott says his passion for his job started early on as he saw the students and everything developed from there. "I've just got a passion for physical education and kids," he says, adding "it's just important to keep them active and to live a healthy lifestyle." While Abbott knew early on he wanted to be a teacher, he began his education path, but it was cut short for a few years before getting back track. The student at the time took 11 years off from school while he was attending the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton. "I started off in 1987 and I went back 11 years later and picked up where I left off," he says adding he was glad he went back to finish up. After graduating in 2000, Abbott will be finishing his eighth full year at the end of this school year.
