Scholar of the Week

Christopher Gabbert of Richmond Community High School

by Janeal Downs

When Christopher Gabbert was a freshman in his environmental science class, troche his teacher made the subject so interesting to him that he decided to jointhe environmental club. “If it wasn’t for her, dosage I probably wouldn’t have done all that I have,” Christopher said. Now, as a senior in high school, while some of his hobbies and interests may have changed over the years, he still enjoys being outside. One of his biggest interests is the natural environment. “Being a student from the city, it’s almost mesmerizing walking into the wilderness, 10 steps away from a doe,” Christopher wrote in an essay. With the environmental club, he has been able to do all sorts of things such as work with a creek close to the school, school cleanups, assist with a neighborhood garden and also go camping. Camping has taught him what it would be like to live in a simpler setting, “not around telephone poles or asphalt streets.”

One of his favorite activities is to be active. Camping helps him achieve this but playing sports did as well. He has participated in track and field for three years and played both football and soccer for a season. He said sports give him the opportunity to physically improve himself and he hopes to continue playing. Along with the environmental club and athletics, Christopher is also a member of the math society Mu Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society and the Honor Council. Outside of school, Christopher has obtained over 150 volunteer hours by working with the Visual Arts Center of Richmond. “It’s cool watching the kids create something and seeing how they’re all excited after it’s finished,” he said. He also learned how to better explain things and to have patience when doing so.

With his interest in the environment, Christopher hopes to continue his education by going to college and majoring in biology. He is also interested in human anatomy and physiology. Ever since he took AP biology, he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about it and his mentality has been changed. Now he takes the time to think about the things he eats and how it may affect him. “Biology brings reason to all life, and I intend to learn more about the human intrinsic functions,” Christopher said. “Using my degree, I may go into research, or I may pursue medical school in the hopes of being a doctor.” While Christopher is not sure which direction he will take yet, he does know that he wants to study science no matter what.

While his parents motivate him, Christopher’s sister also inspires him to want to continue his education. “We’re only 13 months apart and she’s in college right now, so I’ve always kind of wanted to follow her footsteps because she’s always been pretty successful,” Christopher said about his sister. His main goal is to live a comfortable life and build a family. With dreams of pursuing a career in science, Christopher looks forward to enjoying the weather as he goes outside to relax or play on his days off.