Although I was only blessed with 1 year as Ket's teacher while he was at Langtree,  I will never forget his huge heart and  huge smile! He made my days brighter when I saw him. I have wonderful memories.  To the Barrington family, thank you for sharing this wonderful human with us. Ket,  you are loved. 

My sincere condolences to the family and loved ones.  Gone so soon, but he will be in the hearts of all who knew him.  RIP 

I only knew Ket for two weeks, but in that two weeks in English IV he made a lasting impression. He spoke every day in class to the essential questions and I was struck by the deep, intellectual thinking he shared with the class. I am so very sorry for Barrington family and for the loss you have suffered. If you would like the work he submitted in class, please reach out and I will share it with you. 

Ket teaching David & Daniel to let loose and have fun <3

Saige and I were in fourth grade and I remember her talking about him. I told her I was adopted, and then I met him and his smile lit up the whole world. He and I talked for a while about our life as an adopted child. He has changed my life and others who he has touched. He was so loved by his family and friends. Forever a blessing in this world❤️❤️

Ket's smile could make anyone's day. It lit up the room! I truly wish I had known him better. My best memories of him are when I first met him at church soon after he was adopted and it seemed he had been a Barrington forever! He walked up to me and acted like he'd known me forever. He came to our lake cottage a number of times and I will never forget when he showed all of us how to grill some of the best corn I'd ever had. He was such a light in this world, so loved, so accepted, and able to spread joy to the saddest soul. Rest in peace, Ket!

Ket was and will always be the most selfless, caring person I’ve ever met. The very first time I met him he was smiling. Moving from a different continent and joining a foreign education system would be terrifying, but Ket walked into the classroom with wide-eyed excitement. I was always happy to be around Ket because he was the type of person I aspire to be. He taught me so much about being kind and putting others before yourself. He was funny, charismatic, and above all considerate. Only now do I realize that Ket sometimes put on a smile to mask his own suffering, and it deeply saddens me. He was an extraordinary individual and he has heavily influenced the person I am today. I’m going to miss you bud.

As the principal of Davidson Elementary School for 7 1/2 years - Ket is one of my fondest memories with my students. I clearly and proudly remember the day I was called to the office to meet Ket. As a non-English speaker he greeted me with a hug and a smile. Even as he grew through the next years at DES, he never outgrew the hugs. Ket was always so happy for everyone else’s accomplishments. Even at Fifth Grade Promotion Day, Ket was honored with the Campagna Award, offered to the best all around student. As I presented the award I could see Ket looking around to congratulate a classmate - completely unaware I was reading accolades of him. After moving on from DES - Ket would often stop by to say hello - days I remember well. He would walk the school with me to say hello to former teachers and even speak to younger students  as a great role model.  Ket hid his struggles - I wish I could have done more. I will always remember his kindness and huge smiles which always preceded his massive hugs - sometimes that could not last long enough for Ket. As he finds his place in Heaven- I know it’s with open arms for all his new friends there. Rest In Peace my little friend - Ket, you will never be forgotten. 

I coached Ket in basketball during his middle school years at LKNC. I always loved hearing Ket sing. During trips to practice and the games, I would asked him to sing (Mary did you know?) it would sound like Heaven angels were singing. He was so talented in everything he did.  I will never forget his kind and loving heart. Nathan and Andrew (my sons) were his friends. Nathan told me today, Ket was by far one the nicest friends he had ever met. I saw Ket running this past weekend in Davidson. My first thought,  Ket was looking good and had a nice pace.

Praying for his family, teachers, coaches and friends;  his passing will take some time for all of us to process!

Coach Cook

I was so glad to be on the cross country team with him at LKNC. He has such a joyful personality and you couldn’t help but be happy around him. His laugh and smile were infectious and made the whole team a better team to be on. I love and miss you bud. 

This smile…..

I too had the privilege of watching him grow up, but he never grew out of his smile. Nonstop. Wonderful heart, an authenticity about him that I cannot explain but it drew me in. A deep admiration for his sincerity. Love you Ket. Miss you Ket. I can always count on a laugh out of you, even though the rest the family didn't think I was funny!

I had the honor and the privilege of being the XO of the jrotc battalion, and Ket always knew how to put a smile on anyone’s face. But more importantly Ket was always a good sport about anything he did. Ket was one of my favorite guys in the program he always made what we were doing more fun and never complained about anything.

Ket you will be missed. We all love you buddy.

Dear Barrington Family,

Our hearts are deeply saddened to have learnt this tragic news. My children Aqil, Moses and Rafiq Oborne had such good memories of Ket while he was at Lake Norman. There are no words that could ever console. Just know that Jesus has his hands wrapped around your family and may Ket be at peace now from whatever caused his agony. We love you and are here for you if you need ANYTHING!

Brian,  Neferu, Aqil, Moses and Rafiq Oborne

Dear Barrington Family,

Our sincere condolences for your loss.

Ket Barrington was a wonderful young person who brought joy to all who knew him and made each of us better because he was in our lives. His earthly life was too short, but it was most assuredly impactful. The endless stories this week that the Cadets have shared about Ket and the positive influence he had on their lives are just the most recent example of this.

Always ready with a smile, he was beloved by both Hough JROTC Cadets and Cadre for his kind heart and good nature; and admired for his discipline, intelligence, and character. He was a true gift from God and we will miss him, but never forget him.

Please do not hesitate to let Hough JROTC or me know if we can be of any assistance to you now or in the future. It would be our honor to help.

Sincerely,

J. GARRETT HOWARD JR.

COL (RET), USA

Senior Army Instructor, JROTC

William A. Hough High School