Wise County Public Schools

WISE COUNTY, Va. (WCYB) — A Wise County senior is leading by example, both inside and outside the classroom.

This week’s 5 Star Student is Darren Williams.

Darren Williams, 17, is an honors student at Eastside High School in Coeburn.

He’s student body president, a member of the golf team, and competes in a bowling league, all while working two jobs.

News Five's Natalea Hillen spoke with Darren about his leadership and what it means to him.

Darren's mentor and History Teacher, Gequetta Bright said, He is a wonderful young man an excellent student and a great student leader. It’s very inquisitive and an excellent role model for his classmates.

Darren grew up in Wise County and said school pride has always been important to him.

I love this school. Sophomore year, I ran for secretary and I put posters around the school with all the movies I like that and I got it and then junior year, I ran for vice president I got it and then this year I ran for president and I’m president of the school, said Eastside High School senior, Darren Williams.

He also competes on Eastside’s golf team.

I got started with golf because of my dad, he started golfing when he was very young. I’ve done it for four years, I enjoy it, said Darren.

And he makes the trip to Bristol to bowl competing for several years.

We started that when COVID hit and I’ve done it ever since. I’m 5th in the state right now. You go in every day and the lanes are different. You know a different challenge every day you are there, said Darren.

On top of it all, Darren juggles two jobs.

I work at Hardee’s in Saint Paul and the pharmacy at Food City in Coeburn. I do my work and I get it done as soon as I can. I don’t wait and then I’ll leave from here when I work at 2 o’clock and I go to work till 7, Darren said.

Darren said he loves leading and helping other students and hopes to set a good example for those who look up to him.

I wanted to be able to help out in anyway I can we help ,with homecoming, we do a food drive, we donate to animal shelters, we do a lot and we help this year with Justin‘s walk. We do a lot and I like helping people out. I love seeing people happy, said Darren.

After graduation, Darren plans to attend the University of Pikeville, majoring in biology, with hopes to continue his bowling career.

Link to WCYB article: https://wcyb.com/features/5-star-students/wise-county-senior-darren-williams-excels-in-academics-sports-and-leadership-roles