Alex Darner: Puts in the work
Deserved or not, many individuals from previous generations view those in the most recent generation as self-absorbed, tech-addicted slackers.
Not so Tipp City High School Senior Alex Darner, who, despite belonging to Gen Alpha, does not fit into any of the stereotypes or labels that others use to define his generation.
A renaissance man of sorts, Darner hefted a heavy course load during his high school career, including 10 advanced placement (AP) classes, while managing to maintain a 4.53 grade point average. This, while captaining the tennis team, playing soccer, belonging to several clubs and organizations, including the National Honor Society, and volunteering his time with Miami County Special Olympics.
“It has been a joy to have Alex in class,” said Tippecanoe High School English teacher Brenda Mahaney, who has taught Darner in her honors English 10 and AP English Literature and Composition classes. “He is one of those students who comes to class with an open mind and is willing to put in the work to be better. He embraces challenges and does so with an earnest smile and a humble heart.”
“It is rare to find a student who wants to improve and is willing to put the time in to accomplish his goals. He doesn't get discouraged if improvement is slow; he just continues on the path without hesitation.”
Darner excels on the tennis court as well as in the classroom. A lifelong soccer player, despite coming to the sport of tennis late, his athletic prowess has allowed him to position himself at second singles on the varsity team. And while he enjoys participating in team sports, the Tipp senior said he relishes playing as an individual competitor because he alone is responsible for his own failures and successes.
The team is off to a strong start, and Darner is looking forward to a promising season.
If he’s not participating in an athletic activity, he’s prowling the sidelines as a coach or instructor. Darner has helped train tennis players at the Schroeder Tennis Center, provided individual soccer instruction, and coached basketball for the Special Olympics for the past two years.
“It is a very positive experience, and I learned how capable and powerful those with special needs are, all they need is someone to believe in them,” Darner said of his volunteering with the Special Olympics.
Guided by the encouragement of his mother, Darner followed in the footsteps of his older brother who helped with the Special Olympics golf program a couple of years ago and had a very positive experience. In addition to basketball, he has helped with the golf and pickleball programs.
“Alex is a quiet leader,” said Mahaney. “He leads by example. Most of his classmates didn't know he was coaching a special needs basketball team until I brought it up after I saw some pictures on social media. He spoke so proudly of his work with the team and invited his classmates to a game. Alex is so selfless, as he really wanted the class to show up for the players, not for himself.”
So why has he continued his participation?
“I get to feel like I am making a difference in the lives of my athletes with special needs,” said Darner. “Every day I get to see the smiles, and it makes me feel special. I know that most people look at those with special needs as always needing help, but special needs come in many different forms. Every athlete needs a different type of guidance, and many do not need help but rather people to be around them and believe in them. There is a special kind of success in seeing someone complete a task that they never believed was possible for them, and I got to see this every day through coaching them.”
His time volunteering with the Special Olympics has also helped shape his future career goals. Growing up, he envisioned himself majoring in engineering or education in college. Now, the plan is to attend Wittenberg University and major in social work with designs on working with special needs populations. This summer, he will intern with the Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
“I can see myself working there in the future, but I might also try and become a bigger part of the Special Olympics,” he said. “All I know is that working with individuals with special needs is where I see myself in the future.”
When not studying for classes, playing and coaching organized sports or volunteering his time, Darner likes passing his time with family and friends by you guessed it…playing sports.
“He is one of the best representatives of this generation that I can think of,” Mahaney said. “He puts in the work, embraces the challenge, and seeks recognition for others, not himself. The world would be a better place if we all lived a little more like Alex. I look forward to hearing from future Alex because no matter what he does, he is going to make it great because of the way he lives.”
Darner very much looks forward to his future endeavors.
“I would like to thank the staff at the Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities for all the opportunities they have given me and for treating me like an adult,” he said. “I feel very prepared for my future. I would also like to thank the staff at Tippecanoe High School for challenging me in my academics and making sure I succeed in life.”
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