Sumter's Next Generation, presented by CCTC: Darius Moye talks how challenges, courage makes an all-around leader

Sumter High Class of 2024 voted Darius Moye most likely to be remembered in 10 years. Be it for his friendly demeanor or go-getter attitude, the Gamecock grad made a lasting impression on his peers. But Darius remains fond of memories from a different decade.

Nearly nine years ago after a move from Valdosta, Georgia, a young, quiet but determined Darius ventured into a YMCA summer camp classroom. Like many military children, he was no stranger to adapting to new environments. With bright eyes and a hopeful smile - similar to the one he wore as he greeted campers today - he set out to make this new city his home. For Darius, this would be a welcoming task.

"Everybody's connected around here," he said. "It's either they're family or friends, but everybody's real connected and tight. You have your own group and things like that, but everybody's kind of together."

Darius quickly found his place, building bonds with students not only at Sumter High School, but Crestwood and Lakewood high schools as well. His naturally friendly demeanor made forming new connections effortless. A smile here, a laugh there, and before you knew it, you had a new friend in Darius. His approach to academics and community service was just as enthusiastic.

From a young age, Darius prioritized his studies. While he enjoyed spending time with friends and shooting a few hoops, his academics always came first. His meticulous planning allowed him to balance school, friends, family and community service seamlessly. But he couldn't take all the credit for his time-management skills.

"I really got to give credit to my mom. She made me stay on my academics and extracurricular things like that. She made me this person."

This person was dedicated to his roles as National Honor Society secretary, Student Government Association treasurer and a YMCA Chairman's Roundtable Sponsor who donated more than $1,000 for local youth to have access to internet services during COVID-19 and free after-school childcare. This person was well-versed in community service, from trash cleanup at Dillon Park to dressing as the late S.C. Supreme Court Justice Ernest Finney to initiating a youth voter registration campaign and much more. This person who loved athletics, being a member of the Sumter High boys' basketball team, and adored the arts as a two-time-selected Governor's School for Arts and Humanities Summer Program participant. This person remains humble about his honors and achievements, which include Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce and Sumter School District Golden Apple Award, South Carolina Scholar Athlete Award for being in the top 10% of the 2024 graduating class, being crowned Prom Prince, Prom King, Homecoming King and Mr. Gear Up, and Sumter High School's Eagle Award - his biggest accomplishment yet.

"The Eagle Award, for me, defines all three years at Sumter High School. Just being a leader, not being a follower, paving my own path and just being the friendly person that I am," Darius explained.

"[When I received the award] I was excited, I was really excited," he beamed. "This award means a lot to me because it wasn't voted on just by my peers. It was voted on by the staff at [Sumter High], like teachers and whatnot. It means more to me than just a regular award."

For Darius, each award, extracurricular and volunteer opportunity is more than resume booster or a conversational piece about his academic endeavors. They are a reminder of the courage it takes to step outside one's comfort zone, rise to challenge and maintain confidence throughout the journey. As he heads into his freshman year at University of South Carolina to major in integrated information technology, Darius acknowledged facing challenges in school and in life isn't easy. But he insisted it doesn't have to be hard.

"My take on high school is it's not hard. You really just have to try. Just don't give up," Darius expressed. "I want to let the youth know, whether you're at Crestwood, Lakewood - just school in general … whatever you do, have confidence in what you're doing. Always step out of your comfort zone because that makes you a better person. It makes you a better person all around."