Derric Hightower, Jr Scholarship Established at Schlarman Academy
Schlarman Academy is proud to announce that Darrin Hightower and his non-profit organization Darrin’s Kids 2 has established the Derric Hightower, Jr. Memorial Scholarship. The full tuition scholarship will be awarded each year to a kindergarten student at Schlarman Academy.
Derric Hightower, Jr. attended Danville schools and graduated from Danville High School in 1998. He enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduation. Upon returning to Danville in 2001, Derric enrolled at Danville Area Community College where he earned an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. He began working at Elite Learning Center in St. Joseph, IL in 2006, where he became the Executive Director in 2017. Derric loved working with children and worked to see that all children were treated equally and fairly. Schlarman Academy is honored that Darrin Hightower and his non-profit have chosen to memorialize his late cousin by providing this wonderful gift for a Schlarman student. (Pictured below is Derric Hightower, Jr.)
Darrin Hightower, Jr: This Week’s I AM, YOU ARE, WE ARE Honoree
Darrin Hightower Jr. has a true community spirit, selflessly giving back to those around him through his nonprofit organization, “Darrin’s Kids 2.” He says for him, it is all about the kids. Last month his organization held their second annual event, “100 Haircuts for Kids” at the Boys and Girls Club. The event was free to the public, and in just under 5 hours, 200 haircuts were provided by Dazey’s Hair Lab to kids who would be returning to school. Along with the haircuts, the event hosted face painting, bounce houses, a school supply give-a-way, music, and dance performances. Some local businesses donate their time, but others are hired by Darrin. He says, “You can’t put a price on the impact of these events.”
