NORTH CHARLESTON – Governor Henry McMaster awarded North Charleston High School Director Henry Darby the Order of Palmetto on February 8, the state’s highest civilian tribute.
The award recognizes Darby’s efforts to help his students and their families pay the bills.
Darby, who is also a Charleston County councilor, took a third job at Walmart, replenishing the shelves overnight. The salary he earns goes directly to low-income families.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is a remarkable man,” said McMaster at the awards ceremony. “This is the kind of man we are proud of.”
Darby was honored during an outdoor ceremony at North Charleston High School, near East Montague Avenue. Several local and state elected officials attended.
The Order of Palmetto recognizes South Carolina residents for their extraordinary lifetime service and achievements of national or state importance.
Darby works at the Walmart Supercenter near Center Pointe Drive, near the Tanger Outlets, three nights a week, from 10 pm to 7 am, ending his shift just in time to go to his other place as director of high school.
The North Charleston educator said he was honored to receive the prestigious award for continuing to help those in need.
“The compliments – I’m not used to it,” said Darby. “But I am very grateful.”
Darby, a North Charleston native, said he was taught by his family and community that helping others is a virtue.
He referred to his mother’s sacrifices, speaking of a time when she took a piece of fabric from an old dump to search Virginia Avenue.
“Boy, take that cloth,” she said to a young Darby.
“Mom, it smells,” Darby replied.
Darby’s mother took the material, boiled it and used the cloth to make a shirt for her son that Darby wore from eighth to 11th grade, up to three times a week.
Educator Lowcountry raised his shirt during the ceremony. The crowd cheered.
“I really appreciate my mom,” said Darby.
The director also highlighted “unidentified educators whose names are never printed or in the headlines”.
Darby said that these educators do “ordinary things” in an “extraordinary way”.
McMaster said Darby’s efforts illustrate how the responsibility lies with everyone to do something to make progress.
“While not everyone can influence hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of young people and others that (Darby) has influenced, we can all influence some,” said McMaster.
A student under Darby’s leadership, Parker Graham, a North Charleston High veteran, called Darby humble and selfless.
“He is a great example and leader,” said Graham.
Initially, Darby did not intend to share his story with the national media. But he said he is grateful for the attention being paid to his efforts, because it will make students and their families receive more financial aid.
After the Post and Courier reported on Darby’s efforts last month, the story attracted significant national media attention, including an article on NBC’s “Today” program.
Donations are also coming.
An online Go Fund Me fundraiser raised more than $ 168,000. Another campaign raised $ 23,000.
Walmart also donated $ 50,000 to North Charleston High School to help low-income families.
Reach Rickey Dennis at 937-4886. Follow him on Twitter @RCDJunior.