Darius Carter, drug a now graduate of Highland Springs High School, pharm plans on taking what he’s learned in the Center for Engineering program and building upon that knowledge to start his career as a mechanical engineer and teacher.

Graduating third overall in his 2013 class, Carter ended his high school career with an overall GPA of 4.5. While in high school, he achieved honor roll all four years and was admitted to the Dean’s List at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College for dual enrollment classes he took that were part of the Center for Engineering’s curriculum.

During high school, Carter participated in several extracurricular activities that include: marching band, soccer, volleyball, Technology Student Association (TSA), Math and Science Honor Societies, along with the National Honor Society. Carter also participated in Interact club, which is an after school community service club that does planned activities 2-3 times a month. Carter says he does community service to make an impact on others.

“You are supposed to give back to what you’ve gotten from others,” Carter said. “As people work in my life I would like to help out others in their lives.”

Outside of school, he participates in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and volunteers as a youth ambassador for the Giving Heart Community Thanksgiving Feast every year since 2010.

This fall, Carter plans on attending the University of Virginia and majoring in mechanical engineering. Though he wants to start his career as an engineer and explore all it has to offer, Carter says after he retires, he ultimately wants to become a high school teacher for math. “I tutor math right now,” Carter said. “I just enjoy dealing with math and students.”

Carter says his career choices are modeled after one of his teacher’s, Jeffery Rombach, who is now a math teacher after retiring from being a working engineer.
Carter says this motivates him academically and personally.

Even though Carter has just graduated high school, he already has left a foundation at his high school for upcoming students. He served on the Legacy Team for his high school. This team is comprised of select seniors who help to make changes for the students and school outside of administration. Carter says that being a part of this group was one of his favorite moments of his senior year.

Newly graduated and with a strong foundation for his engineering career, Carter’s career goals are just getting started. Denell Gegenheimer, school counselor, wrote in his recommendation letter, “(Carter) possesses self-respect and is mature beyond his years. He remains responsible, committed, and focused on his goals.” With this testimony, Carter will be well on his way to achieving success.