School Principal donates wages from night job to students in need

Henry’s endurance seems almost superhuman to most.  Incredibly, Henry works the graveyard shift at Walmart from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. stocking shelves three days per week after working his day job as Principal. His motivation was ignited when he heard how some of his students had fallen on hard times. The principal was overwhelmed with emotion as he described going to the home of one teenager and saw their difficult situation and heard stories of other students sleeping under a bridge or in a car.

A high percentage of the student body at Henry’s high school live below the poverty line. The community was further impacted by the pandemic.  Henry’s donated funds go straight to assisting his students and their families with purchasing basic school supplies, food and household bills such as heat and electricity.

"At my age, we don't ask for money, we just don't. You just go ahead and do what you need to do," Henry said.

Henry hoped to keep his second job a secret.  He was humbled and surprised by all the attention he received after his students learned about his second job.  He said the only thing that he wants in return is that his students one day pay it forward and help others.

Henry credited his mother for teaching him the value of aiding others without receiving anything in return.   She taught him the value of giving back to the community.  His own dreams of being an educator became a reality because of his mother’s sacrifices so he wanted to pay it forward to his students.   He noted that the greatest thing we can do as human beings is to help one another. Henry said in doing so we might not change the world, but we just might change the world for one person.

“I am an optimist, but I am also a determinist.  I know that it is going to get better.  I know that these times will not always be with us.  I know that my students will not always be in poverty.  I know that because that is what we are.  America makes it better for everybody,” he said with steadfast resolve. 

Walmart surprised Henry with a generous $50,000 check for his school to honor him for his selfless act. Henry said the donation will go far in helping support his students.

PassItOn and The Foundation For A Better Life believe that Principal Henry Darby is a true hero for going the extra mile to support his students.  He sacrificed his funds, time, and his sleep. His caring action demonstrates the value of character.  Please help us celebrate this true hero, by sharing his heartwarming story. 

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