Darren Anderson

For Darren Anderson, being a Red Knight means being able to persevere. This is something Reading has shown him time and time again. After graduating from Reading High in 2012, Darren was unsure of where to go from there, but he was willing to make the most of any opportunity that presented itself. “I just knew that I wanted to keep pushing myself and to make the most out of any opportunity that presented itself.” He decided to study at Temple University, majoring in Sports Management. During his senior year there, he interned at ATT Sports, Inc. Following his graduation and internship he was offered a full time role as the company’s Chief Estimator. Darren took this opportunity and after roughly six years of hard work he took on the role of Chief Operating Officer at the company. 

Looking back at his years at Reading High, Darren holds many fond memories. One such highlight was graduation day. “While I was not ready to be done with high school, seeing everyone accomplish what they have worked so hard for most of their lives was a great moment.” As a student, Darren looked up to the teachers that took pride not only in their vocation, but the city that they taught in; one such teacher was Mr. Wade. “He is far from the only one, but I truly appreciated his enthusiasm for the district.” Darren enjoyed his high school experience; he had amazing friends and made memories he still cherishes. And even now, though he and his friends may not live near each other anymore, they still find time to talk and reminisce on the past.

Growing up in Reading, Darren witnessed the various challenges the city still faces, but he also witnessed the perseverance of not just Reading High students, but the city as a whole. He saw his friends and acquaintances face racial inequality, yet he also saw them not let those biases drag them down. Instead, he witnessed their perseverence in the face of hate. “I've seen it happen to my friends and colleagues and I've seen them not accept defeat due to that ignorance and keep fighting.” Although he doesn’t live in the area anymore, Darren still holds great respect and pride toward the city of Reading and the people that live in it, especially those that put energy into the community. He himself has had the opportunity to give back to the community by donating gym equipment to Northwest Middle School. Taking inspiration from basketball star Lonnie Walker, as well as countless others who have given back to the community, he says, “It's great to see the effort to promote the well being of the city. As long as there's good people doing good things, there's hope. And hope is eternal.”

Darren Anderson is just a kid from Reading who learned how to persevere. By witnessing the perseverance of his peers and teachers firsthand, this Red Knight learned how to keep standing in the face of all obstacles. This experience has allowed him to keep moving forward in life and into new opportunities.