Everything began to change in the 10th grade when Indianapolis Metropolitan High School became the best high school option for David and his family. At Indy Met, he found a community ready to lift him up. Working closely with a dedicated family empowerment life coach, David got the extra testing support he needed, gained academic confidence and mapped out a clear plan for his future. He also joined Indy Met's Reach for Nature program, a club initiative created in partnership with Camptown, Inc., which allowed him to unplug from technology, appreciate the outdoors, and revisit those fond childhood memories of fishing. While balancing schoolwork and working up to 36 hours a week, David earned nine dual-college credits and graduated in 2024 as a proud first-generation high school graduate. When David was named the Indianapolis Metropolitan High School Achiever of the Year recipient in 2024, it was a celebration of how far he had come. You can watch David's inspiring story on video to see his high school milestone firsthand.
His high school graduation was the foundation for his next chapter. Following the game plan he and his Indy Met family empowerment coach created, David transitioned straight into Ivy Tech Community College after high school. While pursuing his degree, he needed a job and remembered how much Reach for Nature meant to him. He reached out to Brent Freeman, President and Executive Director at Camptown, to see if there was a place for him on staff. Brent saw David's potential immediately, and for the last two years, David has thrived as a camp counselor. Today, he leads daily huddles, sets up activity stations, and guides campers through canoeing, hiking, and compass challenges, with his favorite spot being the cane fishing station. In the spring of 2026, David officially turned his lifelong passion into a professional credential, graduating from Ivy Tech with his Associate degree in Building Construction Management putting lego skills his father initiated to work. Today, he even uses his new degree to help Camptown build and maintain physical projects around the camp.
For the leadership team at Camptown, having David on staff makes a lasting impression on everyone involved.
“For our kids, to see someone that used to be in their shoes, and now seeing them in a professional position, helps them,” says Eddie Gill, Director of Development at Camptown. “David is a good guy. He is able to shed light on a new path for kids that we serve that they didn’t know was possible.”
As David guides the current generation of Indy Met Reach for Nature students, his journey comes full circle. He gets to offer the very same patience, encouragement, and guidance that helped him overcome obstacles just a few years ago.
“It feels great watching a camper catch their first fish,” David shares. “It reminds me of when I caught my first fish. It's also a great way to tell them not to be afraid of making changes. It's okay to take risks.”
Reflecting on how far he has come, David credits the team at Indy Met for believing in him from day one. He knows that true support does not end when you walk across the stage; the staff puts in endless effort to make sure students succeed long after graduation.
If you are interested in starting your high school journey at Indy Met, visit indianapolismet.org today!