Darnell Lee, Jr. (Bud)

Darnell Lee Jr. is a dedicated individual with a passion for empowering youth and making a positive impact in his community. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Recreation from Shaw University in 2011, providing him with a solid foundation in fostering personal growth and development through recreational activities.

As an advocate for children's well-being, Darnell serves as a Board Member for various organizations, including the Children's Center, YMCA, and the Cover 3 Foundation. He also took the initiative to establish the Down the Middle Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting and mentoring underprivileged youth.

Darnell is happily married to Dr. Sabrina Lee, and they have two wonderful children, Darnell Lee III and Landon Lee. Having worked previously in the field of recreation, Darnell currently shares his expertise as a 6th-8th Grade Physical Education Teacher at Southampton Middle School. His dedication to education extends beyond the classroom, as he has coached varsity baseball for seven years, starting at Franklin Public School and Sussex Public Schools. Presently, he serves as the varsity baseball coach at Southampton County School, where his team achieved remarkable success, becoming the 2023 District Regular Season Champions and the 2023 District Tournament Champions. He was also named 2023 Coach of the Year.

Darnell's commitment to the community and his love for helping youth reach their full potential have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized as the 2023 Hometown Hero by the Tidewater News, acknowledging his outstanding contributions. In 2022, Darnell was also honored with the prestigious Hoagies for Heroes Award from Wawa, highlighting his exceptional dedication and service.

With a strong belief in the transformative power of education, mentorship, and athletics, Darnell Lee Jr. continues to make a lasting impact, inspiring young individuals to strive for excellence and reach their dreams."