George Faber award goes to Datrell Williams

Datrell Williams from Baldwin United Free School District earned the prestigious George Farber Outstanding Student Award this year. Williams attends the Nassau BOCES Twilight Alternative High School at Baldwin’s Shubert School.

The Farber award celebrates a variety of remarkable student attributes including passion, perseverance, enthusiasm, outstanding character, scholarship and a willingness to help others. He was honored by administrators and members of the Nassau BOCES Board during a special celebration recently with a plaque and $100 check from the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation. 

Williams demonstrated that he is a goal-oriented, driven student whose passion is creative, hands-on work that challenges him. When his school counselor advised him of an opportunity through the Harbor Freight Fellow Initiative, Williams interviewed for and landed a carpentry apprenticeship with TJ Architectural Woodwork. The owner of the company, who enjoyed working with Williams, said “he is a bright, polite young man with a lot of potential. The entire staff is thrilled to be working with him.”    

Williams’ mature, inquisitive nature and his positive approach to life serve as a model for his classmates, who truly respect him. During a physical education unit on martial arts, his openness to new experiences and willingness to try new things led to his being one of only two students invited to train at New Generations Karate. Williams said the experience was one of the best he’s ever had.    

His spirit of helpfulness is infectious and becomes prevalent throughout the entire school. During the holiday season, Williams led a school-wide charge to join the Long Island Herald charity wrapping paper contest, where he earned first place in the regional category      

“Datrell has come a long way from the shy student we met when he first entered Shubert,” said program supervisor Patrick Crea. “The future looks bright for Datrell, and we are certain that, whatever he does, he will be a valued representative of Nassau BOCES. We can’t wait to see where his abilities take him.”     

For the past 15 years, outstanding students have been earning this award in memory of former Nassau BOCES Board President George Farber, whose passion for improving the lives of students was surpassed only by his love and care for them. Farber was the longest-serving board member in Nassau County, having served from 1971 to 2009.   

“Datrell exemplifies the very best of Nassau BOCES,” said District Superintendent Dr. Robert Dillon. “He embodies the true spirit of George Farber. He has shown kindness to other students, exhibited an excellent work ethic and demonstrated outstanding commitment. He has eagerly shared his knowledge and made contributions to his community. Datrell’s story is an inspiration to us all.”