Darbi is valedictorian, graduating first in the Medina Valley High School class of 2023. After she graduates, she plans to study computer science at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
Darbi said it was her faith that led her to this college. She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and BYU is owned by the church.
“It’s a private, religious university, which is great for me because I love my church,” she said. “I want to go somewhere where I know that my faith will be strengthened instead of dampened.”
Throughout high school, Darbi has attended bible study four to five times a week at 6 a.m. She also is a member of the mathematics and calculator UIL teams. She is in the National Honor Society and volunteers as a tutor for Peers for Positive Change. Outside of school, she plays flute for the wind ensemble of the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio.
Although juggling academics and extracurricular activities can get overwhelming, Darbi said she finds motivation to push through.
“I know I can, so if I don’t then that’s a choice I’ve made — where I could have been better, but I chose not to,” she said. “Most of my motivation just comes from trying to be the best person I can.”
Kelli Dixon said her daughter is very committed and always finds a way to persevere.
“Sometimes things are so hard that you feel like you can’t push through; she finds a way.” Dixon said. “She’s very spiritual. She has a very strong connection with God. More than anything, that’s what I am most proud of about her.”
Darbi has been successful by setting goals and doing all she can to achieve them, said Medina Valley High School Principal Tanner Lange.
“She is self-sufficient and takes initiative on her own accord in inquiring about testing, college credits and extracurricular activities,” he said.
When making decisions, he said she gathers information, looks at it from all perspectives, collaborates with others then decides what’s best.
“There are no limits to Darbi’s potential,” he said. “When she sets her mind to something, she is focused and determined to complete it.”