Daron Webb, a 2025 graduate of Waite High School, was recently gifted a new car after successfully graduating despite facing significant obstacles, including homelessness and depression, all while caring for his younger brother.
Webb expressed surprise and gratitude when he received the car at the presentation, which was held at Industrial Power Systems in Rossford last Thursday. He stated that the vehicle will make his life easier.
“Man, I don’t even know what I’m feeling right now, it’s just, it’s just I don’t even, haven’t had time to process everything cause I did not expect it,” Webb told WTVG.
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His difficult circumstances came to the attention of Dr. Romules Durant, CEO/Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools, when Webb began falling behind in his course credits. Upon learning of Webb’s situation, Durant immediately stepped in to find ways to support the student.
Durant stated, “The main thing was getting Daron to graduate; he fell credit deficient, he fell behind then finally he kind of divulged that a not so common situation.”
After attending summer school, Webb successfully graduated from Waite High School in the fall. He is currently employed by a local electrical company, but his commute involves walking over a mile to work, often in the early mornings, regardless of the weather.
Durant connected Webb with the IBW brotherhood and sisterhood, who took him in.
“He had a vision of wanting to be in IBW, and so working with some of the brotherhood and sisterhood of the IBW family, they immediately took him in,” Durant said.
Impressed by Webb’s work ethic and story of resilience, Durant contacted Yark Automotive Group. Durant then coordinated partnerships with Yark Automotive Family, State Farm, and other organizations to provide support to Webb.
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“Was able to develop some partners with Yark automotive family, was able to get State Farm, as well as others to get behind and saying we want to see this young man be successful and we’re all going to come together and support him,” Durant explained.
The family-owned Yark Automotive Group was eager to offer assistance, according to Emily Yark.
“We were more than willing to help and be part of Daron’s story. As a Toledo family-owned business for 45 years, we believe in supporting the success of our community and our neighbors,” Yark said. “We cannot wait to see the look on Daron’s face when he gets the keys to his new car and hope it provides him with the continuing drive toward success.”
This is Webb’s advice to other young people facing similar challenges: “It’s important that you, you stick to what you truly believe and what you truly think that going to benefit you and it’s going to go from there.”
Webb’s long-term goal is to become a licensed electrician.
