Indy Kids Winning Board Member Darius Lewis
Diane Lewis was one of a kind. When she was a little girl, she grew up in foster care. As she grew older, she decided she wanted to make an impact on everyone, specifically children. This led her to become a teacher. She believed teaching extended beyond the walls of a classroom and any environment was an opportunity for teaching and learning. Regardless of children’s circumstances or backgrounds, she supported them and believed they could accomplish their goals.
Lewis’ path to the classroom wasn’t a traditional or straight forward path. She was a mother to 11 children, five boys and six girls, whom she raised as a single mom. It was only after she reared her children from childhood to adulthood that she pursued her dream as a teacher. She earned a bachelor of science in education with an endorsement in special education from Purdue Northwest, formerly called Purdue Calumet.
Over the years, she impacted the lives of many children who went on to have a great impact in their own communities. Unfortunately, on December 29, 2011, Lewis passed away after a battle with stage four breast cancer.
As a devout Christian, Lewis was comforted by believing that her life ending on this plane of existence meant a transition to residing with her Heavenly Father.
Diane Lewis is more than a foster kid, a mother, or a teacher. She is my grandmother. I am grateful to be a living example of her legacy. My parents said that she believed in the scripture from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” She believed one of the highest callings in life was to be the person that helped children get on and remain on the right path and for them to have a spiritual upbringing.
Although teaching children to stay on the right path was important, she also let kids have fun. I miss the days when she would let us play hide and go seek both inside and outside the house. My cousins and I used to spend hours just playing because there were so many places to hide! She would let us have lots of fun because she had a big house. However, If our fun got out of line and transitioned into doing wrong, she would call us out and get us back on track.
Her impact on others and the memories my family holds dear are a few of the many reasons that my family came together to carry out her life’s mission.
Every year my family honors my grandmother by granting scholarships to students who want to attend college. My dad, David Lewis, created this scholarship to grant money to selected high school graduates located in Lake County, Indiana in hopes this financial support would ensure the success of young people, keep them on the right path, and continue Diane Lewis’ legacy.
This year the scholarship dinner will be held Saturday October 5, 2024. High school graduates can find the list of details at this website: https://www.sonsofdavid.com/diane-lewis-scholarship.html.
Donations are also welcome as we aim to increase the amount of money gifted each year.
Tickets to attend the event can be purchase through Eventbrite.
A final thought…
My grandmother was always a huge education advocate. We honor Diane Lewis’ legacy of education, promise, and religion to keep her life’s work alive. She believed being educated was important for every member of society. We hope this scholarship inspires others to support students in achieving their goals.
My family will also continue to spread breast cancer awareness. Organizations such as the American Cancer Society provides resources about early breast cancer detection and diagnosis. My family knows the impact of breast cancer and hope that through this scholarship we can support students while also raising breast cancer awareness to keep families together for a long time.
Darius Lewis is a senior at Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI). He is currently completing his bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education and English Studies. He is an undergraduate student researcher, and his research titled: Carter G Woodson, A Visionary Creating a Legacy for Black Children: A Duo Ethnographic Conversation explores the historical context of Carter G. Woodson and how he played a massive role in the education system. Darius is a leader amongst his peers and goes above and beyond in any task that is handed his way. Additionally, he is a residential assistant (RA), a student ambassador, and a tutor/mentor.
In his various roles, Darius strives to connect to people and learn from their experiences. Any opportunity he is given to showcase what he is passionate about or speak in front of large crowds, he is always up for the challenge. After graduation, he plans to start a successful learning center or make a substantial impact on the education system to bring change in educational institutions because students are the future. In every aspect of life, Darius is a leader who generates positivity wherever he goes.
Indy Kids Winning Inc exists to empower people to make informed education decisions through local education coverage and education resources. Please consider donating to support our work. Your contribution allows us to continue the fight for excellent education for all children.
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