Will Damron (Class of 2017) credits his time at StoneBridge for preparing the way for the path he is on now, not only academically, but in his personal life and career. He even met his future wife, Alex Mann (Class of 2014), at StoneBridge. though he did not know it then. Follow Alex’s story here for more on how they reconnected and came together as a married couple.
Today, Will is building a career in full-time ministry even as he attends Tidewater Community College. He currently works alongside his wife at the Virginia Beach campus of Big House Church as the assistant director of kids’ ministry. He wears many hats while in charge: coordinating volunteers, creating lesson plans, leading worship, and most importantly – making sure the kids learn about Jesus!
“Doing kids church with Alex has allowed us to plant seeds into the hearts of young children, many of whom attend public school and only really hear about the Lord at home or on a Sunday. We teach them Bible verses and worship songs and encourage prayer and engagement with the Holy Spirit as they go throughout their week,” Will shared.
As the son of SBS 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Carrie Damron, Will attended StoneBridge School from 7th to 12th grade. He reminisced on his time at school and some of the fun times he had.
“I loved any class that Mr. Garrett taught (History/Government/Personal Fitness/Public Speaking),” he shared. “My senior year, Mr. Garrett and I performed a rendition of the song ‘Say Something,’ in which he played the role of Christina Aguilera. That same year, I helped choreograph a dance for our mentoring group where we all wore banana costumes. I also greatly enjoyed senior trip; I just watched our video from the trip recently.”
But more than just the fun memories, Will said he is thankful for how StoneBridge prepared him for college and his career. The program equipped him with the skills and resources needed to write well. He even shared that he still conducts word studies, a hallmark of the StoneBridge method of research and study!
“In truth, I have also conducted many word studies in my personal time while studying the Bible. This has led to a greater understanding of the principles we were taught at SBS, and helped me apply them to my job,” he said.
His passion for leading the kids ministry at his church and continuing to build his career in ministry is rooted in living as Christ did.
Will Damron leading Lower School Chapel, May 2022
“I strive to lead like Jesus did: leading by example, leading through service, leading in humility, and leading from a team-based mindset. I do not see myself as ‘the boss’ in any situation. Rather, I seek to build up my community and work together for the glory of God,” he said.
Will pointed to a verse many might take for granted, offering current SBS students some sage advice.
“‘Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…’ (Matthew 6:23) This is a verse you will hear time and time again in the church, and in a private Christian school, but do not let your heart become jaded to these words,” he said.
“In everything you do, seek the Lord,” he continued. “The world will tell you to ‘work smarter, not harder. This advice is often taken the wrong way. If you find a loophole, I would urge you not to use it. Instead, seek to be righteous for the glory of God.”
“Whenever you set out to do any task, do it to the best of your ability. Never do yourself the disservice of just ‘getting by,” he said. “Be good stewards of the tasks that you have been trusted with, even if it feels insignificant. ‘Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.’ (Colossians 3:23) And pray for wisdom, it is the best gift you can ever ask for.”
Will’s hobbies include reading, primarily fantasy, writing his own book, and building a large-scale creative writing, world-building project with a friend from church. He also enjoys playing the keyboard and drums and writing his own music. Below is a song he recently wrote. Take a listen!
