Success on the basketball court often comes from a combination of strategy, level-headedness, and patience. It is no wonder Steward School 12th-grader Davonte Hines loves the sport, as he excels in all three areas. Davonte is exceedingly kind and a diligent student; he has immersed himself in the Steward community and is being rewarded for these efforts with numerous college acceptances. We are thrilled to watch him graduate this spring and then take off to college.
What are your favorite subjects in school?
My favorite subjects in school are history and math. I have always loved math since I was a kid and history recently became one of my favorites.
What has been your favorite extracurricular activity in high school?
My favorite extracurricular activity is varsity basketball. It has always been my favorite since I was a child, alongside football, but unfortunately my high school doesn’t have a football team.
In what ways have you changed the most between the start of your 9th-grade year and now being in your final year of high school?
Over the past 4 years, my mindset has really changed. I have learned how to think differently, so I understand things differently, and I’m more empathetic.
What has been the best part of attending Steward?
The best part of attending Steward is the sports programs and having a connection with my teammates. Building a bond with people that share the same passion as me is a different type of friendship.
What has been the most challenging thing about high school? Did UP RVA help you overcome that challenge? If so, how?
The most challenging thing about high school for me is Spanish. Yes, UP RVA helped me by providing a tutor.
You have participated in summer programs for the past two years. Share a little about what you learned about yourself by participating in those programs.
Yes, I participated in some leadership programs over the summer last year, one at St. Chris called S.I.L.P.S., and we learned how to become leaders and how to better our environment by thinking differently. We met a lot of successful people who talked to us, gave us advice, and shared their stories with us.
You’ve been part of the UP RVA College Mentor Program. How has the mentor program helped you in your college research and application process?
The mentor program has helped me in so many ways. From my mentor reading my college essay for my applications to my mentor just giving me tips on life and how to be better. It has helped me get to where I’m at right now.
If you had to do it all over again, would you still be a part of UP RVA? Why?
Yes, UP RVA has given me so many opportunities and memories that I will never forget and I will always be grateful for it. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be able to attend The Steward School. UP RVA has given me a home and I will cherish that forever.
What are the 2 or 3 things you want people to know about how UP RVA helps its students?
UP RVA helps its students with whatever they need, whether it is a suit for prom, donuts for advisory, or a tutor for a subject you are struggling with. UP RVA will help you; all you have to do is ask.
