On Mar. 12, 2024, OH Athletic Director (AD), Darren Howard, sent an email to staff and coaches announcing his departure from Oswego High School. After serving his position for 12 years at OH, he accepted the AD position at St. Charles East High School.
James Richter, St. Charles East principal, emphasized what made Howard different from other interviewees. “What made [him] stand out was his excellent reputation as being an outstanding and well-respected AD within the state and country that included leadership at many levels,” Richter said.
Howard’s leadership has benefited OH athletics in the best way possible. He has used his leadership skills to mentor coaches from all around the area.
“I really love working with and mentoring coaches. There is a very good coaching staff[ that is also in transition with retirements, job changes, etc. that will bring in some younger and newer coaches,” Howard said. “I think my experience will be a good addition for them and I am hopeful we can build on what they already do and make it even better.”
Richter is eager for this change and is hopeful of the great opportunities Howard will bring to their school community.
“He had experience at a large high school that offered many opportunities for students to get involved in athletics similar to what we offer at St. Charles East,” Richter said.
Howard has been grateful to work with the OH coaches and be able to mentor them. The people especially made his time here worthwhile.
“The passion of the people here is real and it leads to great things happening within this building,” Howard said. “It has truly been an honor to have this position and it has afforded me some great opportunities both personally and professionally.”
The passion of the people is rooted in Howard. He truly shows his pride in OHS and will continue to carry the pride into his new position.
“As a parent of four SD308 kids, all of which are involved in athletics, I am grateful for the work he has done in our community and appreciate the experiences my own children have had while he served as AD,” Richter said.
This new transition is exciting for both Howard and St. Charles east, but Howard shares what he will miss most as he moves on.
“I will miss the people and students of OHS more than anything else. This building truly is a special place with a tremendous history and climate that I believe is unique,” Howard said.
My name is Miranda Cook, and this is my second year being a part of 42Fifty! I am a senior at OHS, and I am on the varsity cheer team. I enjoy taking photos and hanging out with my friends in my free time, and I cannot wait to continue my career in journalism!
