The Selma Times-Journal

Coach Darrell Walker will no longer walk the halls of Central Christian Academy (CCA) as the seventh through ninth grade history teacher. Those days are long gone.

On June 1, Walker will assume the role as CCA’s headmaster and make history within the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) – Walker is the first black headmaster of any AISA school, according to AISA Executive Director Don Oswald.

Walker, 26, may also be one of the youngest AISA headmasters in the state, but age doesn’t bother him.

“Age is only a number,” he said. “The Lord put me here for a reason and he hasn’t brought me this far to leave me alone.”

Walker was informed of his new position at a faculty meeting after the CCA board – comprised mostly of parents – deemed him deserving of the headmaster role. Walker is replacing current CCA Headmaster Dayton Dawkins. Attempts to reach Dawkins for comment were unsuccessful.

Said Walker, “Coach Dawkins has been a great mentor to me.”

Walker said he hopes to carry on the tradition Dawkins has established at CCA – effectively listening to the concerns and suggestions of students, faculty and parents and community members.

“I’m looking forward to bringing CCA to the top, but I’m only one person,” Walker said. “I need help from the community, students and faculty as well.”

A Selma native, Walker is a 1998 graduate of Selma High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education – with a minor in history – from Alabama State University in 2004. Walker joined the CCA staff in June 2005. In addition to history, Walker teaches physical education for grades one through 12. Walker is also the wide receiver coach for the CCA football team and Girl’s basketball and softball coach.

With a shy smile, Walker said he feels “tremendous” about becoming headmaster, but the opportunity is bittersweet. When Walker’s students were informed of their instructor’s ascension, there were a few sad faces. Walker will give up teaching once he becomes headmaster, but will retain his coaching duties.

“I have such a bond with my students and I want to motivate students to do their best – I try to make my classes fun and interesting,” Walker said. “But if they want to talk or anything, my door is always open.”

Walker joins the company of other area AISA headmasters including Dr. Chris de Buzna of Morgan Academy and Dr. Michael Gaylor of Meadowview Christian School.