Everyone strives to leave an impact, but few truly recognize the cost of achieving it.
Dallastown graduate and soldier Daren Hidalgo understood what it would take, as he always wanted to make a difference.
In February 2011, Hidalgo was killed in action, but he is still honored and remembered by his impact today.
His journey began with moving from Wisconsin to Dallastown, then back to Wisconsin, only to return to Dallastown again.
Despite the moves, he quickly made friends here and became a cherished member of the school and community.
Ms. Gable, who taught while he was in high school, was one of the many teachers who admired Hidalgo’s personality.
“He was very well-rounded: smart, musical, and athletic, but he was also really funny, pleasant, and kind. [He] went through life with a huge smile on his face almost all the time,” Gable said.
While in high school, Hidalgo was involved in the National Honor Society, played the trumpet in band, wrestled and excelled academically. In 2004, it was the first year Dallastown had a male Homecoming Court, and Daren was able to be a part of it.
He graduated in 2005 and then went on to graduate from West Point in 2009, following his brother and father.
Photo submitted.
Hidalgo’s family had a long history of military service, which inspired him to follow in their footsteps.
Cathryn Marsala is a second-grade teacher at Leaders Heights Elementary School and a childhood friend of Daren.
“His family believed that serving your nation and community was important, and Daren was determined to follow in his family’s footsteps,” Marsala said.
And he did, he fought selflessly for many long months in Afghanistan, until February 2011.
During that month, he suffered two wounds, one ultimately resulting in death.
His memory will always live on in the community he honored and the hearts of those he loved.
Daniel Thoman, a Dallastown graduate and current head wrestling coach, attended Dallastown at the same time as Daren. They were both officers in the US Army, with their service overlapping for a short time.
“He was a great person and a great American who sacrificed everything so that we could all enjoy our freedom,” Thoman said.
Marsala still takes time every February to talk to her second graders about Hidalgo. Her students love to know that he was once a student at the same school as they are.
“I encourage them to live like Daren, make every day count, and find joy in all they do!” Marsala said.
He leaves a mark on the school still, to this day.
In the high school library, Hidalgo’s uniform is displayed as a powerful reminder of his ultimate sacrifice and the legacy he left behind.
Alongside the uniform, there are two frames displayed. One of the frames gives a description of him and his impact at school, and the other explains all of the colored stripes attached on the right side of the jacket.
Each color represents a different aspect of his contribution in the military. But deeper than that, they represent his bravery and sacrifices, which he deserves to be remembered for.
The Dallastown High School wrestling team also had special memorial uniforms made in memory of Daren and other wrestling alumni who died in service to our country.
In honor of his memory, his family provides an annual scholarship to a senior who excels academically, musically, and athletically, reflecting their son’s life.
Even if you never knew him personally, you should know that he would want you to live every day to the fullest and never give up.
“We should be grateful for people like him and live good lives to honor his sacrifice every day,” Thoman said.
