William "Monty" Graham is a 1982 Danville High School graduate who recently became the new director of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.

"SERC is one of the Smithsonian’s research centers and it is focused on important research at the intersection between people, land and the sea," Graham said. "While I haven’t yet arrived at SERC, I have always been involved with the communities where I work and live. I’m mostly interested in helping communities understand the importance of science in their everyday lives and how environmental science impacts their health, safety and bank accounts."

At DHS, Graham was a trumpet soloist. During that time, the band was a national champion. He also was on the inaugural DHS varsity soccer team. He shared his Danville Schools journey. 

Tell us about your Danville Schools journey. What school(s) did you attend, and what’s a highlight that stands out to you?

We moved to Danville from New Hampshire when I was entering the 5th grade at Toliver (in Ms. Helm’s class). I went to the old Bate Junior High School and then DHS. I would say the highlight that stands out the most are the hometown friends I made through school and neighborhoods (Alan, Tony, Bruce, Celie, Rhonda, George). These are forever friends that you only get in small towns like Danville.

What aspects of your Danville Schools education helped mold you into the person you are today?

Easy. My mother. Half of Danville knew her as Mrs. Graham, and half knew her later as Mrs. Biles. She taught English, journalism and drama for decades, and because we were a small town and small school, there was no way for me to avoid having her as a teacher. She passed away three months ago, and it has become clear how many people were so impacted by her intense love for teaching.

When you think back on your Danville Schools experience, are there specific instances or relationships that stand out to you as having had a significant impact on your success since graduating?

Absolutely all of it. When you grow up in a small town where everyone knows everyone else, there is nowhere to hide from your choices. That sense of having to succeed for the community around is a lifelong part of my character.

As a product of Danville Schools, what advice would you give to a parent who was choosing an education path for their child?

Place your child in an environment and with teachers who will know who they are, both inside the classroom and in the community. Danville’s greatest strength is its small-town vibe. Small towns care about their young people.

---

This piece is part of an ongoing series telling the stories of our Danville Alumni! We share a new alumni story once a month, and we want YOUR story. If you or someone you know is a Danville graduate and an excellent representative of the Danville community and the idea of #SuccessForALL, whether they live in Danville or not, please fill out the form linked below. You can also show your Danville Alumni pride on social media with the hashtag #DanvilleAlumniStories

Alumni Stories Suggestion Form