“Where there is a Will, there is a way.” To some, this may seem a simple saying, a phrase passed on by many. However, to Wantagh student William Desroches, these were words to live by. William was only 15 years old when he lost his life in a tragic accident in August of 2023. However, the impact Will made on the lives of so many people will forever overshadow an end which came far too soon.

Will was born on September 8th, 2007. Living in Wantagh his whole life, Will perfectly embodied what it means to be a “Warrior”. Attending Wantagh Elementary School, Will excelled both in the classroom as well as on the field, being inducted into the Wantagh Middle School Honors Society. Playing sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, Will found a passion for athletics. In High School, he had joined the JV Soccer Team, donning his signature number 9 on his jersey, while contributing to the team with a strong left foot. Although Will had been particularly passionate about soccer, he had also been a member of the Wantagh lacrosse team. 

Needing to juggle his stellar academics alongside his love for sport, Will was no stranger to hard work. He worked alongside his step-father and step-brother at Tree Health, a company that provides tree care service. On top of all of this, Will was also musically inclined, and was said to play the trumpet “with ease” according to his family.

With all this hard work, Will had saved himself enough money to buy his most prized possession, a dirt bike. Many of his hobbies include riding said dirt bike, snowboarding, and spending time on the water, learning to fish, Jet Ski, and wake surf. Although difficult skills to master, Will was able to accomplish anything he had set his mind to. He had a particular love for the outdoors, enjoying time at the beach along with biking with friends.

Will also had a deep love of country, wanting to join the military since he was five years old. He would tell loved ones he would be in the Navy, an Army Ranger, or a Marine. He had spent his free time training physically, in hopes of achieving this goal. However, most importantly, Will had an incredible love for family. Loved ones say he had a quiet way about him, but if you listened carefully, you would see what made him so beloved by whomever he crossed paths with. Senior James DiBona, who had known Will since middle school, said, “He was hardworking, funny, and respectful at the same time. He taught me to appreciate time with friends and loved ones more. He has affected my life for the better with our great memories and was always there for me when I needed somebody to talk to.” 

If we could all learn a lesson from William Daniel Desroches, it would be to never give up. Never stop fighting for what you believe in. Will took the phrase “Where there is a Will, there is a way” and became the living embodiment. His life teaches us that you can achieve any goal you set for yourself, and have fun while doing it. He demonstrates to us to live life to the fullest, and make great friends along the way. Although he may be gone, all of his best parts live on through the people he impacted along the way. We should take his lessons and hold them within us, and use them each day, and make an impact on the world in only a way that Will Desroches could.