William Russell
Each year, the Finley Award for Outstanding Character, named for the late Bob Finley, recognizes students and an employee who exemplify the qualities Coach Finley was known for: integrity, generosity, compassion, and perseverance in words and actions. This year’s key student honorees were seniors William Russell from Spain Park High School and Nia Brown from Hoover High School. Nia was featured in the May/June issue of Enjoy Hoover.
Name: William Russell
School: Spain Park High School
Graduation May 21, 2025
Enjoy Hoover: When did you find out you received the Finley Award for Outstanding Character, and were you surprised?
William Russell: I found out that I had received the Finley Award during a senior assembly on Friday, February 28. Dr. Esslinger called all of the senior nominees down to the front of the theater, and then she announced that I was this year’s recipient. Sitting with the other nominees before the announcement was an honor as well, as I have known many of them since kindergarten. They are all such incredible people, and I have nothing but respect for each of them. Dr. Esslinger invited my parents, my siblings, and my grandmother to be there for the announcement, and so that was very special also to see them in the auditorium.
EH: Why do you think it’s important to have good character?
WILLIAM: To me, having good character is a part of our Southern culture. It’s who we are. Additionally, my character is rooted deeply in my faith as a Christian, and my desire to have a servant’s heart. A person with good character welcomes and respects people and ideas of all origins, while upholding his or her own beliefs. Good character allows people to put their differences aside and become inspired by what they have in common. Simply put, good character brings out the best in everyone.
EH: Who inspires you?
WILLIAM: It’s difficult to list every person that I am inspired by, but the two people who have had the greatest impact on my life have been my parents. I have learned so much about having a compassionate heart and a strong work ethic from them. They lead my siblings and me every day by their unwavering example, and I could not be more thankful for their guidance throughout my life.
EH: What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
WILLIAM: My best piece of advice for incoming freshmen would be to get involved and serve. Spain Park offers so many opportunities, both in and out of the classroom, for students to grow their minds and spark their imaginations. Find something that you enjoy and make it your own. Serve your school, your community, and your peers in all things you do. Compassion doesn’t just reward those being served. A compassionate person will always find satisfaction in their actions and be better for it.
EH: How do you want to be remembered by Hoover High School?
WILLIAM: I believe that the most important part of my legacy at Spain Park is the little things that I did while in high school. I don’t believe that my grades, my awards, my leadership roles, or my name are the most impactful legacy I have left. I hope that it’s the friendly smiles, the casual conversations, or the couple of seconds I took to check in on a friend or a teacher that inspire others. I want these seemingly insignificant acts of kindness to be my legacy. I hope that future students will understand that caring for others is one of the most simple yet significant things any person can do.
EH: Where do you hope to be 5 years from now?
WILLIAM: In five years, I hope to be in graduate school. I hope to be working towards my Master's degree in accounting or finance.