Before the world shifted, the Advancement Office had planned to share senior spotlights on some of the faces of the Class of 2020 and what Darlington means to them. These students represent everything Darlington’s faculty and staff work tirelessly for - our future alumni.
There has never been a better time to feature our seniors - they deserve the spotlight as the spring they so looked forward to has shifted. This series will feature several Darlington seniors who will share their favorite things about Darlington and also how they are adjusting to this new world of distance learning.
We hope you will enjoy getting to know these seniors better and will make a gift to honor the Class of 2020, who need our support now more than ever. To make a gift to the 2019-2020 Darlington Fund please click here.
How have you met the challenge of distance learning?
I tried to get my schoolwork done each morning not too long after waking up.
What’s your favorite thing served in the dining hall?
The best thing the lunchroom serves is sun butter and jelly sandwiches.
What house are you in?
I am in Regester house.
What are you involved in at Darlington (clubs, etc.)?
During my time at Darlington, I have participated in cheerleading, lacrosse, Y-Cabinet, Spanish Club, Tiger Experts and the Servant Leadership Team.
If you are in sports who is your favorite coach and why?
My favorite coach was my cheerleading coach for all four years, Bebe Cline. I was actually in her math class way back in 5th grade and I have always thought she was a funny and energetic force in the classroom and on the sidelines.
How have you been involved in fine arts?
I took Art History with Mr. Inman my junior year. It was not something I thought I would ever be super interested in, but it was a very enjoyable class.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My most favorite place on campus would be the wood bridge over the creek next to the chapel. Although it was a pain to make the trek across campus to and from the parking lot each day, that little area always provided a sense of peace.
Who is your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teacher was probably Mrs. Cleveland. Although she is no longer at Darlington, I was in her Spanish III Honors and AP Spanish Literature classes. She really helped me develop a strong passion for learning Spanish through her extreme optimism and unique teaching style. Thanks to her, and all my other wonderful world language and non-world language teachers at Darlington, I think I have really come to discover which direction I would like to take my education during the upcoming years.
Where do you want to go to college?
I am attending Mercer University this fall. I plan to major in Spanish, but on the pre-med track. I was accepted into Mercer School of Medicine's Special Consideration Program, meaning once I finish my undergraduate studies, I am pre-accepted into their medical school.
If you could name the two new swans what would you name them?
If I could name the two swans, assuming there is a male and a female, I would name them Billy, after the Billy Goat Trail in the woods behind campus, and Christie, after Chris Hunter Stadium, where I spent so much time during cheer season.
If you were given $10,000 to donate where would you donate to and why?
I would give the $10,000 to residential life. Although I was not heavily involved in the dorms, other than lock ins and RUMPUS, while a student at Darlington, it has come to my attention that the transition from home to boarding school proves difficult for many dorm students. I imagine it is particularly difficult for lower class men to acclimate to their new home. That being said, I think it would be nice to use the funding to make such a big change a little easier and more enjoyable for these particular students.
We have 1,500 donors who give to Darlington every year sure you have a great experience - in 10 words or less how would you thank them?
Thank you for this special place to go to school.
What is your favorite thing about Darlington and why is that important to you?
Looking back on my time at Darlington, especially my four years at the Upper School, the most striking aspect of our school community is the overwhelming presence of school spirit. I feel most everyone, including day, dorm, domestic and international, are proud to call themselves a tiger, for so many different reasons. Darlington is truly is a special to go to school each day. I feel so fortunate to have been able to show my own school spirit through participating in varsity football cheerleading. The cheerleading squad is really a little community of its own, but we get to lead the entire Darlington community in cheering on arguably the most important element of student life, tiger football!
