Please let me start by saying thank you. Thank you to everyone in our community who has given back to our school in the last year – from the many volunteer hours, to sharing the great work on social media, to supporting our students and teachers by your philanthropy. Thank you.
I feel very lucky because I have been able to experience the full circle of Darlington philanthropy. My grandfather, brother, and I all graduated from Darlington. I attended Darlington as a four-year boarding student in the 90s and had the most amazing experience that was created by a philanthropic community before my time. I always think about the plaque outside the Head of School’s office that honors former Darlington President Gordon E. Bondurant and reads, “You will drink from wells that you did not dig…”
After I graduated, my dad made sure I understood the importance of giving back and encouraged me to support The Darlington Fund each year. So much so, he made a gift in my name in those early years.
Then, I came back to work at Darlington in the Advancement Office in 2007 and have been able to witness the overwhelming support this community gives back. This support is continuing through the next generation of my children who are in fifth and seventh grade, respectively.
During my time, I have been a part of the completion of a transformational capital campaign, the growth of The Darlington Fund, increased participation in the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, and gotten to know the most amazing people connected to Darlington.
This last year, 2023-2024, many of these people have supported The Darlington Fund, created new endowments for our students and teachers, and have chosen to leave Darlington in their estate plans to forever continue their love for our school.
We hope you will be inspired by the great support our community gave last year and enjoy reviewing this online Annual Report. Again, thank you for all you do for Darlington School.
Forever grateful,
Julie W. Lucas ‘97
Chief Advancement Officer
