We’re excited to highlight the Young Alumni Council through a series of Darlington Connects blogs written by members of the Alumni Council. Today, Leah Mayo (’11, LD '22) shares a spotlight on Austin Spooner (’12).
Austin Spooner ('12) came to Darlington as a boarding student in 2010, at the beginning of his junior year, and he quickly became a leader on campus. Head prefect of Moser House and a member of student government, he was an avid participant in the performing arts as a member of Concert Choir, a member of the Random Notes men's a cappella group, and a lead in the Winter Musical, where he lit up the stage as Lumiere in Disney’s "Beauty & The Beast." Austin revived the Darlington Young Democrats with the help of Mr. Brian Inman, and was a member of the Spanish Club and several honor societies. He also was a public service ambassador and volunteered with many local public service organizations.
Today, Austin is a licensed attorney in the State of New York and a graduate of Tulane Law School. A resident of New York City, his current focus is volunteer work, serving the Immigration Justice Campaign as a volunteer attorney to help detained clients leave detention and begin the initial steps of filing asylum claims. His passion for volunteer work helped drive his career path, and that passion was fostered at Darlington.
“Darlington helped instill within me a spirit of public service and giving back to my community, so I was drawn to the law as a tool to help transform and improve the lives of people who need legal assistance the most,” Austin said.
Austin continues to be very involved with Darlington as a class agent for the Class of 2012 and as the inaugural president of the Young Alumni Council. As the council's first president, he has helped develop two major goals for the group: to increase young alumni engagement with the school and to offer more opportunities for young alumni to network with and mentor current Darlington seniors.
Austin and President-Elect Hanna Jon Lewis ('16) created four committees to help facilitate the goals of the Young Alumni Council: the Social Engagement Committee, which plans the annual summer social event; the Student Support Committee, which plans the Senior Transition panels that provide an opportunity for current seniors to ask questions about college and careers to members of the Young Alumni Council during senior college guidance sessions; the Nominating Committee, which helps determine the necessary qualifications and new candidates for membership; and the Recognition Committee, which is exploring new ways to celebrate the academic, public service, and career accomplishments of young alumni.
“Hanna Jon and I couldn’t have enjoyed the successful first year we’ve had without guidance and assistance from not only Vicki Vincent and Julie Lucas ('97) in the Advancement Office, but also current Alumni Council President Robert Hortman ('99, LD '18) and President-Elect Kristen Rachels ('05, LD '16),” said Austin.
Austin is also looking forward to an upcoming event that he helped plan with Annie Rosen ('02, LD '18) – Darlington in New York City – on Tuesday, Jan. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ipanema on 36th Street off 5th Avenue. His friend, Andre Pavlik, the chef de cuisine at Ipanema, has previously worked at numerous Michelin-starred restaurants in New York.
“It’s going to be an event you won’t want to miss!” said Austin.
Click here for more event details and to RSVP.
Austin will return to campus this coming March to participate in Leadership Darlington 2023.
Are you a member of the Darlington Community (or do you know one) with an interesting career or community involvement? We'd love to spotlight you in a future blog! Please email connect@darlingtonschool.org if you are interested in being featured.
