A Darlington student is made up of many things. None of which is average. We help our students develop their interests, passions and pursuits, because we believe every individual has something to contribute. We also believe that only when you're 100% you, are you 100% Darlington.
Here at Darlington, every student’s path is different. We think that's a good thing.
Let’s get to know Clare Cao, a four-year boarding student from Shanghai, China, whose Senior Ventures project involves physical therapy and the prevention of sports-related injuries.
When you think of Darlington, what three words come to mind first?
Quiet, beautiful, colorful
What house are you a member of?
Thornwood
What are you involved in at Darlington?
Keyboard, Senior Ventures, Tiger Experts
If you play sports, who is your favorite coach and why?
Although I am not involved in Darlington sports, my favorite coach is our athletic trainer, Mr. Donny Brown. Mr. Brown is my Senior Leadership Ventures class school mentor. I also took Mr. Brown's Athletic Recovery and Sports Medicine iPeriod last school year. Mr. Brown is a very knowledgeable, patient, and nice coach and teacher. I have learned a lot of specialized knowledge in the sports field from Mr. Brown.
What's your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the stream and swing area behind Cooper House. These places on campus are very quiet but vivid. I like walking along the stream and sitting on the swing after school and watching squirrels.
Who's your favorite teacher and why?
Among so many nice and excellent teachers, I would like to especially say Mrs. Tunnell, Mrs. King and Mrs. Inman. Mrs. Tunnell is a very caring, responsible, patient and nice teacher! She takes me to dance classes after school during the week. Along the drive, we often have great chat time together. Our chats are always comfortable and encouraging to me. Mrs. King is my science teacher who taught me Biology and Anatomy. Although the terminology of her courses is very hard to me as an international student, her teaching inspired me to get interested in biology, anatomy, physiology and related knowledge with her guidance and encouragement, which also opened a door for me to explore the area of people's health and wellness in my future college. Mrs. Inman was my English teacher for my junior year. Her teaching improved my English level very much, not only in language but also in how to read, analyze, and appreciate English original works. As the dean of students for global education, Mrs. Inman cares for our international students' lives and understands our thinking and feelings due to different cultures and backgrounds. I feel safe and comfortable far from home. Mrs. Inman also gave me much advice and help on my college application.
What’s your favorite thing about Darlington?
What I like most about Darlington is the beautiful campus and all the teachers and staff. All of them in Darlington are so nice and warm toward students.
Describe an experience that you've had at Darlington that you couldn't have had anywhere else.
The Senior Leadership Ventures class is a special experience I have had at Darlington. I learned many important steps and skills to conduct a project – for example, performing an elevator speech, designing questionnaires and surveys, analyzing, and so on.
What are some of the ways you've grown since you first came to Darlington?
I have learned to become a more independent and organized high school student.
What is your dream job?
Health specialist
Click here to see more #SeniorSpotlights from the Class of 2023!
Find out how you can be 100% Darlington, too, by requesting a personal campus tour at www.darlingtonschool.org/visit or contacting admission@darlingtonschool.org.
