Seniors Gabrielle Culberson, Lee Donahue and Zach Kimani have been named Rome Noon Optimist Club Students of the Year. Culberson is the winner in the Life Hero category, Donahue is the winner in the Community Involvement category, and Kimani is the winner in the Well Rounded category.
Culberson, a four-year day student from Cartersville, Ga., is a member of Darlington's Senior Ventures program, where her project focuses on political education for students. She is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, the Young Democrats, Varsity Library, Hugs & Threads and the varsity girls' soccer team. She has taken 18 Honors and AP classes in high school. Outside of school, Culberson is a graduate of Youth Leadership Bartow and has participated in Harvard Summer School Program and the Brown Environmental Leadership Lab: Eastern Sierras. She also organizes an annual blanket drive for the children on the transplant floor of Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta. Culberson is the daughter of Rayan Hart-Culberson.
"Gabrielle’s experience as a transplant patient has shaped her into a compassionate and driven leader," said Dean of College Guidance Ivy Brewer, Culberson's college adviser. "After receiving a life-saving kidney transplant, she has dedicated herself to supporting others on similar paths. Founder of the organization One Kid One Kidney, she mentors children preparing for transplants and organizes an annual blanket drive for young patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta."
Donahue is a four-year day student from Rome, Ga. He has taken 12 Honors and AP courses at Darlington and is a member of the National Honor Society. At Darlington, Donahue is a member of the varsity cross country, swim and dive, and track and field teams, and serves on the Student Activities Committee. Off campus, he is an active member of Georgia 4-H, previously serving as a Georgia 4-H Northwest District senior board member. Donahue has participated in the United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar and is a member of the Tiger Flight Aviation Academy. He is the son of Mary and Arthur Donahue.
"Lee’s dedication to volunteering with 4-H and Tiger Flight is a reflection of his gratitude," said Jaclyn Haynes, Donahue's college adviser and Upper School science teacher. "Giving back to the groups that shaped him allows other people the opportunity to find the same spark he did. My favorite memory of Lee is from a cross-country meet when he went out of his way to encourage my son. Holt was feeling discouraged, but Lee talked with him and shared his own stories of struggle and improvement since the sixth grade."
Kimani, a four-year boarding student from Nairobi, Kenya, serves as president of the Discipline Committee and head boarding prefect for Moser House. He has taken 17 Honors and AP courses at Darlington, and was named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program as well as an AP Scholar with Distinction by The College Board. Kimani is also a member of the Dar Tech Team, Servant Leadership Committee, Tiger Tutors, and varsity cross country and track and field teams. He is the son of Charity and Duncan Kimani.
"When I think of Zach I think of his calm demeanor," said Assistant Director of the Upper School and Kimani's college adviser Brant Evans. "No matter the stressor, he is always under control. He makes running the state championship cross country meet look like a stroll down Broad Street. He is the exact same way when it comes to being a leader at Darlington. As head prefect of Moser House or president of the Discipline Committee, it doesn't matter the excitement or disappointment around him, Zach is always a voice of reason and a steady hand to calm the waters. He approaches all of his challenges with the same humble attitude, taking no credit for himself, but willing to take blame when things falter. He has a huge heart for helping others and encouraging those around him to find that same passion. In an age where self-promotion seems paramount, Zach is a welcome dose of humility and quiet strength."
Student of the Year winners were announced at the Noon Optimist Club's Student of the Year banquet on Tuesday, April 21.
