Darlington Magazine Summer 2011

S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

M A G A Z I N E

Tom Whitworth Headmaster James Milford Associate Headmaster Director of Admission Max Roach Director of Upper School James Hutchins Director of Middle School Steve Bartholomew Director of Lower School Joe Montgomery Chief Advancement Officer Vicki Vincent Director of Alumni Relations Doug Hamil Director of Graphic Design Tannika King Director of Media Relations RuthAnne Anderson Timothy Dunn Isaac Leicht Paul O’Mara Trevor Williams Photographic Contributors Darlington Magazine is published two times a year by the Communication Office of Darlington School, and is distributed to those who have shown a continued interest in Darlington.

Darlington School, a nonprofit organization, does not discriminate in admission because of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, and maintains non-discriminatory policies throughout its operation.

1014 Cave Spring Road Rome, Georgia 30161 706-235-6051 (phone) 706-232-3600 (fax) alumni@darlingtonschool.org www.darlingtonschool.org

On The Cover: Patrick Tarrant (’13) and Emily Thurmond (’14) light floating candles during Light the Lake this spring. This annual event has become a much-anticipated day for the Darlington Community to come together in honor and memory of those who have battled cancer.

SUMMER

2011

Content 2 Community News 7 Second Century Campaign News 29 Class Notes 44 In Memoriam Campus Features 20 Bob Rogers

‘Service Beyond Self’

24 Three-peat

Wrestling champ seeks fourth state title

25 Leaders of the Pack 28 Learning with Legos

School-wide robotics program sees growth

Campus Views 18 Beauty and the Beast 22 Light the Lake 26 Commencement 40 Atlanta Alumni Gathering Alumni Profiles 30 Ed Mundy (’98) Life in motion

32 Minaka Makita (’02) Rebuilding a nation

36 Laura Lynch (’08)

Making a world of difference

Community News Annual lectureship features energy expert

Chuck Black

Chuck Black, president of Black & Black Consulting Services, LLC, was the eighth speaker in Darlington’s annual Class of 1953 Lectureship Series. He delivered his address, titled “Energy, Economics and the Environment,” to Upper School students and faculty in April.

“The U.S. uses 25 percent of all oil produced in the world, but we only account for 4 percent of the population,” Black said. “That puts us in a precarious situation. Oil will continue to be an issue in terms of price and national security until we find ways to decrease consumption.”

From 2004 to 2009, Black was president of Tampa Electric Co., an investorowned utility with 660,000 customers, annual revenues of $2.4 billion and 2,450 employees. In this role, he led the effort to modernize the company’s generating fleet while implementing an aggressive emissions reduction strategy. He managed the repowering of the coal-fired facility into a natural gas plant ahead of schedule and below budget.

A Tampa Electric employee for over 35 years, Black’s previous positions

included senior vice president for generation, vice president of energy supply and vice president of project management. Among his responsibilities was the management of the engineering, construction and commissioning of the Polk Power Station, a 250MW IGCC plant that has generated more electricity from clean coal technology than any plant in the world.

“What we need are game-changers – things that significantly and positively influence energy production in our world. That’s where you come in,” he told students.

A professional engineer, Black holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Florida. He has also served as president of the Southeastern Electric Exchange, vice chairman of the Board of the Florida Reliability Coordinating Council, and as a member of the Board of the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies.

The Class of 1953 Lectureship Series was established in 2003 to commemorate the class’s 50th reunion.

New boat named for community coach

Students christen The Dave Corbin by pouring water from Silver Lake on it during a dedication ceremony.

Dave Corbin A Vespoli Racer will join the Darlington Crew’s fleet this fall, thanks to the efforts of a group of parents who secured the boat from the State University of New York at Albany.

“Rowing is tough, hard work,” said Mark Schlosberg, who led the effort. “To win, you have to be strong and have good technique. You also need a fast boat, which up until now we haven’t had.”

The Vespoli, which seats eight plus a coxswain, won many medals for

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SUNY Albany under its former name “The Eisenberger.” Upon its arrival at Darlington, it was renamed for longtime community coach Dave Corbin, who helped found the school’s program in 2002. During the ceremony, rowers christened the boat with water from Silver Lake.

“Our boat is named to honor someone who, above all others, has made a special contribution to the rowing team,” said Lindsey Braden (’11). “Dave Corbin is our program’s guardian angel, there from the start and whenever we need help.”

Parent contributors include Susann and Jonathan Braden, Lori Ethridge, Charlotte and Mark Griffiths, Barbara and Scott Huskins, Jamie and Michael Jackson, Diane and Gregg Lewis, Anita and Anil Patel, Linda and David Pryde, Jamie and Steve Safigan, Beth (Birdsong) Summer (’76), Lorie and Bill Thoms, and Ann and Steve Wilhoite (’73).

Georgia GOAL Scholarships benefit new students More than 50 scholarship commitments have been made for 2011-12 thanks to the Darlington Community’s generous support of the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program.

“Thanks to you, we can continue offering scholarship assistance to qualified Georgia public school students entering grades pre-K to 12 who might not have otherwise been able to afford the Darlington experience,” said Admission Officer DeLean Brandon.

In 2010, alumni, parents, faculty and staff, and friends of the school provided more than $500,000 in financial aid for eligible students to attend Darlington by redirecting their Georgia tax dollars to the GOAL initiative. Out of the 107 participating schools in the State of Georgia, Darlington ranked third in dollars collected.

“Only $50 million in tax credits are available to Georgia citizens wishing to contribute to an approved student scholarship organization, such as GOAL,” Brandon said. “This cap was nearly met in 2010, and is expected to be reached earlier this year. To redirect your tax dollars for the benefit of new students attending Darlington in 2011, we recommend that you please act now. It is possible that thousands of taxpayers who attempt to participate late in the year will be excluded from this opportunity.”

To learn more, visit www. darlingtonschool.org/goalscholarship.

Darlington Magazine

Community News

International Fair celebrates culture, diversity

School welcomes new division director

Max Roach

James Lee (’11), Stella Jung (’13) and Vesper Yun (’14) serve traditional Korean food.

Each year, Darlington students, teachers and their families have the opportunity to travel around the world without ever leaving the campus.

The school’s annual International Fair, organized and run entirely by students, is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated events of the spring season.

“It’s an opportunity for our international students to share their cultures with people who wouldn’t necessarily be exposed to them – to open the eyes of our community to the world beyond Rome, Ga.,” said Kila McCann, director of international student programs and director of boarding admission. “The students are always very eager to share this side of themselves.”

Last year’s International Fair featured food, dress, music and decorations from the 36 different countries represented in Darlington’s student body.

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Seasoned educator and administrator Max Roach has taken over the reigns as director of Upper School.

“This is a natural next step for Max,” said Headmaster Tom Whitworth.

“He’s a good communicator, a strong collaborator, and he will bring a strong sense of integrity and honor to his work.”

Roach comes to Darlington from Wasatch Academy (Utah), where he was director of Schools Attuned, dean of the department for teaching and learning, and learning strategies department head. He holds a B.A. in Education from Westminster College, a Graduate-Level

Teaching Endorsement in English as a Second Language from the University of Utah, and an M.Ed. in Educational Management and Innovation from Western Governors University, all located in Salt Lake City. In addition to his work at Wasatch Academy, he was a member of the All Kinds of Minds national teaching faculty. He has taught at the elementary, high school, college and in-service professional development levels.

Roach is also classically trained in Japanese martial arts instruction and recently published a book titled “Japanese Swords: Cultural Icons of a Nation – The history metallurgy and iconography of the Japanese sword.” He and his wife, Alethea, have three children, Aidan, 6, Porter, 4, and Charlie, 2.

“I came to Darlington five years ago for a Schools Attuned training session and fell in love with the school and its people – I have had my eye on it ever since,” Roach said. “As a high school student, I attended a college-preparatory boarding school for four years and came away transformed. So, at a deep level, I know that a school like Darlington can unlock greatness and undiscovered potential in young people.”

Alumni Council appoints new president, members Darlington’s Alumni Council welcomes a new president and four new members for the 2011-14 term.

Chason Mull (’78) of Rome, owner of Care Free Lawn Service, will serve as president. A second-generation Darlington alumnus and longtime member of the Alumni Council, he has also served on the Annual Fund Leadership Team and been an active parent volunteer. He and his wife, Kathy (Brice) Mull (’78) are the parents of class agent Strom (’06) and Robert (’10).

Allison (Hunter) Brooks (’79) of Lindale, Ga., a second-generation Darlington alumna, works with her husband, Jeff (’79), at Brooks Building Group. She is serving her second term on the Alumni Council and has been a

member of the Annual Fund Leadership Team. The mother of Darlington alumni Kendall (’08) and Hunter (’10), she has also been active in the school’s parent organizations.

Ryan Fox (’01) of Rome is general manager of ADF Welding and Medical Inc. and an Annual Fund volunteer. He is married to Lindsey Fox. Molly Kelly (’98) of Atlanta, a secondgeneration Darlington alumna, is an event manager with Stan Smith Events and an Annual Fund volunteer.

Luke Lester (’84) of Cartersville, Ga., is president of Bond, James Bond Inc. A loyal Annual Fund and parent volunteer, he and his wife, Sandy, are the parents of Grace (’19) and Hattie James (’23).

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Community News Annual Fund tops $1 million for 16th consecutive year

Steve Wilhoite (‘73)

This spring, the Annual Fund surpassed the $1 million mark for the 16th straight year, one full month ahead of last year’s pace, and increased participation by more than 250 donors.

“There are so many people to thank when it comes to raising money for the Annual Fund,” said Jason Turner, director of annual giving. “One hundred percent of our trustees contribute more than one-fourth of this total, but our alumni and current parents really stepped it up this year, particularly our residential parents.”

Turner said this success was only possible because of a loyal group of volunteers. “And that starts with Steve Wilhoite (’73), chairman of our Leadership Team,” he said. “We’ve been blessed with the guidance of Bob Hortman (’72), Bill Kelly (’71) and now Steve over the last three years. Those men are as loyal, hard-working and dedicated to Darlington School as you will find, and we are fortunate to have people like this leading the way. Steve will lead our effort again in 2011-2012, so the Annual Fund remains in great hands. To all who had a hand in making a call for Darlington, and to everyone who sacrificed to keep this place great, we thank you.”

Coinciding with the school calendar, the Annual Fund runs from June 1 to May 31 each year.

Student group meets Lord Chancellor of Great Britain

Rt. Hon. Kenneth Clarke, the Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, pictured with Darlington students.

While on a spring break trip to England, a group of Darlington students and parents had the unique opportunity to meet privately with the Rt. Hon. Kenneth Clarke QC MP, the Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain and Secretary of State for Justice.

“His easygoing, relaxed manner put all of the students at ease,” said chaperone Sam Moss (’63), dean of college guidance. “He is a wonderful storyteller and raconteur. I could have listened to him for hours!”

The Lord Chancellor, appointed by the Queen, is outranked only by the Royal Family and the Archbishop of Canterbury. He acts as the custodian of the Great Seal of England, is a member of the Privy Council and the Cabinet, and serves as one of the Great Officers of State. He is also president of the Supreme Court of Judicature, supervising the Court of Appeal, the

High Court of Justice and the Crown Court of England and Wales.

“He is one of the five persons who participate in determining the capacity of the Sovereign to discharge his or her royal duties, as was depicted in the movie ‘The King’s Speech,’” Moss said.

Darlington’s group met with Clarke on what his diary secretary called the busiest day of the Parliamentary year.

The Lord Chancellor spoke with them about the differences between the British and U.S. systems of government.

“He seemed to enjoy himself immensely, talking with the students and answering their questions, and his secretary practically had to drag him out of the room to get to his next meeting,” Moss said. “This was an experience that I will never forget – and definitely a highlight of all of my many trips to England through the years.”

of parents working together to make Darlington a better place,” said head baseball coach Kent Harrison (’01). “In addition to baseball and softball, the facility will benefit the lacrosse, cross country, summer programs as well as any other events taking place on that end of campus. This group of parents has really made a difference, and we are so appreciative.”

Contributors to this project include Lisa and Rhett Butler, Christine and Tony Cantrell (’74), Candi and Kevin Evans, Nancy and Barry Henderson,

Tami Mauer (’87), Lisa and Rich Flournoy, Rhonda and Chris Frix, Patricia and Rocky Tillery, and Darlington’s Athletic Booster Club. The school will host a ribbon cutting for the new facility this fall.

“When all is said and done, it’s really about the kids,” said Rocky Tillery, who headed up the project. “I have always enjoyed being able to contribute to facilities that involve my children and others who have been a part of their lives.”

Baseball, softball facility receives facelift Thanks to a handful of parents, the baseball and softball teams will have new-and-improved facilities when their seasons begin this year.

In addition to a new home dugout and field drainage system, men’s and women’s restroom facilities and a 2,400-square-foot, climate-controlled locker room have been added. The addition also includes a 5,500-squarefoot covered and lighted area containing four 70-foot batting cages, pitching areas and two pitching machines.

“It’s always great to have a group

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Darlington Magazine

Community News

Award presented in memory of longtime teacher

Tripp (’85) and Lillie Bradshaw (’16) present Rhett McDurmon (’19) with the inaugural Lola C. Bradshaw Spirit of Life Award.

The inaugural Lola C. Bradshaw Spirit of Life Award was presented to Rhett McDurmon (’19) during the Lower School Awards Assembly in May. “This award is given in loving memory of longtime teacher Lola Bradshaw, who passed away in 2010 after a long battle with cancer,” said Steve Bartholomew, director of Lower School. “It will be presented each year to the Lower School student who best exemplifies through attitude and actions

the highest spirit for life, love for learning and unselfishness toward others as Lola always did during her 29 years at Darlington.

“Rhett was a great choice for this award,” Bartholomew continued.

“He has a great attitude and is always willing to share his talents and expertise with others. This spring, he competed in the CRBI Environmental Bowl and was a leader for his team. His teachers enjoy having him in class and appreciate his maturity and love for learning and life.”

Additionally, McDurmon’s teacher, Flo Anthony, received a stipend to enrich classroom instruction. The Lola C. Bradshaw Spirit of Life Award was established upon her death in 2010 by her son, Martin H. “Tripp” Bradshaw III (’85), and endowed through gifts made to Darlington in memory and in honor of her years of unselfish service. Memorial contributions to this award fund may be sent to the Lola C. Bradshaw Spirit of Life Award, Darlington School, 1014 Cave Spring Rd., Rome, GA 30161.

Old Gym revamped for Soccer Academy use Darlington School Soccer Academy has gained approximately two weeks of training on inclement weather days thanks to the addition of turf to the Old Gym. “This has been a game-changer for us,” said Chad Liddle, director of the Soccer Academy. “Our main focus is training our athletes for competition and collegiate opportunities, and the turf has given us the ability to do it in all weather conditions. We are truly able to deliver our promise of a world-class training environment.”

The indoor practice area, located on the south end of Darlington’s campus, measures 38 square yards and includes new strength and speed training equipment. Contributors to this project include current parents Christine and Jeff Gardner as well as Jessica and Chris Milhous, the parents of a 2007 alumnus.

Autism project benefits local high school students

Leslie Atkins (’13) presents a check to Linda Castellanos of Floyd County Schools during the Special Olympics.

Summer 2011

This spring, Leslie Atkins (’13) and Carley Weed (’12) spearheaded “Put a Lid on Autism,” a project designed to heighten awareness and help others in need.

By selling baseball caps that featured the Darlington “D” and the Autism Awareness ribbon, they raised over $2,400 to purchase laptop computers for autistic high school students in the Floyd County Schools system.

Atkins and Headmaster Tom Whitworth presented the check to

Linda Castellanos, special education coordinator for Floyd County Schools, during the Special Olympics, hosted on the Darlington campus in May. This year, 23 high school students in the system had autism; the funds donated by the Darlington Community will allow for the purchase of three computers. This project meant a great deal to both Atkins and Weed as each of them has an autistic sibling. They both said they look forward to raising even more money next year.

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Community News

Blind mountaineer speaks to students, community Noted author and world-class athlete Erik Weihenmayer, the only blind man in history to summit Mt. Everest, inspired students, faculty and members of the Rome-Floyd County community during his visit to Darlington in February.

Despite losing his vision at 13, Weihenmayer has become an accomplished climber, skier, acrobatic skydiver, long-distance biker and marathon runner. His motivational speaking career has taken him around the world, sharing the speaking platform with notables like George Bush Jr., Rudy Giuliani, Al Gore, Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf.

“Every time you reach [for something], you’re climbing blind,” Weihenmayer said.

Seven years after climbing the world’s highest peak, Weihenmayer completed his quest to climb the Seven Summits – the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Fewer than 100 mountaineers have accomplished this feat. He has since climbed with injured American troops, with paraplegics, with

Darlington ranks No. 2 in Directors Cup After earning 11 region championships and sending 16 teams to the state playoffs, Darlington finished the year second only to Wesleyan School in the Georgia Athletic Directors Association Dodge Directors Cup standings for Class A. State championship titles in girls’ cross country and girls’ golf as well as an individual state title in wrestling certainly helped the school finish the year strong. The Directors Cup is presented annually to the top athletic programs in each of the five GHSA classifications. Programs are graded with a cumulative point system that tabulates the accomplishments of each individual sport on the region and state levels. Darlington finished with 972 points, outperforming third-place Brookstone by 212, while Wesleyan scored 1,213.5.

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Erik Weihenmayer and students from Floyd County Schools. fellow blind climbers and with amputees.

“Leadership isn’t necessarily spoken. It’s lived,” he said. “When we live leadership every day, the people around us know it.”

Weihenmayer is the author of “Touch the Top of the World” and co-author of “The Adversity Advantage: Turning Everyday Struggles Into Everyday Greatness.” He has also been published in numerous magazines and made repeated

appearances on NBC’s “Today Show” and “Nightly News,” “Oprah,” “Good Morning America,” “Nightline,” and “The Tonight Show.” This summer, he appears on ABC’s “Expedition Impossible.” His award-winning film, “Farther Than the Eye Can See,” was ranked in the Top 20 adventure films of all time by Men’s Journal. Additionally, he is the cofounder of the non-profit No Barriers.

Four join Board, life trustee named Four new members were elected to the Board of Trustees during the May meeting. Alston Glenn (’57) of Atlanta retired as executive director of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. He is a class agent, member of the Heritage Society and former member of the Board of Visitors. He and his wife, Betty, have two grown children and two grandchildren.

He is also the brother of Darlington Life Trustee Bob Glenn (’60).

Bill Kelly (’71) of Rome is a pilot for Southwest Airlines. He is a member of the Heritage Society and former class agent who has served previously on the Board of Trustees and as chairman of the Annual Fund Leadership Board. He and his wife, Mai Mai (’72T), have three children, Molly (’98), Bess (’00) and Jack (’11).

Beth (Walther) Kempshall (’80) of Gilbert, Az., is an associate deputy chief inspector with the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency. She is married to Richard Kempshall.

Wright Smith (’70) of Rome, a secondgeneration Darlington alumnus, is an attorney with Brinson, Askew, Berry, Seigler, Richardson and Davis LLP. He and his wife, retired Lower School teacher Elaine (Hackett) Smith (’71T), have two children, Ben (’98) and Drew (’03).

In addition, Roby Robinson (’58) of Atlanta has been named a life trustee.

A retired investment banker, he is co-chairman of the Second Century Campaign Atlanta-Area Cabinet, 2008 Distinguished Alumnus, Visitor Emeritus and a member of the Heritage Society. He has served multiple terms on the Board of Trustees, including a stint as chairman from 2003-2006, and has also been part of the Annual Fund Leadership Team. He and his wife, Olive, have three grown daughters and four grandchildren.

Darlington Magazine

Second Century Campaign News When Joe Montgomery was named chief advancement officer in 2004, he knew there was a capital campaign in Darlington’s future. Seven years later, as the school closes in on its $90 million Second Century Campaign goal, he took a few minutes to reflect on this historic effort.

Joe Montgomery Jim Van Es and Board Chairman Frank Stegall (’62) cut the ribbon at Thatcher Hall in 2009.

What are the highlights for you, personally?

Where does the Second Century Campaign stand?

It seems like only yesterday that we were kicking this campaign off with a series of events around the country and here we are, in the final phase of the campaign, with a total of $85 million raised toward our $90 million goal. Campaign commitments have come from all over the world. Nearly 1,100 donors from 41 states and 18 countries have gotten us to this point. It is extremely gratifying.

What are some of the tangible results of this campaign?

Being at Thatcher Hall on the first day of school in 2009 to cut the ribbon at our new Middle School facility and seeing the faces of our boys as they walked into their newly renovated dorm rooms for the first time in fall 2010 were very special moments. You only have to talk to one of our male boarding students, a Middle School faculty member, or the parent of a student being helped by the Teaching and Learning Center to understand the difference this campaign is making in the daily lives our students and

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faculty. They are the beneficiaries of the work that we do and through this campaign, we are showing them that we care about their future and the future of Darlington.

What are some of this year’s greatest successes?

This year has been exciting! Certainly, one of the highlights was breaking through the $80 million mark, a tremendous milestone that boosted our momentum. Second, I would mention the establishment of the Carla and Leonard Wood Faculty Professional Development Endowment, which will create a culture for professional growth and perpetual improvement. It was a great moment when we unveiled this new program to our faculty during the annual Brown Faculty Appreciation Dinner and it has been exciting to hear about the proposals that have already been submitted this first year. Then, then there was the establishment of donorfunded relationships with Drew Charter School and Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, which will transform the lives of those students who are selected to attend Darlington as boarding students on a full scholarship.

The donors’ individual stories – they inspire and energize us! One that comes to mind is a donor who is establishing an endowment fund for faculty because of the “legends” who served at Darlington during his time here as a student and the impact they had on his life. His financial commitment ensures that we are able to continue to attract and retain legends for future generations of Darlington students. When he talks about Dr. Wilcox, Mr. “Bull” Yankee, Dr. Wright and others, it’s truly inspiring to think about the legacy these educators have left and the influence they have had on so many generations of Darlington alumni.

What are your priorities as you finish out the final phase of the campaign?

We need to finish strong and to do so we have to focus on our two remaining priorities, students and faculty. Now is the time for everyone to join together in making a commitment to the Second Century Campaign. There is nothing more important than supporting the people who make Darlington such a special place.

What is the best way to be a part of the Second Century Campaign?

Give now to faculty support or financial aid and your contribution will be matched 1:1. Two generous donors have established challenge grants that will double all gifts for the two endowment funds. The time is now to make your gift to the Second Century Campaign.

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Second Century Campaign News

Grizzard family issues challenge grant to endow scholarship

Elson Floyd Scholar Isaac Nichols (’11) and his teammate, Luke Cook (’11), speak to Lower School students about sportsmanship and team spirit.

A lasting legacy of the Second Century Campaign will be increased endowment for financial aid. Toward this purpose, local business Southeastern Mills Inc. issued a $500,000 challenge in 2010 to endow a diversity scholarship in honor of Elson Floyd (’74), the first AfricanAmerican student to graduate from Darlington and the current president of Washington State University.

On behalf of their family business, the Grizzard family – Vernon Jr. (’71), Robert (’73), Bonnie (’77) and Linda

(’79) – issued the challenge in honor of their parents, Vernon and Gaynelle.

This grant provides a dollar-for-dollar match of every gift to the financial aid endowment, up to $500,000.

“Our parents were role models that instilled in us the value of supporting others in their quest for education,” Linda (Grizzard) Owens said. “They gave us an understanding of the benefits diversity brings to Darlington and its students.”

The Grizzards have provided unsurpassed opportunities for learning, leadership and service to AfricanAmerican students who wish to attend Darlington. By opening Darlington’s doors to students of talent and high potential, regardless of financial circumstances, their generosity has not only helped these young men and women achieve their promise as individuals, but has also created an academic community that expands the perspectives of all who are a part of it. This is not, however, simply

about bringing minority students to Darlington, but about offering students who, without this opportunity, might be limited in their prospects to achieve and excel.

“Darlington endeavors to create a multicultural experience that prepares students to excel in an increasingly complex world,” said James Milford, associate headmaster and director of admission. “We look for students from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds who are intellectually curious and have demonstrated a personal commitment to learning, as well as individuals who possess selfrespect, strong character and good citizenship. Our goal is to prepare our students to be men and women who are informed and compassionate individuals committed to social justice in their global community.”

Toward this half-million dollar challenge, 29 donors have given $407,725, or 82 percent of the goal.

Trustee issues challenge grant to endow new faculty development program

To find out how you can make a difference in the lives of students and faculty, or for more information about the Second Century Campaign, contact the campaign staff at campaign@ darlingtonschool.org.

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In response to the Second Century Campaign’s effort to increase endowment for faculty support, Trustee Leonard Wood challenged the Darlington Community to get on board by offering to provide a dollar-for-dollar match of every gift to this area of the campaign up to $500,000.

“My family and I have personally experienced the impact Darlington’s faculty have on students through the experience of our son, Kevin (’97), who was a boarding student for two years,” Wood said.

So far, 32 donors have stepped up to the plate, giving a total of $438,775 to The Carla and Leonard Wood Faculty Professional Development Endowment.

Once the donor total hits $500,000, Darlington will be able to claim the remainder of the matching gift from the Wood family.

“Thanks to the generosity of our school community, we are currently at 87 percent of the funds necessary to

meet the challenge,” said Julie Lucas, campaign director. “We hope to meet our goal well before the end of the calendar year, but to do so we need your help. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to double your gift.”

Once the endowment is fully funded, grants will be awarded in two categories: faculty development and summer travel. Four faculty development grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded each year, with another $10,000 to be used for summer travel grants. Because of the initial fundraising success, the Woods have already funded $125,000 of their commitment, which has provided for $10,000 in faculty grants for 2011-12.

“The Carla and Leonard Wood Faculty Professional Development Endowment will allow us to build a culture of continual professional development among our faculty,” said Academic Dean David Powell. “Teachers tend to be

learners, but the intense routine of the teaching year makes it difficult for us to plan for our own growth. Therefore, we sometimes lean on what we already know from year to year. Time set aside for travel and study, and money set aside for tuition, materials and other resources, will allow teachers to explore the newest research in their fields and adopt the best practices of innovative programs.”

The program was unveiled to faculty during the annual Brown Faculty Appreciation Dinner, hosted by the Board of Trustees each May. “You, our faculty, have been our top priority during this phase of the campaign and we want you to know how much we appreciate everything you do,” Wood said in the video announcement.

“You are the ones who dedicate your lives to shaping our students and that is why we have shaped a program to help your professional growth.”

Darlington Magazine

School launches Honor Scholars program

As part of the Second Century Campaign, Darlington has made a bold commitment to build on and expand endowment for meritbased scholarships through an Honor Scholars program.

This program will provide a versatile tool to recognize and attract exceptional young people to Darlington, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

Honor Scholars will exemplify honor and service through their community work; have a deep desire to grow, lead, learn and impact their world; and be unparalleled in academic excellence.

“What’s most exciting is that the Honor Scholars program will ensure that the transformative experience of a Darlington education is within reach of any academically qualified student,” said James Milford, associate headmaster and director of admission. “This will be a catalyst to build a more robust alumni referral program, thus ensuring that the best and brightest students are introduced to Darlington.”

The program, a joint venture between the school’s Admission and Advancement offices, will be successful only with the help of the Darlington community at large. Alumni, in particular, will play a vital role in selecting Honor Scholarship recipients.

“We are looking to our alumni

Summer 2011

throughout the nation to serve as ambassadors in identifying prospective student scholars and as interviewers during the selection process,” said Joe Montgomery, chief advancement officer.

The selection process will include three stages. First, candidates will be nominated by a third party (i.e. alumni, parents of alumni, current teachers, counselors and independent education counselors). Candidates must be incoming freshmen. After an initial screening by the Scholarship Committee, a select group of nominated students will be interviewed by a Darlington alumnus/ae in their local area who will provide feedback to the Scholarship Committee.

Last, Darlington will invite those recommended as honor scholars to campus for a scholars’ weekend program and interviews during the winter. Scholarship decisions and awards will be made and communicated immediately following the scholars’ weekend.

Honor Scholarships will cover full or partial tuition as well as books and material fees. Each year, two full-tuition Honor Scholarships will be awarded to one boarding and one day student. Full scholarship recipients will also have the opportunity to participate in a six-week internship the summer before their senior year.

“These internships will align with the students’ individual interests,” Montgomery said. “We will rely heavily on our expansive network of alumni and friends to help us identify and develop meaningful opportunities for these students. If you know of an interesting opportunity, please contact the Alumni Office and share it with us. We’d love to hear from you.”

Each full scholarship recipient will also be eligible for a Mastery Award, which would be set aside to help the student fund development in an area in which he or she has an intense passion.

All Honor Scholarship recipients will also receive admission to a scholar leader retreat designed to teach

leadership through participation.

To remain eligible for the program each year, recipients must maintain a high GPA and clean disciplinary record with no major violations of the school’s policies; attend scholar leader retreats when offered; attend the annual scholar donor dinner; serve as an active spokesperson for the school; and attend alumni events/calling nights to support the Honor Scholars program.

Darlington’s Admission Office is currently accepting nominations for the first round of Honor Scholarships, which will be awarded for the 2012-13 school year.

Over $4 million has already been raised for student support through the Second Century Campaign and fully funding the Honor Scholars program will require an additional $5 million.

“This is a significant component of the campaign and our Campaign Cabinet members are working hard to secure funding for this exciting program,” Montgomery said. “If you would like to make a gift that will help transform the lives of future Darlington students, please contact us and we will be glad to talk to you about your options.”

There are several ways to participate in this program: Nominate a worthy student for the Honors Scholars program online at www.darlingtonschool. org/nominate. The deadline for nominating students is Jan. 1, 2012.

Participate in the interview process.

Make an outright gift to the campaign designated for the Honor Scholars program.

Endow a named scholarship.

• Full scholarship for a resident student ($600,000) • Full scholarship for a day student ($300,000) • Named scholarship, partial ($100,000) • Named family fund ($25,000) For more information, contact the Second Century Campaign staff at campaign@darlingtonschool.org.

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Campus Feature

Transforming Lives At Darlington, our students are among our greatest assets. On the following pages, read about current students and recent graduates from the Class of 2011 who have benefitted from the school’s ability to offer merit-based honor scholarships and who have, in return, made an indelible mark on life at Darlington. As they reflect on their unique experiences and generosity of the donors who funded their scholarships, think about the possibilities that exist for future generations of Darlington students. Without question, gifts to financial aid create transformative opportunities.

“I am very thankful for the opportunity that I have been given through the Hubbard de Costerd Scholarship. I am doing my best to fulfill my potential in all areas of student life at Darlington by immersing myself in academics, athletics, leadership and fine arts. I am so appreciative of Patsy and Jerry Hubbard for providing me with this experience in memory of their daughter, Amanda Hubbard de Costerd (’78). In doing so, they have expressed their love for and faith in the Darlington system while also enriching my life.”

Keenan Freyberg (’12) Hubbard de Costerd Scholar Rome, Ga.

“There are so many opportunities and experiences that I would have never been introduced to if it wasn’t for Darlington. I have close friends from all over the world, which has opened my mind to other cultures, races and backgrounds. I have also discovered a passion for cheerleading and track, and have been able to excel in both. My senior year, I was co-captain of the cheer squad and helped make Darlington history when the competition team made it to the State Cheerleading Championship. I also went to state in track the last three years. Additionally, I was involved in the House Senate, Spanish Club and Impact International. I have learned so much about myself during my years at Darlington, and I definitely feel prepared for college and the real world. This community has challenged me, it wants the best from me and I know it will always be there to support me, just like family. Because of my years at Darlington, I am confident that I will succeed!

I want to say thank you to the Morris family for giving me this opportunity.”

Chelsea Winfrey (’11) Morris Scholar Morrow, Ga.

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Darlington Magazine

“Dr. Elson Floyd (’74), the namesake of my merit scholarship, is a great motivation to me because he went above and beyond what is typically expected of anyone.

Every day, I think about the people who have blessed me with the opportunity to be here. If I had the chance to meet Dr. Floyd and the Grizzard family, I would say thank you and I would ask them how it feels to know that they are blessing the lives of people like me. There are plenty of other people who deserve what I was fortunate enough to receive, so I am very grateful.”

Brisha Askew (’11)

“It’s awesome to know that there are people out there like Alice Yurke (’80) who set up scholarships for students like me. Being at Darlington allows me to go to school with peers who really have the desire to learn. We have great teachers who care about us and want us to be successful in all areas of our lives. They push us to get out of our comfort zone and really work hard. It’s a great feeling to know that our teachers really love what they do.”

Hannah Mae Deems (’14) Yurke Family Fund Scholar Taylorsville, Ga. Pictured with Jim Van Es

Elson Floyd Scholar Rome, Ga.

“I am thankful every day to attend Darlington and take advantage of all the opportunities it offers me. Someday, I would like to be an athletic trainer or a physical therapist and I know that my Darlington experience will help me achieve that goal.”

Kyle Love (’15) Vernon and Gaynelle Grizzard Scholar Cedartown, Ga.

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Transforming Lives “When I found out that I had received the James Ross McCain Scholarship, I was thrilled! Darlington was a welcome change from the school system I had been in since fifth grade. I knew Darlington would push me and make me work harder, and I wanted that. I needed to have to try. Now that I’ve graduated, I am planning to major in English Literature – Creative Writing and minor in Music at Agnes Scott College. I want to be a photographer, a writer or – better yet – a photojournalist. My time at Darlington is already helping me achieve that goal. I’ve identified what I want to do and I’m going after it. I know that it will take a lot of hard work, but Darlington has prepared me for that.”

Joy Diaz (’11) James Ross McCain Scholar Riverdale, Ga.

“The Drummond Leadership Scholarship has motivated me to keep my grades up, do my best, have a strong work ethic and get involved in school leadership opportunities. If I had the chance to meet the Drummond family, I would thank them for giving me the opportunity to attend Darlington and get a quality education that will help me be successful in life.”

Mary Grace Denson (’13) Drummond Leadership Scholar Rome, Ga.

“I found Darlington on the internet and wanted to attend in order to become more independent and grow academically. I visited the campus and right away I noticed the sense of community. I really liked how teachers were not only seen in the classrooms but were also visible on campus and available for support at night and on weekends. I was also impressed with the countless number of opportunities for students to serve as leaders on campus. Whether by being a prefect in the dorm or a member of the Honor Council, every student has the opportunity to voice his or her opinion and make a difference in the school community.

Darlington seemed like an unrealistic dream to me until I found out I had received the Coleman Scholarship. I was ecstatic as I realized that my dream had become a reality due to both my hard work and generosity of the Coleman family.”

Wendi Betting (’11) Coleman Scholar Fleming Isle, Fla.

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Darlington Magazine

“Receiving the Drummond Leadership Scholarship has inspired me to set standards for the way I live my life.

I want to make an impact in my community and I know that being a leader will help me do that. Darlington is helping me become the person I want to be.”

Cam Collins (’12) Drummond Leadership Scholar Rome, Ga.

“I remember the exact moment when my mom told me I had been selected to receive Darlington School’s Cornwell Scholarship. I was so excited, I started crying. I couldn’t wait for the opportunities to come. Attending Darlington has been a life-changing experience that I will never forget.”

Rebecca Schenk (’12) Cornwell Scholar Hickory, N.C Pictured with Reagan Doss (’12)

“I can’t thank the Grizzards enough for the great opportunity they have given me to attend Darlington. I love my friends, teachers and the environment that I get to learn in every day. I am really enjoying all of my Honors and AP classes, being in the band and Instrumental Music Conservatory, working on The Inkslinger literary magazine, and so much more! I want to accomplish as much as I can while I’m here.”

Bonnie Rowland (’12) Vernon and Gaynelle Grizzard Scholar Rome, Ga.

Summer 2011

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Transforming Lives

“If I could meet the donors who established the George Dorsey Scholarship, I would tell them how thankful I am to have the opportunity to go to this amazing school and I would share with them my plans to become a doctor one day. I came to Darlington because I wanted to be challenged academically. Here, the bar is set higher and more is expected from me by my teachers and coaches. Also, I’m exposed to kids from all over the world and because of that I’ve learned about many different cultures. Darlington makes everyone feel accepted and that has helped me gain even more confidence in myself.”

Noah Brown (’16) George Dorsey Scholar Cedartown, Ga.

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Darlington Magazine

“I think people fund scholarships at Darlington because they, or the namesake of the scholarship, loved this place when they were here and they want others to have the same opportunities. If I could meet the Glenn family, I would thank them for giving me the chance to attend Darlington. If I didn’t go here, I wouldn’t be able to do a lot of things that I love to do at school.

I wouldn’t have art class every morning and I wouldn’t be able to do swim training because most middle schools don’t even have a pool. I love it here and I can’t thank the donors enough.”

Zoe Smith (’16) Glenn Scholar Kingston, Ga.

Through the Second Century Campaign, Darlington is making a bold commitment to build on and expand endowment for fi na nc i a l a i d a n d m er it-ba sed honor scholarships in order to attract qualified, mission-appropriate students without regard to the family’s ability to pay. Increasing financial support for students is essential to Darlington’s future but it can only be accomplished through the generous and consistent commitment of alumni, parents and friends. For more information or to make a contribution, please contact the campaign staff at campaign@darlingtonschool.org.

“In middle school, I was fortunate to attend a performing arts school, but when it came to high school my options were not so pleasant. I looked at schools from Massachusetts all the way to Georgia and I had something negative to say about all of them except Darlington. I visited Darlington three times, and each time reaffirmed the feelings I had the first time I stepped on campus. If I could meet the Wilsons, I would thank them because this opportunity was not even conceivable had it not been for their thoughtful and unselfish gift to the school.

Most people who have the opportunity to give back don’t, but I am thankful for those who do – like the Wilsons. If it weren’t for them, I probably wouldn’t be at Darlington and certainly wouldn’t be headed in the direction I am going with the same mentality. They helped me to discover the better part of myself that most wouldn’t get to see.”

Keila Gunter (’12) Frank and Ann Wilson Merit Scholar Laurel, Md.

Summer 2011

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James Milford, associate headmaster and director of admission, has been a part of the Darlington family since 2001, serving previously as Head of Cooper House, director of the First-Year Experience program and director of student life. He and his wife, Angie, live on campus with their children, Clayburn (’18), Kennan (’20) and James David (’23).

James Milford

What inspired you to seek a job in the realm of education?

When I came to Rome 18 years ago, I was on a track to go into ministry. I grew up in a family that spent most of the time working, helping neighbors or in church. I did not understand it then, but this lifestyle instilled in me the underpinnings of who I am today. I left my hometown to attend college and never returned fully to the community, but the satisfaction and draw of “community” has never left me. I believe that this feeling, whether inborn or conditioned, draws me to the powerful community formed by a boarding school. It is said that is takes a village to raise a child. This unique community, where a child will perform for a teacher in a way they might not for a parent, allows for the opportunity, however fleeting it may be, to lead, guide and direct a young life.

What do you enjoy most about working with young people?

Their authenticity. There is nothing better than the uninhibited dreams of the young. Their endless energy and curiosity is infectious.

Seeing them grow into their own strengths and find their passions is endlessly rewarding.

What do you miss most about working in the residential life setting?

I miss the deep relationships I was able to form with students and their parents. I love Alumni Weekend because of the surprise visits I receive from former students. Father’s Day is always a great day for me as well, filled with texts, calls and Facebook messages from alumni whose lives I have been a part of, and vice versa. The other thing I miss is the experience my children received from living in a dorm among students from all over the country and the world.

How did your experience in student life prepare you for your work in admissions?

It feels more like traveling in a circle, to be honest. My first four years at Darlington saw me working in the Admission Office. In the early years of the House System, heads of house managed the relationship of a student from the first inquiry call all the way to graduation.

So, I feel sometimes it is the other way around.

Admissions prepared me well for student life

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because I understood what parents hopes, desires and dreams are for their children.

Student life prepared me for admissions because I know what we can promise and deliver, but more importantly I have a deep understanding of what the school culture can support and what it needs for growth. It is extremely important that each student and family’s expectations are exactly what they experience once they join the Darlington Community.

Describe some of the admission trends you have seen over the past two years.

Overall, we have found that the last thing parents want to sacrifice is their child’s education. In a year when most independent schools saw a notable decrease in enrollment, Darlington’s enrollment increased by 3.5% in fall 2010. I am proud that our families continue to make these sacrifices to ensure that their children receive the full measure of a Darlington education.

Specifically I have my eye on the domestic boarding market. Many experts feel that the boarding market is oversaturated.

Furthermore, with the recent introduction of more independent, private and charter school day options for families in the U.S., we are seeing less of a demand. To combat this, we have formulated a plan that is specific to the Darlington value proposition and are continuing it fine tune it as we ramp up our travel in the domestic boarding area.

I have been pleased to see that the demand for Darlington in the Rome/Floyd County area is as strong as ever.

What are you and your staff doing to build enrollment?

We have adjusted our tack over the last few years to value, and we use the personal stories of our current students, families, alumni and faculty members to deliver our message that Darlington prepares you for success, no matter how you choose to measure it.

Enrollment numbers are based on your ability to keep your current students and find new ones. It is much easier to keep a current student than it is to find a new mission-appropriate one, so we focus a great deal of our attention on making the product of Darlington School better.

We have purposefully worked toward

building stronger relationships with feeder schools in the area as well as being much more responsive to families’ needs in the admission process. We do a lot of listening and handholding. Our toughest job is in the early stages of the process and getting families on campus; once they have spent time on campus it is practically a done deal. Darlington is an amazing place – it sells itself if you can get them here to meet our family.

Admission is part art and part science. We are methodically working to understand the things our current and potential parents need from a school – then we have to match up with those who desire what Darlington provides.

In your experience, why do people choose private/independent schools over their public counterparts?

According to national polls, it is safety, quality faculty members and the opportunity to be around like-minded individuals. In my personal experience as a parent of three boys, I want to give my children every opportunity possible to be nurtured and challenged so that they are empowered to make good decisions on their own. Darlington, in particular, emphasizes a passion for learning, acting with integrity and serving others with respect. These are the building blocks of a successful life. That is what every parent wants – we simply have a great formula to deliver it.

What do you see as Darlington’s greatest strengths in terms of what is attractive to prospective families?

In one word, opportunity. There are very few activities a student can find at another school that they cannot find at Darlington. Darlington has spent many years developing programs of excellence – and a vast number of them. It is rare that a student comes to Darlington who cannot find a place to plug in and find success.

We talk often about Darlington as a catalyst.

Darlington uses all of these opportunities to bring students together with other like-minded peers and adults to bring about positive change.

That is the essence of Darlington’s greatest strength – her people and their ability to create opportunities for growth.

Darlington Magazine

Campus Feature Where can we improve?

We can improve in every way imaginable.

Any organization believing it has arrived at perfection is ready to crumble and fall. We can always find better ways to communicate our beliefs and why we do what we do. Clarity should always be our goal. I believe we need to work hard to reconnect with alumni we have lost contact with and deepen our relationships with those who are active with us now. I want to make sure that our teachers have the resources they need to learn and grow in their profession so we can outpace our competition and provide the best education money can buy. We should continue to look at ways to help the school remain sustainable in these troubling economic times. These are just a few of the items on my mind right now.

Does tuition play a part in enrollment?

Yes, but I have found that when families visit our campus – when they see for themselves what Darlington can do, when they experience the strong sense of community and when they hear our families’ success stories firsthand – they find a way to make it work. While we are more expensive than other schools in our community, we deliver a more robust program than many metro-Atlanta schools – and we do it at a lower price. That is an exceptional value for our community of Rome/Floyd County. We also find that we price our tuition differently than many other schools in this area. Our tuition covers lunch, fees and most school activities. Other schools require you to pay extra for these amenities; so when you add it up, the price differential is actually not that wide.

How does Darlington help families “make it work?”

The school has a long tradition of partnering with families to make a Darlington education possible. We seek to fill our classrooms with the best the world has to offer, even if they need financial support from time to time. This has become critical during these tough economic times. We have seen a huge increase in the needs of current families as well has an increase in the needs of applying families. Fortunately, Darlington has been able to provide support through scholarships or financial aid for years and continues to do so. However, this economic climate has put pressure on the school’s resources like never before.

How will the Second Century Campaign efforts impact the school’s ability to meet the needs of these families?

The Second Century Campaign will leave a legacy unlike any other in Darlington’s 106 years. The wisdom of the authors of the campaign is apparent in the design of $10 million to be used to endow financial assistance to deserving families of mission-appropriate students. The most exciting part of the

Summer 2011

campaign for admission is the creation of the Honor Scholars program. This program will draw the strongest and most talented students, both locally and across the country and world, to compete for full or partial scholarships to attend Darlington.

What other programs are out there to support families who want to send their children to Darlington?

In addition to the launch of the Honor Scholars initiative, there is a program in its third year now that has had a huge impact on enrollment and the bottom line. Funds raised by the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program are available to Georgia resident students who are either transferring from a public school or entering pre-K, kindergarten or first grade.

These are typically small scholarship awards, but often they help fill the gaps. Because of the money realized in the operating budget from Georgia GOAL this past year, every student’s tuition was approximately $250 less than it would have been without it. If you pay Georgia income tax, please consider redirecting your tax liability to this meaningful program – we can put the tax dollars you are already paying to work for Darlington.

How does this year’s enrollment compare to last year’s?

Last year was record-setting in terms of day and boarding, but numbers are strong for fall 2011 – especially at the Middle and Lower Schools. Our day numbers are roughly the same as last year.

Boarding has seen a tougher time this year, but we are still outperforming previous years. The new Honor Scholars program could not come at a better time. We must mobilize our alumni and friends network in order to find missionappropriate boarding students who can benefit from this amazing place.

What are Darlington’s areas of greatest success in terms of enrollment?

I am the most proud of our work building wait lists in the day school and also reversing a downward enrollment trend at the Lower School. This is the first year in over a decade where Darlington has had wait pools in multiple divisions for day students. If the rest of the admission cycle goes as predicted, we will have wait pools in more than half of our grade levels.

What are Darlington’s biggest challenges in terms of enrollment and how are you tackling them?

Our three biggest challenges are growing early grade enrollment, finding domestic boarding students and increasing our already strong retention rates.

We have been working with early grade enrollment by focusing on our value message to these families. Many families are choosing

to wait until later years to enroll in Darlington.

Our data shows that students who enroll before second grade finish with the highest standardized test scores and are consistently among our most decorated students. Building a firm foundation is never more important than with your child’s education. I have seen no decline in the desire of families to be at the Lower School; this is great news for the future of our day program.

The domestic boarding market has changed drastically in the past decades. New local options and high rates of tuition increases have made boarding school a less viable option than it used to be for our more traditional domestic families. We have put in place a new targeting program for the traditional families we have had great success with in the past. I am also particularly excited about my new team of admission officers who will focus on domestic boarding. Developing this new team will usher in success in domestic boarding, which we have not seen in a long time.

Darlington enjoys an excellent retention rate in her day and boarding divisions. Once a student enrolls, they typically stay unless something out of the family’s control happens.

In all grades, we are constantly seeking ways to make sure that families and students are extremely satisfied with the education and care received.

What are some of the goals you have set for yourself in 2011-12?

Two of my goals for next year focus on leadership development and reconnecting with students.

I have worked over the last two years in admission to develop leaders in the office and strengthen the staff. We have made great progress toward this end and this will allow me to participate in my associate headmaster role more meaningfully.

As associate headmaster I work with and provide oversight to all areas of the school, including but not limited to the Academies, the Communication Office, the Financial Aid Office and Summer Programs, in addition to supporting the academic program. This takes me in many different directions and in order to be effective, I must develop strong leaders across the school and constantly build clarity.

My goal to reconnect with the students comes from a somewhat selfish desire. I spent my first eight years with Darlington immersed in student life. The last two years have been completely absent from it. I cannot go back into the residential or student life area, but I will be teaching the A+ certification class this year so that I may connect with students and the core of the Darlington experience – the interaction between a student and a caring adult.

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Beauty & the Beast More than 70 students of all ages took the stage in Darlington’s production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” at the Rome City Auditorium in February. The well-known story begins when Maurice, played by Owen Greeson (’11), becomes lost in the woods and seeks shelter in an old castle. The master of the castle, the Beast – played by Banks Mattingly (’11), takes him captive and his daughter, Belle – played

by Ali Harton (’11), must give up her freedom to save him. In the end, Belle manages to tame the Beast and transform him back into a handsome prince. The award-winning show included classic numbers like “Belle,” “This is Home,” “Gaston,” “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” A special thanks to Darlington’s Fine Arts Booster Club for their support!

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Darlington Magazine

Campus View

Summer 2011

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Campus Feature

Bob Rogers

‘Service Beyond Self’ There are few graduates from the last three decades who don’t have a story about Bob Rogers.

“I grew up at the Methodist church in downtown Rome, and we always sat near Bob and his family on Sunday,” said Ivey Harrison (’99). “When I was little, I would reach over the pew to try to grab his mustache. It never failed that every week he would sit very still until my hand got close to his face. Acting surprised, he would snap his head and chomp down like he was going to bite my finger. It was a routine for us and it makes me smile to think back on those memories. Every now and then I try to make a sneak attack, but he’s pretty quick for his old age!”

In his 38 years of service to Darlington, the longtime chief financial officer played the role of teacher, coach, duty staff member and administrator.

His career began in 1973 when he moved on campus to teach Middle School math and coach football and JV basketball.

“I was looking for a job where I could coach football and my best friend from high school was working here as a teacher and football coach,” Rogers said.

“He told me about Darlington, I came and interviewed, and I was hired the next day.”

In nearly four decades of service to the school, Rogers taught math and science; coached football, basketball and golf; pioneered the computer education program, with Rick Buice; and served as chief financial officer for more than 20 years.

“In 1985 or 1986, Bob and I put together the first computer programs to handle grading because, until that point, it had all been calculated by hand,” Buice recalled. “We started with the Middle School, which is where Bob was teaching at the time. With our

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program, a dot matrix printer could print the grades in two to three hours.

In those days, this was actually a huge improvement. It took three or four days to do it by hand. It just blew everybody away!”

Rogers and his wife, Beth, have also had the privilege of watching four children walk across the stage at Commencement: Sean Rogers (’92), Chris Rogers (’95), Leslie Brown (’01) and Neal Brown (’04).

“One of the most incredible benefits of working here is that all four of my wife’s and my children have graduated from Darlington and gone on to become very successful in their lives,” Rogers said. “When I was still coaching, there was a period of time when I was looking to move into a head coaching job and I had applied at several other schools. I was offered a position at one school but I couldn’t bring myself to take it because I didn’t want to take my kids out of Darlington. It was the right decision.

Their experience here has impacted their lives immeasurably.”

In his time as chief financial officer,

Rogers saw the campus undergo countless changes. In fact, there are few buildings – including faculty housing – that were not added, renovated or torn down during his 25 years in the position.

“It’s really interesting to walk around the campus and remember what it used to look like when I first came here,” Rogers said. “The obvious physical changes to highlight are the Huffman Athletic Center and Thatcher Hall, without a doubt. The addition at the Lower School was another great project.

Darlington Magazine

It has been very gratifying to be part of these projects.”

The other really gratifying thing, Rogers said, has been the opportunity to work with a number of incredible people over the past 38 years.

“I have been very blessed to work with great people here at Darlington,” he said. “From the faculty, staff and students to parents and trustees, everyone has played an important role in making my time here so meaningful.

It has been especially rewarding to work with the Board of Trustees and see what Darlington has meant and still means to them.”

Jamie Wilson (’72), treasurer of the Board of Trustees, said one of Rogers’ greatest strengths in his role of chief financial officer has been his institutional knowledge of Darlington and its varied operations, which has been invaluable in the budget process.

“I have enjoyed a very good working relationship with Bob during my tenure on the Board and as a member of the Finance Committee,” Wilson said. “Bob is well liked and respected in the financial community. He is very dedicated to Darlington and has always kept the school’s best interests first and foremost. He has been receptive to outside ideas and

Summer 2011

has enthusiastically embraced new ways to improve Darlington’s financial reporting. I wish Bob the best in his retirement and thank him for his many years of dedicated service to Darlington.”

Rogers said he and his wife plan to stay in Rome and he looks forward to spending more time with his family and volunteering in the community.

“I’ll get to spend more time with my parents and grandkids and work on some projects at First Methodist Church and Habitat for Humanity,” he said. “I’m also going to spend a lot of time playing golf, hunting and fishing. I know I will miss the daily interactions with the people in my office and also the energy of being around a bunch of kids every day, but I am also looking forward to this new chapter in my life.”

Rogers’ children announced in May that they have made a contribution to Darlington’s Scholarship Fund in his name. If you, too, would like to make a donation in his honor, you may mail your check to Debbie Greeson, Advancement Office, Darlington School, 1014 Cave Spring Rd., Rome, GA 30161, noting “Bob Rogers – Scholarship Fund” in the memo line.

Sean Rogers (’92) hugs his father, Bob, at the Brown Faculty Appreciation Dinner in May.

Leslie and Sean Rogers (’92), Beth and Bob Rogers, Chris (’95) and Nissa Rogers, and Neal Brown (’04)

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Light the Lake

The Darlington Community walked thousands of laps around Silver Lake in March during Light the Lake, the school’s annual Relay for Life-inspired fundraiser. The event raised $3,100 for Cancer Navigators, a local organization th at provides resources to all who are touched by the life-changing process of dealing with cancer. Throughout the evening, students, faculty, parents and friends walked laps around the lake, which was lined with hundreds of luminaries in honor and memory of friends and family who have been affected by cancer. A Walk of Honor was led by the late Kandi Riddle, longtime faculty member, and current students Madeline Gaffney (’13) and Jordan Muschamp (’13), all of whom have battled the disease.

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Darlington Magazine

Campus View

Summer 2011

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Campus Feature

Three-peat

Wrestling champ seeks fourth state title A perfect blend of confidence and humility, Spencer Jones (’12) is itching to hit the mats this winter in hopes of bringing home his fourth consecutive Class A State Wrestling title. With every Tiger in the Darlington Community rooting for him and the skills he has fine-tuned during his 13-year history with the sport, there is a very good chance he will do just that.

“I think it’s very important to always have a goal in mind,” said the rising senior, who lost only one match in 2011.

“This year, I want to win state and be undefeated. I don’t want anything less than that.”

Jones began wrestling at age 5 on a traveling team coached by his father, Scott. With a practice room in the backyard and tournaments scheduled every weekend all over the country, the young wrestler exhibited a great deal of talent at a very early age. After only one year of training and competition (and at only 49 lbs.), he won the prestigious Trinity Award, a national prize given to young athletes who place first in the Cliff Keen Kickoff Classic, Tulsa Nationals and Reno Worlds. To this day, he is the only wrestler in Georgia to have ever won this award.

“My dad was definitely the biggest influence on me as a wrestler,” said Jones, who was named Wrestler of the Year throughout the entire country at age 7. “He made me work twice as hard and stay twice as long after practice, but it all paid off. When I was young, if I got in trouble I’d have to go out to the wrestling room and drill instead of getting time out.”

Jones established a name for himself in Georgia athletics when he won his first state title in the 130-pound weight class as a freshman at Darlington, defeating the defending state champ and ending his season 40-2. He was later named GHSA Freshman of the Year for all classifications.

To watch a video about Jones, visit www.darlingtonschool.org/wrestling2011.

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“My opponent at state was a junior and a really talented wrestler,” he recalled. “No one in that gym thought I was going to win, but I did. A few weeks later, I was fitted for my first state championship ring. I remember thinking, ‘This time next year, I want to be fitted for another one.’”

Community Coach Craig Kipp said it’s rare to have an athlete like Jones who already had the skill and confidence to compete at state on day one of his freshman year. “A lot of times as a coach, you have a ritual you go through to get your athletes motivated when it’s their time to wrestle,” Kipp said. “With Spencer, it’s different. It’s always there and he just turns it on when he needs to.

It’s nothing that you can teach. It’s a fire in his gut, a switch, an extra gear.”

As a sophomore, Jones brought home his second state title, this time in the 140-pound weight class, and finished the season 30-4.

“A lot of people thought me winning as a freshman was a fluke, so I still felt like I had something to prove,” he said.

“That pushed me to dominate at state. I worked extra hard and won the finals by a big margin, 11-4.”

As a junior wrestling at 145 pounds, Jones said it felt good to walk into a match knowing that his opponents were probably somewhat intimidated by the two-time state champ.

“I was able to get in people’s heads before the match even started, so that was a big advantage,” he said. “When I’m warming up, I try to block everything

out and focus but I find that other athletes will show their nervousness.

That just tells me that I have them right where I want them. Personally, I wouldn’t say that I’m really intimidated by anyone in particular, but I am very intimidated by the thought of losing.

I get nervous before every match; if I didn’t, I think something would be wrong.”

Jones finished the 2011 season with a record of 42-1 and a third state title.

Looking ahead, he said he is thinking seriously about wrestling in college. This summer, Kipp took him to an exclusive camp at Arizona State University for 75 of the top wrestlers in the country.

He is also in communication with The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

But right now, he has his sights on only one thing – a four-peat. If successful, he would join only 23 wrestlers in GHSA history who have accomplished this feat.

“Everybody knows who Spencer is – there’s no secret anymore,” Kipp said.

“He’s got a target on his back. There will be people out there gunning for him because everybody wants to be the legend that beat Spencer Jones. But we’re not going to let that happen. He’s going to stay focused, take each match one at a time and go get that title. When state comes around this year, that’s Spencer Jones time – and I’d hate to be the guy wrestling him.”

Maggie Ashmore (’14), Courtney Statham (’13), Abbie Brewster (’11), Hannah Mae Deems (’14), Eiken Hansen (’11), Peyton Albertson (’14)

Leaders of the Pack Nobody saw them coming. The dynamic duo of Eiken Hansen (’11) and Hannah Mae Deems (’14), both first-year members of the girls’ varsity golf team, surprised their opponents more than once this season – leading the Lady Tigers to a Region 6A win and, ultimately, a Class A State Golf title.

“Hannah Mae and I went out on the course pretty much every day, pushing each other and keeping each other strong mentally and physically,” said Hansen, who sports a German Mickey Mouse on her golf bag. The only international member of the girls’ golf team, she has played golf for six years.

Out of the seven events the Darlington girls competed in this spring – including region and state – they finished first in all but one of them. After opening the season with a third-place finish at the Carrollton Invitational, they were ready to taste victory. The team outscored Calhoun, Gordon Lee and Rome in matches and brought home another first-place win at the Calhoun Invitational.

“People were not expecting us to win the Calhoun Invitational, so when

Eiken and I posted some good scores I think everyone was kind of surprised,” said Deems, who has been playing golf competitively since fourth grade. “It was awesome to see their expressions, like they never expected the Darlington girls’ golf team to even compete with them. It was a good feeling. That’s when I knew we had a shot at winning region.”

The Region Tournament was held in April at Lions Golf Club in Bremen, Ga. Even after placing first at 164, the Lady Tigers still had a score to settle.

Deems and Hansen would compete in a shootout to determine the low medalist.

“It was kind of funny because we never expected to go into a playoff against each other,” Hansen said. “It was more likely that it would be Hannah Mae and someone, or me and someone, or the two of us and someone else.”

After the first hole, the two were tied.

At the second hole, Deems had a chance to pull ahead but she missed a short put and they tied again. Hansen’s luck ran out at hole No. 3 when she hit it into the woods. She ended up with a bogey while Deems made par to win low medalist.

“Hannah Mae played better than I did on the third hole,” Hansen said. “I was really, really proud of her. She kept it strong and stayed focused.”

Deems said though it was exciting to win her first shootout, she wishes her teammate could have won since it was her last year to play for Darlington.

“It was exciting to be in a shootout with Eiken because she is one of my best friends on the team,” Deems said. “As a senior, she was our team leader and was so supportive of everyone. We called her ‘Philosopher Eiken’ because she always

had encouraging things to say like ‘Keep your head up’ and ‘It’s OK if you have one bad hole.’ If I was going to be in a shootout with anybody, I’m glad it was with her.”

The two girls practiced together for state and when May 2 rolled around, they were ready to take on the course at Bull Creek Golf Club in Midland, Ga. “I felt the pressure – it was like the entire clubhouse was watching me, ‘the left-handed girl from Darlington,’” Deems said. “Coaches were following me around to see how I would do. It was a really good feeling to know that everybody was depending on me, but it was also kind of nerve-wracking.”

Deems led the Lady Tigers to a win, again achieving low medalist – this time with a score of 77. (Deems is now the first freshman state low medalist in Darlington’s history.) The team itself scored 169, enough to win the state golf title for the first time since 2002.

“Hannah Mae played phenomenal,” said Hansen, who will play golf this fall at Barry University. “When we came back to campus with the trophy, everyone at Darlington was so excited. Getting fitted for my state championship ring was truly amazing.

After I took it off, I felt like something was missing. I already felt like it was a part of me.”

As for Deems, who has spent the summer competing in tournaments all over Georgia, she looks at the next three years of high school as three more opportunities to win region and state.

“Winning makes me want to work harder,” she said. “I want to win every year and get a ring on every finger.”

To watch a video about the girls’ golf team, visit www.darlingtonschool.org/golf2011.

25

C al ams p s uNso Vt ei es w

2011

COM M ENCE M EN T The Morris Chapel lawn was flooded with hundreds of parents, grandparents and special guests May 15 as Darlington graduated 121 of its newest alumni. The members of this year’s senior class hailed from 11 countries, 12 states and spoke 7 different languages. Thirteen were four-year resident students, and 18 were 14-year seniors. Thirty have siblings who are also alumni; 23 others are second-generation graduates; and nine are third-generation.

Collectively, these students gave 9,878 hours of service to others – 3,240 of which occurred during their senior year. They also earned over $6.2 million in merit scholarships (not including the HOPE Scholarship), and will attend 70 different colleges in 21 states and Spain. But the Class of 2011 was special for so many other reasons, and the memories they made here will not be forgotten. Best of luck, graduates, as you move on to the next level, and remember that your Darlington family is always here for you!

26

Darlington Magazine

Summer 2011

27

Campus Feature

Learning with Legos School-wide robotics program sees growth

Juniors and seniors in Owen Kinney’s robotics class saw a real-world application of their curriculum this spring when the Northwest Georgia Bomb Squad visited Darlington to demonstrate their use of the Remotec F6A remote-controlled robot in responding to and neutralizing improvised explosive devices.

Upper School students work on a project in the independent study robotics course.

28

“In class, we’d just designed and created our own robots that were capable of picking up a device and placing it into a box, so I thought it would be interesting for us to see the real thing,” said Upper School science teacher Owen Kinney. “The students used two iPhones and Apple’s Facetime to control their robots remotely, so it was fascinating to see the greater functionality of the Remotec system.

Capt. Greg Dobbins and his squad were impressed with the kids’ work.”

Darlington first introduced robotics five years ago as an after-school activity for fourth- and fifth-graders.

When fifth grade moved to the Middle School, so did the after-school robotics program. Kinney also began directing a community-wide summer robotics camp for students ranging from ages 9-14.

“I became interested in teaching and coaching robotics as my son Ian

(’17) developed a passion for the Lego Mindstorms system,” Kinney said.

“After visiting a few tournaments in Atlanta, we decided to start a team at Darlington.”

In recent years, however, the school has made a concerted effort to integrate robotics into its curriculum at all three divisions.”

“Robotics is not new territory for us, but the idea of integrating it into the classroom was until about a year ago,” Kinney said. “Last year, we started offering robotics as an independent study course at the Upper School.

Students meet with their teams 45 minutes per day, year round.”

At the Middle School, students in grades 5 and 6 are also being exposed to robotics in a semester-long enrichment class; however, instead of actually building robots they focus on programming, problem solving and iterative design.

“Students work in pairs to conquer specific challenges, each of which involves programming their robot to perform various tasks that relate to real-life scenarios,” said Angela Pieroni, dean of grades 7 and 8, who has worked with Darlington’s robotics program for the past two years. “For instance, on one challenge they program the robot to go into a tunnel, sense a dark line, drop a patch, reverse out and then report by diagnostics how far into the tunnel the patch was left. In real life, this might represent a gas main break where a robot is sent in to patch the leak.”

All Middle School students, including those in grades 7 and 8, can also join an after-school robotics team.

Darlington’s Middle and Upper School students put their skills to the test throughout the year in competitions hosted by FIRST, an acronym meaning “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.”

“Competing internationally in interscholastic FIRST programs is critical to our robotics program” Kinney said. “FIRST competitions force kids to tackle open-ended, complex problems under the pressure of deadlines and

within a field of competitors from around the world. Throughout the experience, teams become more efficient as they struggle through the process of trial and error. Through the use of blogs and other web resources, they work within a vibrant robotics community. And finally, they are forced to budget a limited amount of financial resources, allocate human resources, seek help from experts and market their program in school.”

This winter, the Middle School DarBots advanced from the regional phase of a FIRST Lego League competition to place sixth of 40 in the robotics portion of a Georgia FIRST Lego League Super Regional Tournament. Additionally, two Upper School teams advanced to the FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship Tournament, with one of the teams – DarBots I – placing fifth of 25.

“The students interviewed physicians and surveyed over 300 people in our community to discover areas of misunderstanding about cancer,” Kinney said. “They created a video to clarify important cancer concepts and foster greater awareness of this devastating disease. In the process, they also learned how technology is integrated into diagnosis and treatment.”

FIRST has also held two regional tournaments for middle school students and one Tech Challenge for high school students on Darlington’s campus since 2008. Kinney said the school will host two additional events this winter.

Beginning this fall, the Lower School is jumping on board by adding a robotics unit to the science curriculum in grades 3 and 4.

“I have been cheerleading for robotics since the beginning and I am very happy to see the program growing,” Kinney said. “Robotics education is not really about building an army of engineers; it’s about giving kids the opportunity to discover the confidence and pride that come from conquering seemingly impossible challenges.”

Darlington Magazine

Class Notes 1947

(next reunion 2012)

Class Agent: Gardner Wright

Gardner Wright has received the Lee Arrendale Award for Vocational Excellence, one of the highest awards presented annually by Rotary District 6910. He was given a standing ovation by his fellow Rotary Club members at the presentation. The Lee Arrendale Award recognizes the importance of service of the individual to society through excellence in one’s vocation, promoting the high ethical standard of “Service Above Self.” The award goes to those who “set an example to other, particularly youth, of the need to pursue and strive for vocational excellence to the benefit of our fellow man, our vocations, and the community in which we live.”

1950

(next reunion 2015)

Class Agent: Claude Booker

Claude Booker accepted the Darlington School Distinguished Alumnus Award on May 4, 2011, after having been unable to attend Alumni Weekend last fall. He and the late Dr. Joe Johnson (’47) were the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

1959

Distinguished Alumnus Claude Booker (’50) pictured with Alumni Council President Tim Morgan (’87) and Chief Advancement Officer Joe Montgomery.

(next reunion 2014)

Class Agent: Brent Wells

Don Maddox, president of the J.F. Maddox Foundation, has received Leadership New Mexico’s 2011 Distinguished Leadership Award.

This award recognizes outstanding leaders from around the state who have used their leadership capabilities to improve the quality of life in New Mexico. Don practiced law in private practice from 1968-2000 and served as a New Mexico State District Court Judge from 2000-2010. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the J.F. Maddox Foundation for over 40 years. He has lived in New Mexico for 45 years.

1964

(next reunion 2014)

Class Agent: Vacancy

Pam (Rock) Pape writes: “I am very late in letting you know this information, but I married my high school sweetheart, Cliff Cormany, on June 9, 2007. That day was the 47th anniversary of the day we met when we were 14 years old. We live in Decatur, Ga.”

Summer 2011

1968

(next reunion 2013)

Class Agent: David Muschamp

Rick MacArthur writes: “I am pastor of the Arlington Hills Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, Minn. I was very comfortable in a traditional church in the South (Austin, Texas), but I think the Lord had other plans for me – or at least a great sense of humor!

The change is doing me good as this new position is keeping this 60-yearold alert and ready for one more professional challenge before I retire.

I have also been teaching art history at a couple of universities in Austin and will continue to do that part time for their online distant learning departments.” Rick’s email address is rick.macarthur@gmail.com.

Members of the Class of 1953 pictured with guest lecturer Charles Black (center) as well as Dean of College Guidance Sam Moss (’63) and Headmaster Tom Whitworth, both at right.

29

Alumni Profile

Ed Mundy (’98)

Photo by Trevor Williams

Life in motion

New York animator Ed Mundy (’98) says his first memorable experience with film was at age 8 when his grandfather let him play with a video camera at Thanksgiving.

“I made a movie about a dinosaur attacking our family’s Thanksgiving dinner – that was probably my first tinkering with ideas of film and motion,” said Mundy, whose work has since been featured on Cartoon Network, FX and PBS, to name a few. “At Darlington, I had some great opportunities to explore my interests in art and film. I took art classes from Mr. Rob Davis and Mrs. Kathy O’Mara and spent many, many hours working on the video yearbook with Mr. Mark Alber.

I learned as much about film, editing and animation on that project as I did in college.”

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After high school, the day student from Cedartown attended The University of Georgia. He began as an art major but switched to digital media as a sophomore after realizing that his true passion lay in film, video and animation.

“It seemed like the best mix of art and visual storytelling classes to send me in the direction I wanted to go,” Mundy said. “I didn’t give much thought to the practicalities of making money until late in my college career. I just knew that I enjoyed filmmaking and animation, and the more time I spent working in those areas during college, the more I started to look beyond college to venues where I could keep doing those things and also pay for food and rent.”

At UGA, he was involved in a studentproduced sketch comedy show called “The Silly Spider Monkey Fiasco,” and

credits his co-workers with guiding his video and comedic sensibilities.

(Occasionally, he still works with some of them on current projects.) And after sending emails to as many Cartoon Network-associated email addresses as he could find the summer before his senior year, he secured an internship with an Adult Swim program called “Sealab 2021.”

“I knew that Cartoon Network was based in Atlanta and that they were preparing to launch their Adult Swim block of programming,” Mundy said.

“With that, several new productions had started up and needed free labor from eager college students like me. I landed at ‘Sealab’ for a summer and met a lot of great people.”

This experience turned into the launching point for his career when the show was picked up for a second season.

Darlington Magazine

Photo by Isaac Leicht

Photo by Timothy Dunn

Ed Mundy (’98) directs video shoots for The Upright Citizens Brigade.

Co-creators Adam Reed and Matt Thompson hired Mundy full time right out of college. He started as a junior graphic artist and quickly rose to the role of head animator.

“A couple of my sketch comedy teammates eventually got jobs there also, so it was a bit like making TV with your best friends,” he said. “The first thing I drew for ‘Sealab’ was a megaphone that the Captain used to annoy his crew. I gathered a group of friends and pointed out the megaphone when that episode aired. It was pretty exciting for me. Still to this day, my dad brags to everyone he meets about the megaphone his son drew on television that one time.

“A couple of years later, a toy company called Palisades began releasing Adult Swim action figures and the second set was to include a figure of the Captain with a megaphone accessory based on my drawing,” Mundy continued.

“Unfortunately, the first set of figures was a huge failure and the company went bankrupt. To this day, I’m still waiting for my action megaphone accessory!”

“Sealab 2021” ran for four seasons, after which Mundy and the crew immediately started working on the follow-up, “Frisky Dingo.” This offered him a great opportunity to contribute to the development and look of a brand new TV pilot. But shortly after “Frisky

Summer 2011

Dingo” went into production, he moved to New York – continuing to work with the show as a freelance animator when needed.

“One of my college sketch comedy buddies, Trevor Williams, had moved there one year prior so when he needed a new roommate, I jumped on the opportunity,” he said. “Since high school, I had always intended to live in New York at some point. It’s a great city for comedy and television work, but the biggest draw for me was public transportation. After commuting to Darlington from Cedartown every day for 13 years, I no longer like cars! I love being able to get all over the city without driving. I can use the time I would be cursing traffic to read a book or play Angry Birds.”

Since his arrival in New York, Mundy has had no shortage of work – most of which has come to him through friends and word of mouth.

“There is a ‘say yes to everything’ attitude in the New York comedy community,” he said. “If someone asks you to help out on a project, you do it.

My willingness to do that has led to a lot of fun experiences and some great jobs.

Of course, sometimes I have to switch gears and just say ‘yes’ to sleeping late on the weekend!’

Lately, a great deal of Mundy’s time is spent making independent comedy videos for Channel 101 NY and The

Upright Citizens Brigade, but he has also worked on well-known projects such as PBS’ Emmy-winning children’s show “The Electric Company” and FX’s Emmy-nominated comedy show “Archer.” Additionally, he recently animated a series of webisodes for NBC’s “30 Rock,” starring Alec Baldwin.

“The most exciting thing about working in animation has been meeting and occasionally working with celebrities and creators whose work I admire. Alec Baldwin was a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s also very satisfying to see my projects through from concept to execution. I’m particularly pleased with the work I did on ‘Electric Company.’ It’s fun to think that it might be inspiring some kid somewhere.”

And speaking of inspiring young people, Mundy had some advice for those interested in pursuing a creative field.

“The best thing you can do is just start making stuff,” he said. “If you want to be a filmmaker, make short films. If you want to be a writer, write as much as possible. Don’t obsess over getting everything right the first time or you’ll never actually follow through and execute it. While you’re making your first thing, you’ll get 10 new ideas for the second thing that you wouldn’t have had before.”

31

Alumni Profile

Minaka Makita (’02) Rebuilding a nation

When Minaka Makita (’02) boarded the train to Tokyo for work on the morning of March 11, she had no idea that this day would be remembered as one of the most devastating natural disasters in the history of the world.

At 2:44 p.m. local time, Japan’s Earthquake Early Warning System, which includes more than 1,000 seismometers, sent out warnings of impending strong shaking to millions. One minute later, the country experienced an undersea megathrust earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0.

It was the most powerful known earthquake to have ever hit Japan, and one of the five most powerful to have ever been recorded in the world.

Though the quake occurred 232 miles away from Tokyo, Makita and her colleagues at Medtronic Japan Co. felt every tremor.

“Japan is a country of many earthquakes, so most people are well prepared for these situations. It’s something they start teaching you in elementary school,” said Makita, a regulatory affairs/clinical researcher.

“But this earthquake was biggest one I’ve ever experienced. It lasted six minutes. I couldn’t stand up so I crawled under my desk. I felt a shiver of fear as I tried to stop my hands from shaking.”

Luckily for Makita, many buildings in Tokyo – including her office – are earthquake-proof, so they did not experience the same devastation as others throughout the country. After the ground settled, she and her coworkers began trying to contact loved ones and gather information about what had just happened.

“Phone lines were busy. I tried to call my family more than 30 times before I finally got through,” she said. “Luckily no one was hurt. I tried to get back to work but I couldn’t. I had a bad feeling about this unusually big quake, so about an hour later I decided to head toward home.”

32

Minaka Makita (’02), second from left, and her co-workers Minoru Ari, Sahya Luck and Aya Kasahara raise funds for earthquake/tsunami relief efforts by participating in the Oxfam Trailwalker.

Makita lives in Yokohama, a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo.

However, all public transportation had been shut down so she started walking.

She had no idea that the trek home would take her eight hours.

“I walked with several people who live in the same direction as me, but none of us knew how long it would take,” she

said. “On the way, everyone was helping one another. Some had printed maps to hand out and many businesses had opened their restrooms to the public. I realized then that though humans are independent beings, we can’t survive on our own.”

Only later did she find out that the massive earthquake had triggered

Darlington Magazine

Tohoku is among the hardest hit areas of Japan.

extremely destructive tsunami waves of up to 128 feet that had also struck Japan, in some cases traveling up to six miles inland.

“Japan is probably among the bestprepared in the world when it comes to earthquakes, but not tsunamis,” Makita said. “Coexistence with nature and the environment is big issue in Japan, but we knew we couldn’t escape from this disaster.”

Together, the earthquake and tsunami damaged or destroyed over 125,000 buildings and caused severe structural damage to roads and railways, fires in many areas, and a dam collapse. Over 4 million households in northeastern Japan were left without electricity and 1.5 million without water. In addition, many electrical generators were taken down, and at least three nuclear reactors suffered explosions. The overall cost of repair is estimated to exceed $300 billion – making it the most expensive natural disaster on record – and all in all, more than 15,400 deaths, 5,300 injuries and 7,600 missing have been reported.

“My heart broke when I saw the news reports,” Makita said. “One of my friends, who is originally from the Tohoku area, lost her cousin in the tsunami and his body has still not been found. The first week, we had a large

Summer 2011

number of aftershocks, which caused added panic and stress. Everyone was scared. People were buying large amounts of food, supplies and gasoline, which caused product shortage. Since then, we have had over 800 aftershocks measuring 4.5 or greater in magnitude.”

As she learned more about the people in her country who were suffering, Makita knew she must do something – anything – to help. So she signed up for the Oxfam Trailwalker, a challenging endurance fundraising event in which teams of four complete a 100-kilometer trail through bush terrain in 48 hours.

“This year, about 150 teams participated,” she said. “My team raised $2,700 and the event itself raised over $450,000! These funds will be used to help our country and, specifically, to provide shelter for those who were displaced by the tsunami.”

Makita has also volunteered with Second Harvest Japan, an organization that delivers food to those in need, such as to orphanages and women’s shelters.

This year, however, the group has focused on sorting and delivering relief supplies to affected areas, including food, potable water, clothing, diapers, medical supplies and more. This fall, Makita said she hopes to make a trip to one of the rubble-ridden areas of Japan to assist with disaster cleanup.

Second Harvest Japan volunteers organize donated supplies for distribution.

“I see on TV the mobilization of many international disaster relief teams and volunteers,” she said. “Many of them wear T-shirts that say ‘Save Japan!’ or ‘Save Tohoku!’ It makes me really happy to see their support. I want these people to know that we are really thankful for their help and I hope that someday we can repay them.

“I think many Japanese people, especially those who live in the badly affected areas like Tohoku, are worried that the world – and even others in Japan – might forget about them,” Makita continued. “Please keep us in your thoughts and continue to support us in our effort to rebuild our communities and our great country.”

33

Class Notes

S

e v a

e h t

te a d

e m a G ng tion i m ra o c b es e e l m Ce arti o H ton s P s ours g a l n C sT rli a u tos D p m Pho a C ss Cla

34

Claude Booker (’50) addresses the Darlington Community after accepting the 2010 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

David Muschamp’s company, Georgia Public Web, was recognized in the Bulldog 100 List of Fastest Growing Companies by the University of Georgia Alumni Association for the second consecutive year, ranking No. 31 out of 750 nominations. GPW was No. 33 in 2010.

1973

(next reunion 2013)

Class Agent: Steve Wilhoite

MaryAnn Dickinson writes: “I am back in Arizona, this time in Phoenix, having taken a job as director of health care services at Interim HealthCare. And wouldn’t you know, Anne Hollingsworth Croft (’73T) just moved to Phoenix, too. How funny, as we used to live right down the street from each other. Yes, it’s hot here but most everyone has a pool and the desert is very special. I am single, still loving nursing, and see my huge family every summer at St. George Island, Fla. All the Dickinson/ Copeland crowd are still alive and kicking, with David (’85) having just married the lovely Tracy (finally!) on April 2. We are so thrilled to have her as part of our clan.”

Bob Grizzard was honored by the local YMCA as a lifetime trustee at the organization’s annual meeting.

The honor is given to someone who has gone above and beyond normal expectations in service to the organization.

1975

(next reunion 2015)

Class Agent: Vacancy

Hal Storey’s business, S.I. Storey Lumber Co., supplied the lumber for a roller coaster in Sweden. Hal says: “We have been supplying lumber for wooden roller coasters, repairs and otherwise for 25 years or more.” The coaster in Sweden was built on the edge of water and runs in and around, under and through a coaster that was already at the park.

1976

(next reunion 2011)

Class Agents: Fran (Formby) Buice, Shelly (Stein) Peller

Dan Roebuck married Judy Ruland Rigas on Nov. 20, 2010. The couple lives in Rome.

Darlington Magazine

1979

(next reunion 2014)

Class Agent: Tony Massing

Bob Hine bought a 45-year-old business, The Hitch House, in Decatur, Ga., and moved it to a building he owns in Chamblee. If you need a hitch, bike rack or custom trailer, see Bob at the Hitch House or visit www.hitchhousega.com.

1981

(next reunion 2011)

Class Agent: Jule Peek

Frances (Hardwick) Draper writes: “I am happy to report that I have returned to the sunny South and currently live on St. Simons Island, Ga., with my daughter, Mary Shields.

I am teaching French and coaching the girls’ cross country team at Brunswick High School. Life is great on the Golden Isles!”

Jane (Phillips) Koenig writes: “We’ve moved again and are now living in central Illinois. Our triplets are in first grade and the baby is 3. I am staying at home with the children and Clay is the general sales manager at WAND-TV. A lot of Darlington alumni are on Facebook. Find me!”

Life Trustee John Hine (’53) listens to the Distinguished Alumnus address in Morris Chapel.

Eleanor (Black) Sams joined the Athens office of Jackson Spalding as a senior graphic designer. Jackson Spalding is an Atlanta-based, nationally-recognized marketing and public relations firm.

1985

(next reunion 2015)

Class Agent: Wright Ledbetter

Wright Ledbetter and his wife, Kelley, announce the birth of a daughter, Henley Corbin, on May 17, 2011. The family lives in Rome.

1986

(next reunion 2011)

Class Agent: Vacancy

Jane (Phillips) Koenig (’81) and her children

1983

(next reunion 2013)

Class Agents: Katherine (Persons) Kelly, Stephanie (Smith) Walker

Vanessa Drazich retired from the interior design business after 18 years and currently designs custom doll houses in Roswell, Ga. 1984

(next reunion 2014)

Class Agent: Kathleen (Smith) Hughes

Chris Jefts is regional director of leadership and major gifts at The University of Georgia.

Summer 2011

Tanya (Jenkins) Adkin writes: “My husband and I live in Columbus, Ohio, with our four sons, Kyle, Joshua, Jason and Christian. I have continued to stay home to raise the boys, prepare them for college and to remain their biggest fan to their high school lacrosse teams.”

Julia (Barton) Pollard married John Harrison Pollard on March 12, 2011, in Rome.

1990

(next reunion 2015)

Class Agents: Mary Margaret (Estess) Johnson, Bill Temple

Alden (Maier) Parsons and her husband, Stephen, announce the birth of a daughter, Anna Berkeley, on Feb. 6, 2011. She joins big sister Alden Elizabeth. The family lives in Raleigh, N.C.

1991

(next reunion 2011)

Class Agent: Al Barron

Mara Evans was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey in Chicago this spring regarding her film, “Wake Up.” For more information, visit www. wakeupthefilm.com.

1992

(next reunion 2012)

Class Agent: Alison Dunwoody

Tripp Fitzner III has been elected to the 2011 Georgia Bar Board of Governors for Middle Circuit, Post 2. He lives in Savannah, Ga., and works for the District Attorney’s Office.

1993

(next reunion 2013)

Class Agent: Meredith (Koegler) Harrison

Allison (Landers) Cooke and her husband, Patrick, announce the birth of a son, Jaxson Martin, on Oct. 2, 2010. He joins big sister Ella. The family lives in Apex, N.C. Jackson Miranda is manager of cultural development for the Chicago White Sox. As such, he helps Latin players interact with teammates, media and fans and immerse into the Chicago community. Jackson, a native of Puerto Rico, says: “My job is not to change who they are and what their beliefs are. It’s more to help them feel comfortable in the new environment they’re in and to be able to navigate without any problems.”

35

Alumni Profile

Laura Lynch (’08) Making a world of difference

When Laura Lynch (’08) began looking for a summer job, she never imagined she would spend 67 days biking more than 4,000 miles from San Francisco to Boston. One of six participants in this year’s FACE AIDS Ride Against AIDS, Lynch and her team biked across America to raise funds and awareness for the fight against AIDS. “At first, the Ride was just on a short list of possible summer jobs,” said Lynch, a rising senior and history major at Stanford University and member of FACE AIDS. “I am a member of the lightweight rowing team and for the past two years members of our team have participated in the Ride. It’s a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity, so I decided to go for it. The service component combined with the rigorous physical activity seemed like an energizing challenge!”

First undertaken in 2007 by two friends, the Ride Against AIDS grew in 2009 and 2010. Its alumni now number 11 riders from nine different states and two countries. In total, the Ride has raised over $80,000 for FACE AIDS. One hundred percent of these funds go to Partners In Health and FACE AIDS programs in Rwanda, providing comprehensive healthcare and socioeconomic support to HIV-affected individuals.

“It is really amazing how far donations can go in Rwanda. Just $30 can provide six months of life-saving treatment to an HIV-positive child,” Lynch said. “One really interesting initiative that the money will go toward is the Practical Empowerment Model. Since last fall, it has provided 10 Rwandan youth FACE AIDS chapters with grants to implement community health projects of their own design. These projects address important issues that accompany HIV infection, such as maternal healthcare and nutrition.”

Lynch and her team of riders – who hailed from California, Connecticut,

36

Laura Lynch (’08) trains for the FACE AIDS Ride Against Aids on the Stanford University campus.

Illinois and Massachusetts – began their cross-country trek on June 13.

Along the way, they made presentations to interested groups such as Rotary Clubs, schools and churches. Each night, they also stopped and spent the night with a host family.

“We started at Half Moon Bay, near San Francisco, and took a northern route through the country,” Lynch said.

“Our daily mileage depended on the terrain. For instance, we went about 40 miles a day in the Rockies but Nebraska was usually more like 100. We had

rest days built into our schedule so we wouldn’t burn out and we also took turns driving our van from day to day.”

Founded in 2005 by three Stanford students, FACE AIDS is a nonprofit organization that fights AIDS by building a global movement of youth dedicated to social justice and global health equity. More than 230 FACE AIDS chapters on high school and college campuses around the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Rwanda work to spread education about the AIDS pandemic, build a

Darlington Magazine

Class Notes

meaningful community of passion ate young people, and fundraise for comprehensive healthcare in Rwanda.

“With FACE AIDS, I have found an organization that truly inspires me and I feel blessed to share my energy with people all across the country,” Lynch said. “Around 33.3 million people around the world are living with HIV today and even more are indirectly impacted by the disease.

Though there is still no cure, continual medical advancements have allowed many affected people to live normal lives. I feel blessed to help spread the organization’s message and perpetuate the endeavor to understand and put a stop to HIV/AIDS.” Lynch and her teammates committed to raising $5,000 each for FACE AIDS by the end of the summer, adding that they would love to surpass their goal.

To learn more about FACE AIDS, visit www.faceaids.org/rideagainstaids.html.

“Looking back on my years at Darlington, different themes are consistent throughout – especially the line of the Motto that reads ‘Service Beyond Self,’” Lynch said. “I grew up learning to appreciate the wonderful opportunities my life has given me and, even more so, the joy that comes from sharing with others. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to think about all of the different needs and causes that exist in the world, but all I have to do is remember the smiles on the faces of kids at the Open Door Home when Darlington students would show up to spend time with them, and I remember that every little bit of effort makes a world of difference.”

Jerry Dunwoody (’53) attends the Class of 1953 Lectureship.

1994

(next reunion 2014)

Class Agents: Maurie Dugger, Jimmy Smith

Mike Hudson married Melissa Lee Dietz on July 9, 2011, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rome. Mike is a chemistry teacher at Darlington School, where he also coaches varsity swimming and diving. This year, he received the school’s prestigious Significant Contributions to the Darlington Community Award and the Oscar Betts (’19) Master Teacher Award. Melissa is a physical therapist at Floyd Medical Center in Rome.

Marc Weed and his wife, Jackie, announce the birth of a son, Marc Christian Jr., on Feb. 8, 2011. The family lives in Rome.

1995

(next reunion 2015)

Class Agent: Morgan Seigler

Cordle (Morgan) Parker (’95) and her husband, Ben, announce the birth of a son, Samuel Lee, on June 15, 2011. He joins big sisters Addison, 4, and Macy, 2. The family lives in Antioch, Tenn.

Bryan Mullins’ band, Muletide Perkins Trio, and Payton Bradford’s (’05) band, Futurebirds, played a benefit concert at Rome’s DeSoto Theatre in April 2011.

1996

Summer 2011

(next reunion 2011)

1997

(next reunion 2012)

Class Agents: Julie (Wilson) Lucas, Michael Van Cise

Chip Brown III and his wife, Lindsay, announce the birth of a son, Frank Alvin IV, on Jan. 3, 2011. The family lives in Atlanta.

Megan (Cox) Henry and her husband, Steven, announce the birth of a son, Bennett Bradford, on Nov. 5, 2010. She writes: “Leigh Ann Bruce (’97) is his godmother!”

Michael Van Cise joined the Private Wealth Practice Group of Arnall Golden Gregory LLP in August 2010. Arnall Golden Gregory has offices Atlanta and Washington, D.C. In March 2011, he co-presented “Basic Will Formats,” with colleague Michelle L. Harris, at the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia’s Basic Fiduciary Practice Seminar. Additionally, his article “Estates Can Qualify for an Income Tax Charitable Deduction” appeared in the May 2011 issue of Estate Planning magazine.

Margaret Jane (Courtney) Willoughby and her husband, Tyler, announce the birth of a son, Gray Wilson, on Feb. 27, 2011. The family lives in Charlotte, N.C. 1998

(next reunion 2013)

Class Agent: Corie (Dempsey) Swan

Class Agents: Brent Keene, Regan Maki

Jake Sisley and his wife, Cathy, announce the birth of a daughter, Julia Morgan, on June 28, 2011. The family lives in Atlanta.

Mike Barron Jr. and his wife, Kate, announce the birth of a son, Michael Shannon III, on May 11, 2011. The family lives in Rome.

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Class Notes

Betty Wright Ledbetter and her son, David (’88), sit with Nancy and Jim McCallie during the Distinguished Alumnus presentation to Claude Booker (’50) this spring.

Elizabeth Brewster has joined the faculty and staff of The University of Georgia Floyd County Cooperative Extension Office. She will serve as the extension 4-H agent.

Margaret Harbin married Michael Robert Fastert on April 9, 2011, at Wesley United Methodist Church at Frederica in St. Simons Island, Ga. Margaret is a vice president of investment management at Tiedemann Wealth Management in New York. Michael is general counsel for Tiedemann Investment Group.

Matt Lynch writes: “My family and I moved to the Chicago area and I am now working for Wrigley Manufacturing as the site production manager. Love the area as there are tons of things to do, especially for the kids. Our two sons, A.J. and Ben, turn 6 and 4 respectively this summer, and I’m still trying to figure out where the time went. Hope everyone is well and best wishes to you and your families.”

2000

Clint Hubbard (’81) and his family host the Senior Picnic at their home.

38

(next reunion 2015)

Class Agent: Skye Wellesley

Ben Bagley married Jessica Miranda McGill on May 7, 2011, in Rome. Ben is employed by Miller Industries as chief pilot and head of operations in Chattanooga. Miranda is creative services manager and writer for Southside Creative Group. The couple will reside in Hong Kong for the next two years.

Henderson Stegall (’11) and Hunter Hardeman (’11) attend their first-ever alumni event, the Senior Picnic.

Stephen Collier married Christina Mary Sgier on Jan. 15, 2011, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenville, S.C. The couple lives in Decatur, Ga. 2002

(next reunion 2012)

Class Agent: Miles Wellesley

Charlotte Baker, who earned her doctorate at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, has been selected for the 2011 Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The EIS is a prestigious two-year, postdoctorate training program that provides on-the-job training for health professionals interested in the practice of applied epidemiology.

Charlotte was one of 500 applicants for the 50-member class. Her research interests include sports injury epidemiology and applying research to solve real-life problems.

Joyce (Sweeney) Herndon writes: “I hope everyone is keeping well and is in good health. It seems like a century ago that we were all in high school. My, how days fly by! I recently married a fellow Vandy grad and marine, Jay Herndon, and we are currently living in China teaching English and business. Five years of corporate America made me bitter, so it was time for a change! Oh, what a change it is! The language, of course, is the biggest barrier right now, although that is mitigated by the fact that the people here are extremely nice. We are currently living in Zhengzhou city within Henan province. All in all, things so far are going well. If anyone is ever in China, you are more than welcome to a spare bed in our apartment! Cheers and best of luck.”

Allison Black returned from Thailand in November 2010, where she obtained her TESOL certification.

She is now living in Boulder, Colo., and working for University Parent Media.

Andy Gates married Kelly Jae Knight on May 21, 2011, at Darlington School’s Morris Chapel. Andy is a project manager at Brasfield & Gorrie and Kelly is a third-grade teacher at Garden Hills Elementary School in Atlanta.

Jay and Joyce (Sweeney) Herndon (’02)

Darlington Magazine

World Wide Web Visit www.darlingtonschool.org to get the latest news, watch videos, read blogs, view photo galleries and keep up with sports scores. To view protected content, such as the online Alumni Directory, simply set up your account and profile at www. darlingtonschool.org/passwordrequest, log in, and start browsing. For help, email Vicki Vincent at vvincent@darlingtonschool.org.

Did You Know?

New alumni Jacquelyn Johnson (’11), Sierra Shamblin (’11), Margaret Hjort (’11), Chandler Holcombe (’11), Josh Carter (’11), Dani Baker (’11), Maggie Sparks (’11) and Scarlett Sumner (’11) enjoy the Senior Picnic.

2003

(next reunion 2013)

Class Agents: Lindsay Doss, William Krueger

Griffin Duncan married Jane Marriott Beasley on March 5, 2011, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. The couple lives in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Ely married Kathryn Patricia Houghton on July 1, 2011, at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Roswell, Ga. Matt is a teacher at Chapel Hill High School and Kathryn is a teacher at Alpharetta High School.

Russell Evans played the lead role in Rome Little Theater’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in April 2011.

Jamey Goldin received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in Columbia.

Elyse Moody moved to New York City in June to start a new job as a copy editor at Elle Magazine. She was an associate editor for The McGraw-Hill Co. since August 2007.

She would love to get in touch with alumni in the city.

Pat Patton Jr. married Christina Manz on May 21, 2011, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Centreville, Md. Pat is a marketing and sales representative for Rome Radio Partners and Christina is a pediatric occupational therapist at Infinity Children’s Services in Rome.

Summer 2011

Mary Kathryn (Harrison) Pitner married Matthew Robert Gray Pitner on April 30, 2011, at Darlington’s Morris Chapel. Mary Kathryn is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in genetics and molecular biology from Emory University and Matthew is a senior business analyst at E*TRADE Financial. The couple lives in Atlanta.

Amanda (Brant) Tadajewski married Anthony Tadajewski on Feb. 20, 2011, at Darlington School’s Morris Chapel.

2004

(next reunion 2014)

Class Agent: Whitney (Smith) Hsu

Mary Sue Barron has returned to Atlanta after graduating from The College of Charleston and doing various jobs. She is a flight attendant with ASA. 2005

(next reunion 2015)

Class Agent: Madison McRae

Payton Bradford’s band, Futurebirds, and Bryan Mullins’ (’85) band, Muletide Perkins Trio, played a benefit concert at Rome’s DeSoto Theatre in April 2011. Based in Athens, Ga., Futurebirds have toured with the Drive-By Truckers and also made appearances at South by Southwest (SXSW) and Bonnaroo.

Did you know that anyone with a login and password can post photo galleries on Darlington’s website? This includes students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff. Other interactive features available to logged-in members include the ability to tag photos, comment on content and view secure information.

Lakeside Lines Get our monthly electronic newsletter delivered right to your inbox and check out highlighted news, galleries, 1,000 Stories, blogs and more. To ensure you receive it, update your email address today by visiting www.darlingtonschool.org/alumni and clicking “Edit Profile” at the top right of the page.

Social Circles Connect with fellow Tigers online! Join the 2,300+ people who “like” Darlington on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ darlingtonschool), follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/darlingtontiger), watch our videos on YouTube (www.youtube.com/ darlingtonschool) or join our Darlington School Alumni & Friends group on LinkedIn (www.tinyurl.com/dar-linkedin).

Planning a Party?

Whenever Tigers get together, we want to hear about it! If you’re planning an alumni gathering, let Vicki Vincent know about it at vvincent@darlingtonschool.org. Also, please remember to share your photos with us by emailing us, uploading them to Facebook or posting them directly to our website!

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Campus View

Atlanta Alumni Gathering Da r lington a lum ni a nd friends en joy a n evening at The Cofer Collection - Stable of Thoroughbreds in Tucker, Ga., in January. This event was hosted by Neta Cofer, Jeanie and Jim Wilson, Jamey Wilson (‘94), and Julie (Wilson ’97) and Sam Lucas (’97). The Stable of Thoroughbreds, the collection of the late Gene Cofer (‘48), is a living collection housing over 35 antique cars, one of which is the 1948 Tucker Model 49 Torpedo that was featured in the Atlanta High Museum of Art’s exhibit “The Allure of the Automobile.” For more information about the collection, visit www.thecofercollection.com.

Joe Montgomery and Mark Bollman

John Kagley (’07)

Sid Ransom (’64) and Jim Wilson

Duston (’96) and Katherine (Biondo) Cline (’96)

Harrison Douglas (’09)

40

Darlington Magazine

Fran (Formby) Buice (’76), Rick Buice, Michael Van Cise (’97), Ashley Ritchie

Katie (Daniel) Vinyard (’96)

Fred Moore (’47) and Fred Moore (’75)

Brooke (Walker ’96) and Aron Irby

Vann Morris (’97)

Joe Wesley (’59), Joseph Wesley, Bill Wesley (’70)

Jere Drummond (’57)

Mark Berry (’68)

Summer 2011

Jenny (Wilson) Gravitt, Julie (Wilson) Lucas (’97), Ashley (Rice) Gomez (’97)

41

Class Notes Ashley (Alexander) Duke married Micah William Duke on April 9, 2011, at Darlington School’s Morris Chapel. The couple lives in Rome.

Beau Griffith was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy in December 2009 and is currently stationed in Pensacola, Fla., and attached to VT-10 for Primary Flight Training.

enter dental school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in August.

John Kagley graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina in December 2010, where he earned a B.A. in Political Science.

He currently works in Darlington School’s Admission Office and helps with Concert Choir, Men’s Chorale, Musical Theatre and Drama. He was also assistant director of this year’s winter musical, “Beauty and the Beast.”

Shawn Powell was named co-winner of Most Valuable Player on Florida State University’s special teams unit.

He shared the honor with Dustin Hopkins, a sophomore kicker.

Beau Griffith (’05)

Will Raybon married Courtney High Peteet on May 28, 2011, at Berry College. Will is the purchasing agent for Peach State Labs Inc. in Rome.

Courtney will begin medical school at the Medical College of Georgia, Athens campus, in August 2011.

2006

(next reunion 2011)

Class Agent: Strom Mull

Tristan Griffin will be included in the Princeton Global Network Registry, a marketing network showcasing professionals from business to arts and entertainment. He is a 2010 graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with a B.F.A. in Film and Television. He has an internship with the respected Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York, where he is a videographer, editor and producer. He also is completing classes on comedy sketch and improv acting at the UCB Training Center.

2007

(next reunion 2012)

Class Agent: Brett Henson

Brett Henson has been named one of the Top 100 graduates of the Class of 2011 by the Emory University Alumni Association based on his contributions to the Emory College Council, the undergraduate student government association. Brett served as legislator, treasurer and chief of staff. He was also tapped to be one of seven senior marshals at Emory’s graduation ceremonies. Brett will

42

Lee Taylor graduated with honors from Agnes Scott College on May 14, 2011, with a B.F.A. in Dance and a minor in Theatre. She has been appointed resident choreographer for Pace Academy in Atlanta, beginning in the fall of 2011.

2008

(next reunion 2013)

Class Agent: Kelly O’Mara

Elliott Echols is chairman of the Georgia Association of College Republicans.

beaded bracelets, key chains and hair clips to raise money to purchase a piece of artwork in Rome’s Harbin Clinic Tony E. Warren Cancer Center in memory of her mother, Kandi Riddle. For more information, find ArmKandi on Facebook. Place an order by emailing armkandi50@ gmail.com.

2009

(next reunion 2014)

Class Agents: Rachel Buckle, Shanarra Goode, Cleve Jackson

Ebony Carter runs track at Georgia State University and holds the Eagles’ top times in the 100 meter and 200 meter dash. She also runs the 4x400 and 4x100 relays.

2010

(next reunion 2015)

Class Agent: Vacancy

Cole Daniel is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society at Georgia College and State University.

Hannah Montgomery has been working on her music. Since graduating, she has performed in small venues in Rome; Tallahassee, Fla.; and just recently at The Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tenn.

Turner Edwards graduated Cum Laude from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., on May 15, 2011, with a B.S. in Air Traffic Management and a minor in Applied Meteorology. While there, he also earned his private pilot license and instrumental rating for fixed wing aircraft. He is currently pursuing his master’s in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle.

Katherine Knight has an internship this summer in Washington, D.C., with Sen. Saxby Chambliss.

Laura Lynch participated in the FACE AIDS 2011 Ride Against AIDS, an annual event in which young leaders in global health bike across the country to raise funds and awareness for the fight against AIDS. Riders begin their journey in San Francisco and conclude in Boston after 4,000 miles of cycling.

Mary Beth Montgomery is majoring in hospitality at Florida State University. This summer, she had an internship with the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park.

Brennen Riddle and her friends Anne (’05), Mary Beth (’08) and Hannah Montgomery (’10) are selling

Darlington Magazine

Your Support Completes the Darlington Experience Your gift to the Annual Fund helps fund 5 percent of all student, parent, faculty and alumni programs at Darlington School.

Thank you for your continued support!

To help “fill the 5” in 2011-12, visit www.darlingtonschool.org/giveonline.

Calling all alumni…

Distinguished Alumnus Nominations Send us your nominations for the 2012 Distinguished Alumnus Award. Established by the Alumni Council in 1983, this award recognizes alumni who have achieved prominence in their profession and/or community and who have demonstrated loyalty to Darlington.

Please e-mail your nomination to vvincent@darlingtonschool.org

by Nov. 30, 2011, and include the following information:

Alumni Council Nominations Send us your nomination for the 2012-2015 term. The Darlington School Alumni Council is the governing body of the Alumni Association. Council members serve for a three-year term and are nominated by current Alumni Council members and the Association membership at large. Please e-mail your nomination to vvincent@darlingtonschool.org by Nov. 30, 2011.

Name and class year of nominee Reason(s) for nomination Your name and class year

Summer 2011

43

In Memoriam

Kandi Riddle

Remembering a creative spirit Kandi Riddle was making an impact on the children at Darlington even before she joined the faculty in 1995. The mother of two “Dar Babies” – students who attend the school from pre-K through twelfth grade – she went out of her way to find and create teachable moments for her children, Ford (’07) and Brennen (’08), and their peers.

Ford (’07), Kandi and Brennen Riddle (’08)

“When Brennen was in kindergarten, we invited the parents of our students to come to school and share with the children about their careers,” said kindergarten teacher Janice Cox. “Brennen was so excited when she told me that she and her mom had made something special for the Cox Cubs to tell them about working in an office.

When Kandi entered the classroom, she brought in 20 little briefcases that she had made from poster board. Each

44

was filled with a sticky notepad, pens, pencils, colored paper, an eraser, a small notebook, a tiny stapler and some paperclips. She even made each child personal business cards with their names printed on them!

“They were thrilled and had a wonderful time learning what fun it would be to work in an office and use all their new tools,” Cox continued. “But most of all, they saw the tremendous love of a mom who sacrificed time, talent and effort to bring briefcases full of joy to her daughter and her friends.”

The same year, Riddle was hired

by Darlington to be the late Anne Somerville’s pre-K teaching assistant.

She held that role for the next six years, winning the hearts of children and parents alike with her enthusiasm and big ideas.

“Kandi and Anne were the reasons I brought my children to school at Darlington,” said Lynda Miller, executive assistant to the athletic director and the parent of two current students. “Kandi’s energy, creativity and determination defined her. She was a great teacher and a good friend.”

A pioneer in integrating technology at the Lower School, Riddle moved into an I.T. support role in 2001 to help her colleagues find ways to incorporate it into the curriculum. Over the next few years, the Lower School saw the implementation of student web pages for all grades as well as the addition of digital cameras and SMART Boards in every classroom. In 2006, she became full time so that she could focus on Middle School teachers as well. Three years later, she was working with faculty at all three divisions.

“Kandi challenged me to become a more empathetic supporter of teachers in a way that fundamentally changed my outlook in my job,” said Stefan Eady, director of information technology. “She grew technology at the Lower School to make it a leader for Darlington and was even on the forefront of the personal technology revolution when she suggested I buy her a crazy new device called an iPhone. She got one on the first day. In many ways, that

eventually led to our decision to start a 1:1 program this fall in grades 4 and 8 based around personal technology.

We’ll be doing that for her.”

Riddle loved her work at Darlington and Darlington loved her. Her 50th birthday fell in April of this year, so the school hosted a Blood Assurance blood drive in her honor and presented her with an oversized birthday card full of signatures and sentimental messages.

All in all, Riddle’s Darlington family – made up of students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni – donated 56 pints of blood to support their friend, who was approaching the end of her hardfought, seven-year battle with breast cancer.

“Kandi was always so very courageous in her long battle with cancer,” said Reba Barnes, director of servant leadership.

“As a school community, we wanted to support her not only with kind words and gestures, but also through events that raise awareness. She has been a tremendous inspiration to the young and old at Darlington, and her creativity and spirit for life will never be forgotten.”

For the past two years, Riddle also led the Walk of Honor during Darlington’s annual cancer awareness and fundraising event, Light the Lake. Through this year’s event and a separate effort led by her colleagues this spring, members of the Darlington Community donated nearly $5,000 to Cancer Navigators, a local nonprofit that provides resources to all who are touched by cancer. Riddle served on the organization’s Board and was very passionate about their work.

A group of alumni took it one step further, creating a business venture called ArmKandi in her honor. Taking a cue from Riddle’s effervescent creativity, Anne (’05), Mary Beth (’08) and Hannah Montgomery (’10) and Riddle’s daughter, Brennen, are selling handmade bracelets, key chains, hair clips and more to raise money for a named gift to Rome’s new Harbin Clinic Tony E. Warren Cancer Center.

“Kandi knew what kindness really is.

It’s a legacy that she leaves in the lives

Darlington Magazine

of the many children that she taught, the colleagues that she worked with, and the friends – like me – that she embraced,” said Joe Montgomery, chief advancement officer. “When Kandi was admitted to the hospital this spring, Brennen and her friends began making bracelets for the special people who were caring for Kandi and for those who came to express their love. Everyone

was touched by their thoughtfulness.

The idea came to them that maybe they could do more, so they began raising money with ArmKandi – all from the fifth floor of Redmond Hospital, making joy and bringing happiness in that place. It was the children’s idea, and it was born from the lessons that Kandi had taught them about using their special gifts to give to others. When

Kandi died on May 12, she was wearing her ArmKandi as so many others are wearing now, a reminder of God’s gift to us of Kandi Riddle. We are grateful for her life, her love and her many kindnesses.”

This fall, Darlington School will permanently name Riddle’s office at Thatcher Hall in her memory.

If you would like to make a memorial contribution to Darlington in Kandi Riddle’s name, please mail your gift to Darlington School, 1014 Cave Spring Rd., Rome, GA 30161 or visit www. darlingtonschool.org/giveonline.

Madeline Gaffney (’13), Kandi Riddle and Jordan Muschamp (’13) pictured during Light the Lake, Darlington’s annual cancer awareness event.

In Memoriam 1938

Ben Simms III died April 11, 2011

1958

Richard Wammock died March 25, 2010

1943

Pete Ebersole died Feb. 27, 2011

1964

Welling LaGrone Jr. died Feb. 3, 2011

1946

James McEachern died May 31, 2011

1949

Joseph Warner died Oct. 7, 2010

1971

John Richardson died May 16, 2010

Donald Harvey Jr. died March 23, 2011

1973

Allyn Staton died Dec. 21, 2010

John Simpson died March 11, 2011

1950

Billy Evans died Dec. 30, 2010

1977

David H. Sulzbacher died June 14, 2011

1953

Shack Wimbish Jr. died Feb. 20, 2011

1957

1958

John L. Murray, Jr. died May 17, 2011

George Goddard died Feb. 16, 2011

Margaret McWilliams died June 9, 2011

Kandi Riddle died May 12, 2011

Faculty

Gus Hamner died March 20, 2011

Not Pictured: Joseph “Pat” C. Nelson III ’67–died Feb. 14, 2007

Summer 2011

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Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Rome GA 30161 Permit No. 501

1014 Cave Spring Road • Rome, Georgia 30161-4700

Leaving a Legacy

When Frank Barron Jr. (’48) reflects on the many ways his Darlington experience influenced his success, he gives most of the credit to his teachers and classmates for pushing him ever-forward to an extraordinary life.

“Darlington made me better than I was,” said the retired vice president of Rome Coca-Cola Bottling Co. “If you ask me to name a college professor who really affected my life, I can think of one or two. When you ask me who at Darlington influenced me, I could go on and on. There was Moser, Judd, Yankee, Wilcox, Regester, King, Cobb, Milligan … I remember them so well. They were more than teachers.”

But Barron said it was not only the adults who inspired him to strive for success; it was his peers. Among his classmates are a former director of the Office of Government Ethics, appointed by two different presidents, and a prominent real estate developer who was named one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2011 Most

Influential Atlantans. “These are the kind of guys who were sitting next to me at Darlington and I swell up with pride when I tell people that they were my classmates,” he said. “The average Darlington graduate has done very well in life, in an honorable way – that’s still the case today.”

In appreciation, Barron has named Darlington a beneficiary of his estate.

“When I was growing up, giving back was what you did. If you were successful, it was your duty to share. I still believe that,” he said. “My planned gift to Darlington is a sensible way for me to make a significant contribution for the future of the school.”

To find out how you, too, can support Darlington with a planned gift, visit www.darlingtonschool.org/giftplanning or contact Clay Doss (’74) at cdoss@ darlingtonschool.org.

Catalyzing Extraordinary Lives.