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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