Darlington Magazine Fall 2014

F A L L

M A G A Z I N E

Meet Head of School Brent Bell & celebrate “Grateful Graduates” from the Class of 2014

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Brent Bell Head of School Hope Jones Director of ELA-8 Matthew Peer Director of Upper School Derek Perkins Director of Admission Joe Montgomery Chief Advancement Officer Julie Lucas (‘97) Director of Development Vicki Vincent Director of Alumni Relations Tannika Wester Director of Media Relations Editor, Darlington Magazine RuthAnne Anderson Tommy Atha Lea Duncan Ian Griffin Paul O’Mara Special 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: Members of the Class of 2014 line up for the Commencement processional.

Contents: The 134 members of the Class of 2014 earned a combined $7.3 million in merit scholarships and are attending 64 colleges in 24 states and England this fall.

FALL 2014

Contents 2 Community News 22 Class Notes 35 In Memoriam

Larry Muschamp: A lover of people and life

36 In Memoriam

Elbert Roberson: The greatest Tiger of all

Campus Features 10 Ask Brent Bell 14 Near-Perfect Putting

Girls’ golf team wins third state title in four years

16 Janice Cox

Road to Retirement

17 Grateful Graduates Campus Views 8 2014 Sweetheart Dance 12 Darlington in the Dominican Republic Alumni Profiles 24 Jerry Spurlin (’55) From passion to profession

28 Molly (Kelly) Steeves (’98, LD ’12) From Rome to Rio

32 John McElrath (’99, LD ’13) Success rooted in tradition

FROM THE

Head of School

This issue of Darlington Magazine, themed “Grateful Graduates,” celebrates our newest alumni from the Class of 2014 and the things they value and cherish most about their Darlington experience. I hope that the phrase “Grateful Graduates” evokes great memories for you, too. After all, in the world of education, there is no greater day than graduation day.

Commencement serves as both an end and a beginning. It is the culmination of one’s journey as a Darlington student – a day on which the hours, days, and years spent learning with passion, acting with integrity, and serving with respect are not only acknowledged but celebrated. Special times with friends are remembered, a sigh of relief likely breathed, and a quiet thank you is shared with a special teacher (or 10!) It is truly a magical day.

Graduation also serves as the beginning of a new chapter – not only as an eager college student but as a Darlington alum who is grateful for this experience and ready to lead a successful life.

I have been fortunate to meet and hear from many grateful graduates. Every story is personal and, to me, each one is special. I met a member of the Class of 1951 who was on the school’s first soccer team. I also met four members of the Class of 2014 who were itching to get back on Jerry Sharp Field for this year’s Iron Tiger competition. While these stories are unique, there are also some commonalities.

High Standards – Many alumni note that Darlington expected their best. One former boarding student told me that she still makes her bed every day because in the back of her mind she doesn’t want a demerit. A member of the Class of 1953 shared, “I learned to pay the upfront price rather than the consequences of not doing something right the first time … this has served me well.”

Honor and Integrity – A common thread in alumni stories is the formation of a lifelong moral and ethical code thanks to Darlington.

Countless graduates – from the 1940s to the 2000s – say that the school’s cornerstone values of honor and integrity became their own. Through the Honor Code, students are

learning the importance of honesty and – most importantly – how to lead lives of integrity.

Relationships – There is no secret here! It’s the people who make Darlington special and it’s the relationships that drive our connections to the school. Alumni speak fondly of the relationships they formed (and continue to treasure) with their classmates – whether one was “day” and another “dorm,” or one from Rome and the other several thousand miles away. But it is crystal clear to me that our graduates are most grateful for their teachers.

Cowan, Burch, Wright, Judd, Moser, Yankee, Wilcox, Tunnell, Camp, Collier, Brewster, Barnes, Powell, Awsumb, Waddell, Neville, Inman, Van Es, Evans, Moser, Dorsey, Regester, Glover, Finley. These are the names of but a few of the many people who have made Darlington the special place it is, has always been and will continue to be.

Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to share your stories with me. It is obvious that the Darlington experience is timeless. If I haven’t heard from you yet, feel free to email me at bbell@darlingtonschool. org. I sincerely appreciate your commitment to Darlington, and I hope you enjoy celebrating with the “Grateful Graduates” who are featured in this issue.

Ingram (’14) exemplifies ‘Servant’s Heart’ Virginia Ingram (’14) was recognized by the Floyd County Commission in February as the county’s youth representative who best exemplifies the qualities of a person “With a Servant’s Heart.”

Floyd County Commissioner Rhonda Wallace nominated Ingram for her “Spread the Warmth” project, a blanket drive that Ingram has spearheaded for the past four years. Each holiday season, she collects new and gently used blankets and distributes them in conjunction with First United Methodist Church’s “Christmas Food Boxes.” So far, Ingram has collected and distributed over 800 blankets to needy families in Rome and Floyd County.

In 2011, Georgia’s First Lady Sandra Deal chose her platform to be “With a Servant’s Heart” – the foundation being volunteerism, community involvement and utilizing talents for the betterment of the community. As co-chair of the Georgia Children’s Cabinet, Deal recognizes a youth in each county that embodies “With a Servant’s Heart;” an outstanding individual who dedicates their time, efforts and skills to make a difference.

Ingram is the daughter of John and Ginger Ingram of Rome.

Virginia Ingram (’14) is recognized by the Floyd County Commission.

Darlington Magazine

Community News

School welcomes bestselling children’s author Children’s author Herman Parish – who took over writing “Amelia Bedelia” books after his aunt, Peggy Parish, the creator and original author, passed away in 1988 – visited with Darlington's ELA5 students in March.

“Many of us grew up reading about the wacky antics of the well-meaning but easily confused Amelia Bedelia,” said Susan Foster, PK-2 librarian. “Herman Parish picked up where his aunt left off, writing more adventures about the spunky Amelia, including stories of her as a child. It was so much fun for our students to meet him and hear how he got started writing.”

In his biography, Parish says he backed into writing the “Amelia Bedelia” series “in true Amelia form.” After his aunt passed away, she continued to receive fan mail from children wondering when the next book would be out. Then, other children’s authors wrote and volunteered to continue the series.

“I felt uneasy about Amelia Bedelia leaving our family,” Parish said. “As I was in the fourth grade when she first appeared, I had literally grown up with her. So I decided to try to write a new ‘Amelia Bedelia’ adventure. My two sisters and my family were very supportive and encouraged me.”

His first book, “Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia,” took him a year to think about and one night to write. His editor and illustrator had already worked on many “Amelia Bedelia” books, which helped ensure a seamless transition between the original author’s books and his.

Annual lectureship features accomplished composer Scott Kirby, composer, pianist and visual artist, was the 11th speaker in the annual Class of 1953 Lectureship Series in March. His lecture, titled “Pan-Americana: Traditions of North America, South America and the Caribbean,” featured several live piano performances.

A native of Ohio, Kirby began his study of music at the age of 6, and continued formal piano instruction for 17 years. After obtaining an English degree from Ohio State University, he moved to New Orleans and began his professional music career as a street performer. In the following four years, he recorded the complete rags of Scott Joplin, and made his debut at all of the major ragtime festivals in the United States, as well as festivals in Belgium, France, Norway, New Zealand and Hungary.

Kirby has served as musical director of the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in Sedalia, Mo., and of the Rocky

Mountain Ragtime and American Music Festival in Boulder, Colo., as well as director of the San Juan Islands Ragtime Institute. He has appeared on “CBS News Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood” and spoken at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. Kirby also co-founded a record company and has composed over 150 original works for piano and other instruments.

His artistic passion eventually grew to include to visual art. In 2005, while living in France, he completed 75 paintings and 28 piano compositions, including “The Prairie Devotionals.” The paintings and the new musical works set the groundwork for his new multimedia project “Main Street Souvenirs.”

Kirby now lives in Boulder, Colo., and divides his time between composing, painting, performing and teaching.

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

Scott Kirby

Faculty Appreciation Week Tiger Pride surprises ELA-8 faculty and staff with a visit from Tim Elmore during Faculty Appreciation Week in March. Elmore is a leading authority on understanding the next generation and preparing tomorrow’s leaders today. He is a best-selling author, international speaker, and president of Growing Leaders, a nonprofit that helps develop emerging leaders under the philosophy that each child is born with leadership qualities.

Li (’15) sweeps local Concerto Competition

Herman Parish Fall 2014

Kristina Li (’15) won the high school division of the Berry College Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition in February with her performance of Mendelssohn’s “Piano Concerto in G Minor.” David Thoms (’14) and Lauren Gouthro (’15) were runners up.

“Kristina worked so hard and played remarkably well for the audition panel,” said Will Camp, director of instrumental music. “She really impressed me most with the extra

hours she devoted to her piece over the Christmas break. Congratulations also to our runners up, David and Lauren.

They all represented Darlington very well in the competition!”

As the high school winner, Li performed along with the college-level Concerto Competition winners, Beth Flichman (voice) and Matthew Soares (trumpet), and the Berry College Symphony Orchestra in April at Berry’s Ford Auditorium.

Kristina Li (’15)

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Community News

High-achievers earn inaugural Honor Scholarships

Sam Tackeberry

Emily Edwards

Freshmen Emily Edwards of Rome, Ga., and Sam Tackeberry of Matthews, N.C., have been named the recipients of the 2014 Darlington Honor Scholarship.

This full scholarship is awarded to one freshman day applicant and one freshman boarding applicant each year.

“The Honor Scholarship is the most prestigious merit award offered by Darlington, and we are proud of Emily and Sam for the countless hours of hard work and dedication that earned them this achievement,” said Derek Perkins, director of admission. “I am confident

International Fair

Gracy Zeng (’15) urges Ava Ann Woods (’26) to sample some traditional Chinese dishes at Darlington’s annual International Fair in March. All ELA-12 students were invited to this celebration of diversity to learn about the different countries and cultures represented by the Darlington Community.

Students and faculty members set up tables to represent their home countries, featuring ethnic food, jewelry and other trinkets, activities, and educational materials.

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that each of these students is a great fit for Darlington and will make longlasting contributions to our school community.”

Edwards completed eighth grade at Berry College Middle School, where she played basketball, ran cross country and was an award-winning member of the forensics team. At Weddington Middle School, Tackeberry was a member of Junior Beta Club and played basketball, tennis and golf.

Established in 2011 as a result of Darlington’s Second Century Campaign,

the Honor Scholarship is a full-tuition award that also covers room and board, books, and any other materials and fees.

It also provides for a six-week internship the summer before the student’s senior year; a Mastery Award, which is set aside to help the student develop in an area of his or her choice; and a leadership retreat. The multistage selection process involves a required campus visit and interview. For more information, contact admission@darlingtonschool.org.

Alumni Council welcomes new members Darlington’s Alumni Council welcomed seven new members for the 2014-17 term and named Luke Lester (’84, LD ’13) president-elect.

Lester of Cartersville, Ga., is the owner of Bond James Bond Inc. A new member of the Board of Trustees and graduate of Leadership Darlington, he is an active Annual Fund volunteer and a member of the J.J. Darlington Society.

He also served on the Second Century Campaign’s Northwest Georgia Cabinet.

He and his wife, Sandy, are the parents of Grace (’19) and Hattie James (’23).

Jennifer (Crews) Davis (’01, LD ’14) of Rome is employed at her family’s business, Crews Chemical Inc. She is a graduate of Leadership Darlington and has volunteered for the Annual Fund.

She and her husband, Hal, have one son.

Katie (Brindell) Diefes (’04, LD ’13) of Raleigh, N.C., is the manager of a ladies’ apparel and jewelry store named Charlotte’s and a graduate of Leadership Darlington. Her husband’s name is Hunter.

Kevin Evans (’87, LD ’14) is president of Evans Construction in Rome.

An active volunteer and Leadership Darlington graduate, he has served on the Second Century Campaign’s Northwest Georgia Cabinet, as a member of the Athletic Booster Club and various school committees, and as

an Annual Fund volunteer. Evans is also a member of the J.J. Darlington Society.

He and his wife, Candi, are the parents of Lindsey (’12) and Keara (’16).

Chris Jackson (’02, LD ’13), an attorney at McRae, Stegall, Peek, Harman, Smith & Manning LLP, lives in Rome with his wife, Catherine. A graduate of Leadership Darlington, he is the son of Christa (Cline) Jackson (’73T) and the brother of Chas Jackson (’98), Cline Jackson (’98) and Cleve Jackson (’09).

Regan Maki (’98, LD ’14) of Atlanta is a real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners. A graduate of Leadership Darlington, she is a class agent and has volunteered for the Annual Fund. She has one son.

Chantz McClinic (’04, LD ’14) of Rome is associate operations manager at Southeastern Mills Inc. in Rome. A graduate of Leadership Darlington, he has volunteered as a phonathon caller for the Annual Fund and is a member of the 1905 Society.

Whit Remer (’03, LD ’12) is senior manager of federal government relations for the American Society of Civil Engineers in Reston, Va. He and his wife, Katie, live in Silver Spring, Md. A member of the Leadership Darlington’s inaugural class, he has been an Annual Fund supporter for a number of years.

Darlington Magazine

Global Studies Program to prepare students for future Darlington students may now elect to participate in the new Global Studies Program, which will grant them a Global Studies Certificate in addition to their school diploma if all requirements are met prior to graduation.

“Our mission is to instill an understanding and empathy at the global community level in line with Darlington’s principles of wisdom, service and honor,” said program cofounder Yensen Lambert, chairwoman of the world languages department.

“The world is changing and we need to prepare our students for these changes. We need to prepare them to be successful in the future.”

The program is designed to graduate students who will have acquired an

understanding of world issues from different perspectives, a sense of their own roles as global citizens and empathy with the problems facing the world community. Over two years, participants will take a series of courses designed to help them develop a global mindset. They will also be required to complete a study or project abroad.

“This is not a program for international students; it’s a program for everyone,” said co-founder Eric Braun, French and Spanish teacher.

“The Global Studies track will give Darlington students an advantage in college and in the job market. It will expose them to things most people are not exposed to in high school.”

Global Studies Program co-founder Yensen Lambert pictured on her pilgrimage on El Camino de Santiago this summer, which she completed in preparation for a travel opportunity that will be offered to students.

Entrepreneur headlines Career Day Founder and CEO of Better Weekdays Chris Motley (’99, LD ’13) told students that the three keys to success are authenticity, preparation and empathy during his Career Day keynote speech in January.

“This day and age, having an entrepreneurial mindset is one of the most important things you can do,” Motley said. “This starts right now with the perspective you gain from Darlington. What you take with you when you graduate is going to be with you for the rest of your life.”

Motley’s company, Better Weekdays, aims at helping individuals make better career decisions for maximum productivity and impact. He and his team have developed a decision engine that not only helps individuals recognize and leverage their unique strengths for professional success, but also gives HR leaders increased objectivity in their campus recruiting process and beyond.

Prior to founding Better Weekdays, Motley served as director of global

Fall 2014

strategy and sustainability and then as executive vice president at 1888 Mills, a global home and commercial textile manufacturer. He also founded The Founder Institute, an early-stage startup accelerator and global launch network in the Greater Chicago Area that helps entrepreneurs create meaningful and enduring technology companies, as well as Eagle Capital Solutions. For three years, he was a trader at Goldman Sachs.

Motley holds a B.A. in History from Columbia University and an M.B.A. in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

“As you think about this entrepreneurial mindset and recognize that you are all the CEOs of your own companies – which is your career – you really want to think about how you build that competitive advantage,” Motley said. “And you do that by identifying all your assets – some of which you’re developing here at Darlington – and connecting them to your aspirations.”

Other Career Day speakers included Helen Davis (’02, LD ‘12), Dr. Hunter Edwards (’04), Dr. Sara Harbin (’95), Meredith (Koegler) Harrison (’93, LD ’13), Rhonda (Wilson) Hennessy (’01), Mary Jane (Hall) Huegel (’78), Izzy Hortman (’08), Mike Hudson (’94), Ransom James (’92), Jimmy Kelley (’74), Kathy (Lewis) Kuruc (’77), Wright Ledbetter (’85), Luke Lester (’84, LD ‘13), Barton Lowrey (’05, LD ’14), Kim McConkey (’73, LD ’12), Kimberly McCoy (’88), John McElrath (’99, LD ‘13), Holly (Hagge) McHaggee (’97, LD ‘13), Ryan Murphy (’92), Dr. Leverett Neville (’95), John Newton (’05), Robert Noble (’70), Dr. Dan Pate (’76, LD ’13), Julia (Barton) Pollard (’86), Frank Pratt (’94), Mark Rogers (’94, LD ‘12), Blake Segars (’99), Julius Shaw (’72), Morgan and Win Stewart (’97, LD ’12), Michael Van Cise (’97, LD ’12), Ed Watters (’83), Megan (Gates) Watters (’97), and Whitney (Keene) Whittington (’01, LD ’14).

Chris Motley (’99, LD ’13)

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Community News

Top campaign donor makes additional gift in support of faculty Darlington School has established the Samuel E. and Mary W. Thatcher Master Teacher Fund and the Faculty Development and Research Fund thanks to a generous gift from John Thatcher (’44) to the Second Century Campaign.

“Teachers are the heart and soul of Darlington, and attracting and retaining inspired, innovative faculty members is top priority. The Thatcher funds will certainly help us do that,” said Joe Montgomery, chief advancement officer. “We will be forever grateful to Mr. Thatcher for his loyal support of Darlington, and specifically for providing one more opportunity for our teachers to learn and grow.”

The Samuel E. and Mary W. Thatcher Master Teacher Fund provides five grants of $2,000 each per year to be awarded to faculty for personal use in

travel or other experiences. Not strictly curricular in nature, these experiences nurture the dedicated teacher as a lifelong learner whose personal travel and other activities return them to the classroom refreshed and renewed.

The Samuel E. and Mary W. Thatcher Faculty Development and Research Fund is awarded to faculty members who wish to pursue professional development directly related to their teaching duties.

At the onset of the Second Century Campaign, Thatcher made the largest gift in Darlington history, giving $15 million to name Thatcher Hall in honor of his mother and father. He also established the Samuel E. and Mary W. Thatcher Chair of English in 1992, Darlington’s first and only endowed faculty chair.

Mike Hudson (’94) teaches chemistry.

Six join Board, life trustees named Six new members were elected to the Board of Trustees during the May meeting, and two life trustees were named.

Paige (Skidmore) Dickow (’78, LD ’14) of San Anselmo, Calif., is managing director of human resources for Black Rock Investment Corp. A graduate of Leadership Darlington, she is a member of the J.J. Darlington Society. She has one son, James. Her brother, Brad Skidmore (’80, LD ’13), also graduated from Darlington.

Scott Dozier (’73) of Atlanta is first vice president of investments at Merrill Lynch. A member of the J.J. Darlington Society, he also served on the Second Century Campaign’s Atlanta Cabinet.

He and his wife, Margaret, have three children. He is also the brother of John Dozier (’64) and Gordon Dozier (’69).

Rachel Gross (’89, LD ’13) of New York City is senior vice president of event marketing at Univision Communications. A graduate of Leadership Darlington, she is also a member of the J.J. Darlington Society.

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Doug Hendrickson (’74) of Maysville, Ky., is president of Limestone Associates. A former trustee, he has also served on the Board of Visitors and is a member of the J.J. Darlington Society and the Heritage Society.

He and his wife, Kate, have three children. He is also the brother of Bob Hendrickson (’71) and the late Tom Hendrickson (’70).

Luke Lester (’84, LD ’13) of Cartersville, Ga., is the owner of Bond James Bond Inc. A graduate of Leadership Darlington, he is presidentelect of the Alumni Council, an active Annual Fund volunteer and a member of the J.J. Darlington Society. He also served on the Second Century Campaign’s Northwest Georgia Cabinet.

He and his wife, Sandy, are the parents of Grace (’19) and Hattie James (’23).

Julius Shaw (’72) of Rome is executive vice president of Shaw Industries. A former trustee, he is a member of the J.J. Darlington Society and the Heritage Society. He also served on the Second Century Campaign’s National Cabinet.

He and his wife, Wendy, are the parents

of current student Redding Shaw (’22).

He has three additional children.

In addition, Gordon Lee Hight II (’62) and Frank Stegall Sr. (’62), both of Rome, have been named life trustees.

Hight, retired vice president of Simpson Grocery, is a former chairman of the Board of Trustees, visitor emeritus, and member of both the J.J. Darlington Society and the Heritage Society. He has been part of several campaigns for Darlington, most recently serving on the Second Century Campaign’s Northwest Georgia Cabinet.

He and his late wife, Sue, have two children, Alberta (Hight) Fitzgerald (’93) and Gordon Hight III (’94).

Stegall, a local cardiologist, is past chairman of the Board of Trustees and a member of both the J.J. Darlington Society and the Heritage Society. He has been part of several campaigns for Darlington, most recently serving on the Second Century Campaign’s National Cabinet. He and his wife, Rebecca, are the parents of Maury (Stegall) Hitchcock (’00), Frank Stegall Jr. (’02) and Blair Stegall (’03).

Darlington Magazine

Community News

Amphitheater named in honor of campaign co-chairs The amphitheater area behind Darlington School’s Thatcher Hall has been named in honor of George Johnson (’54) and Jere Drummond (’57), co-chairmen of the $90 million Second Century Campaign that funded the construction of Thatcher Hall as well as many other priorities for the school.

“The Johnson-Drummond Amphitheater is a highly utilized and meaningful space in life at Darlington, and it’s only fitting that it be named for the two men whose leadership and hard work has transformed the daily lives of our students and faculty members in such a real way,” said former Headmaster Tom Whitworth. “Now and for years to come – as the Darlington Community continues to use the Johnson-Drummond Amphitheater for academic, athletic and artistic purposes – we will all be reminded of the love that George Johnson and Jere Drummond have for their alma mater.”

Johnson, a life trustee, is the owner of George H. Johnson Properties in Atlanta. A 1954 graduate of Darlington, he has been a loyal advocate for the school for many years. In addition to his service to the Board of Trustees, he is a Distinguished Alumnus and a member of the J.J. Darlington Society.

He also served as the Honorary Chair of Leadership Darlington this year.

Drummond, chairman of the Board of Trustees, is the retired vice chairman of BellSouth Corp. A 1957

graduate of Darlington, he has served the school in many capacities over the past several decades. In addition to his service to the Board of Trustees, he is a Distinguished Alumnus and a member of the J.J. Darlington Society. He also gave the Commencement Address in 2005 and served as the Honorary Chair of Leadership Darlington in 2012 and 2013. Drummond’s family established the Jere A. Drummond Leadership Potential Scholarship in his honor in 2007.

“George and Jere will never say how many countless hours they have given to this campaign on the road with me or others, in planes and cars, attending events, leading strategy sessions, meeting with volunteers, key donors and foundations,” said Joe Montgomery, chief advancement officer.

“No destination was too far to travel, no circumstance was too daunting, and they led the way all great leaders do, by example.”

Jere Drummond (’57) and George Johnson (’54)

The Johnson-Drummond Amphitheater

DarBots at SuperRegionals Joe Fang (’14) and the DarBots robotics team compete against the top 72 teams in the southern United States at the Alamo SuperRegional FIRST Tech Challenge Tournament in San Antonio, Texas, in March. After the qualifying rounds, the DarBots had five wins and one loss – more wins than any other Georgia team at the event. The team finished seventh in their bracket of 36 teams, barely missing the elimination rounds. The 2014 season marks the first time that Darlington has advanced beyond the state championship.

Fall 2014

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Campus View

SWEETHEART

Residents enjoy an afternoon of dancing and fun.

Josh Buttshaw (’14) performs with the Jazz Band.

Sweet treats are in abundance.

Amita Reddy (’14) gets some dance tips from a resident.

Hannah Mae Deems (’14) visits with a resident.

The month of February is always chock full of events that celebrate the season of love, but this year the 134 members of the Class of 2014 had a surprise in store for some of their very special friends. Months of planning culminated with a Sweetheart Dance for the residents of Winthrop Court Senior Living Center – the Darlington seniors’ class service project. The event featured performances by the Jazz Band and the Darlingtones, pizza and other tasty treats, festive décor, a photo booth, and lively 40s and 50s tunes that got the residents on their feet. A great time was had by all!

The Darlingtones a cappella group performs.

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Darlington Magazine

A resident shows off her dance moves.

Reeves Trivette (’14) dances with a resident.

Residents enjoy listening to the Jazz Band.

Emma Parham (’14) visits with a resident.

Noah Katz (’14) dances with a resident.

Maggie Beth Atha (’14) and Isabela Martignon (’14) decorate for the dance.

Students host a photo booth for residents to have their pictures made.

Winter 2014

Avery Cypress (’14) visits with a resident.

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Brent Bell became Darlington’s 11th head of school in July. With two decades of experience in education, he has served as head of upper school at Randolph School in Huntsville, Ala., and assistant headmaster and dean of academic affairs at Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry Forest, Va. Bell holds a B.A. in History from the University of Richmond and an M.S. in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. He and his wife, Andrea, have three sons, Charlie (’22), Jack (’24) and Brent (’26).

Q&A with Brent Bell

Brent Bell

When did you first know that you wanted to be an educator?

I am not sure there was ever any one moment, but the profession seemed to fit me. My mom is an educator, so school was always a part of our life. It didn’t take me long to realize that I enjoyed working with people through teaching and coaching. I had some opportunities at a relatively young age and it has grown from there.

What do you love about working in independent schools?

I love the freedom and the responsibility. I love the fact that independent schools are mission driven and self-sufficient. As a result, there is a great deal of freedom to work with the children under our care in support of that mission and to help prepare them for the future. But with this freedom comes a huge amount of responsibility.

It is this responsibility that creates high expectations, which – to me – are a hallmark of independent schools.

What do you enjoy most about working with children?

I take great enjoyment in witnessing the “ah ha” or “light bulb” moments – when a child wrestles with a tough concept, skill or situation and takes ownership of that experience, realizing that he or she can do it. It is the growth and development we witness in children over a period of years (another great advantage of Darlington, where we can see children at so many different points of their development) that makes working with kids fun.

Who are three people in your life who have inspired you?

I am going to pick three groups of people. First, my family inspires me on a daily basis. We share this journey together, and their love and support gives me energy to try my best every day.

Second, I continue to be inspired by the students I have the honor to learn with each day. Finally, I have been inspired by the selfless, energetic, enthusiastic colleagues that I have worked with through the years and will continue to learn from well into the future.

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What are some of the things you are most proud of accomplishing in your career thus far?

I am most proud of those things that have improved the student experience. The reimagining and revamping of our advisory system at Randolph School is one that quickly comes to mind. While still a work in progress, our faculty has worked hard at deepening the relationships with our students. The Capstone senior elective has given Randolph students the opportunity to own their learning – not for the sake of a grade, but for their own intellectual curiosity. I am also proud of the experience and opportunities that our basketball players had at Woodberry Forest School. The arts and athletics are such important aspects of student life, so I feel fortunate that most see being on the team as a positive part of their school experience.

What are some of the qualities you were looking for as you sought a head of school position?

I was looking for a school that demonstrated a clear commitment to its students. We can sometimes forget that schools exist for children.

I am interested in schools that are student centered at their core. I have recently served two schools where the sense of trust within the community is very real and very important. A school that values and celebrates honor through an Honor Code is at the heart of this community of trust. I am excited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Darlington’s Honor Code during the 2015-16 school year.

What first attracted you to Darlington?

As I listened to people talk about Darlington, I came to see that it combines the best of both tradition and ambition. The tradition of the school is evident in the way alumni describe their experience, in the success of the $90 million Second Century Campaign and in the community’s commitment to “Honor Above Everything.” The ambition of the school is reflected in its mission and motto as well as in its clear commitment to prepare students for their futures while caring about them during

their time at the school and beyond. Now, much of our work will come in setting a vision for Darlington’s future that will continue to propel us forward in our second century.

What are some of the things that impressed you most during your first site visit?

The students! I loved talking with the older students. I also loved the fact that the first thing I did on campus was attend flagpole and visit Mr. Steve McConnell’s third-grade classroom in Thatcher Hall. That spoke volumes to me about what was important to the school community and the Search Committee.

You have administrative experience in both day and boarding schools.

Darlington is a blend of these two environments, so what about this opportunity is most exciting to you?

What is most exciting to me is that Darlington is one school from the Early Learning Academy through the 12th grade. There are day students, boarding students, international students, primary students, elementary students, middle school students, high school students – and they all get to interact with and learn from one another. The opportunities this creates are limitless! Darlington is a very unique and stimulating learning environment, and Andrea and I are so excited for our boys to be part of it this year.

What role did Darlington’s mission and values play in your decision to come here?

The mission of the school is hugely important, and fulfilling this mission to the best of our ability is what we should strive to do each day. The idea of empowering students to learn with passion, act with integrity, and serve with respect really speaks to me. I am a big fan of the word “empower” and what it represents for our students.

Darlington Magazine

Campus Feature

You had the opportunity to be involved in several strategic events in the spring and early summer. How has this helped in your transition?

Andrea and I are very grateful to both the Search Committee and the Transition Committee.

We have felt very cared for during this entire process. The time between the start of the interview process and arriving in the school community is lengthy and not without challenge.

In each case, the chance to participate in various school activities (the most important of which, in my mind, was the interview process for the director of ELA-8) allowed me to see the school in action and only enhanced my excitement about becoming part of the Darlington Community.

What are you most looking forward to about working with Darlington’s faculty and staff?

Head of School Brent Bell is pictured with his wife, Andrea, and their children, Brent (‘26), Jack (‘24) and Charlie (‘22) on the first day of school at Thatcher Hall.

As a father of three young boys, what were you and your wife looking for in terms of their educational opportunities and how does Darlington fulfill your needs and wants?

First and foremost, we want a school for our children where they are going to be cared about as people – where they will feel valued and where their character development, and not just their performance, will be recognized and fostered. The third stanza of Darlington’s motto, “Honor Above Everything,” summarizes this feeling much better than I ever could. We also want them to be challenged to do and be their best.

How do you think having young children will benefit you as a head of school?

Parenting is both incredibly challenging and incredibly rewarding. At times, it can feel overwhelming, so being able to see the short view and the long view will hopefully be a great help to both my family and the entire community. With three boys attending Darlington, our living on campus at the Homeon-the-Hill, and our sons’ need for challenge and engagement, there is no doubt that we are “all in.”

In your opinion, what are five characteristics that an effective leader must have?

What an amazing opportunity it is to teach, coach, direct and serve at a school named in honor of a teacher! The faculty and staff here at Darlington carry on that tradition and honor the commitment that the Cooper family made over 100 years ago. One of my first priorities since my arrival on the Darlington campus in late June has been setting up one-on-one meetings with every faculty and staff member. I want to get to know each of them and what Darlington means to them and their families. This is hugely important to me as a leader and a colleague, and I look forward to building and nurturing these relationships as we work together toward our common goals.

Describe three personal goals you have set for yourself in the coming year.

Most importantly, I want to be a good husband and father. As a lover of history, I want to learn more about the history of Rome and Darlington’s place throughout that history. Finally, I hope to meet as many people as possible.

Honest, consistent, caring, selfless, enthusiastic

Fall 2014

11

IN THE

Eleven students and two faculty members embodied the second stanza of Darlington’s motto – “Service Beyond Self” – this summer during a week-long mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Husband and wife teachers Kent (’01) and Rachel Harrison coordinated the experience for student-athletes on the baseball team, softball team and cheerleading squad. The group traveled to different locations daily, tackling various service projects in villages and orphanages, teaching baseball and tumbling clinics to children, providing food and water, sharing their faith, building relationships, and helping the Dominican people in any way they could. Participants expected to come home changed after seeing the poor living conditions, but what they didn’t realize is that the people they met would teach them the true meaning of happiness, pride and generosity. The trip’s participants are now working to raise the funding it would take to provide one of the poorest villages they visited with running water.

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Darlington Magazine

Campus View

Fall 20142014 Winter

13

Near-Perfect Putting Girls’ golf team wins third state title in four years

May was an especially exciting month for Peyton Albertson (’14) and Hannah Mae Deems (’14). As they celebrated the end of their senior year – spending as much time as possible with friends and participating in their last prom, senior picnic and, of course, Commencement – the four-year members of the girls’ varsity golf team could not help but think about their common goal.

Just three days after becoming official Darlington alumni, Albertson and Deems would travel to Goshen Plantation in Augusta, Ga., in search of their third state golf title in their high school careers. With the help of teammates Hanna Grevelius (’14) and Moana Kubo (’15), their dream came to fruition – the Lady Tigers won the Class A Private School State Golf Championships by 22 strokes.

“My senior year (and every other year), my goal was to be holding the heavy

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silver cup at the end of the season,” Deems said. “I wanted to go out on top.

With the help of my teammates, we did that. I couldn’t have asked for a better high school career.”

Grevelius and Deems led the Lady Tigers with a 75 and a 78, which combined for a winning score of 153.

And although their scores didn’t count toward the winning total (in girls’ golf, only the top two scores are considered), Kubo added a solid 83 and Albertson turned in an 84. Interestingly enough, Darlington would have won the title even with their bottom two scores.

“As a coach, it is always an honor to be associated with greatness, and I would consider what these young ladies did this year – as well as the last four years – to be great,” said head coach Josh Hembree. “Winning three state title in four years and back-to-back state titles is pretty special. And in addition to winning Class A this year, their scores actually put them in the top 3 of all classifications. Only Lambert (AAAAAA champs) and Cambridge (AAAAA champs) scored lower. I’m extremely proud of these young ladies.

They set their goals high and worked very hard to achieve them.”

The Lady Tigers went into the state tournament confident in their game and their abilities. Based on the scores they had seen throughout the year, they knew they were the favorites. However, they made a point to remind themselves that nothing is a sure thing.

“We were the favorites in 2012 and had some unfortunate breaks that caused us to finish as runners-up to Athens Academy by one shot,” Hembree said. “I truly believe that was an experience that they remembered and learned from, so they were very focused on preparing to the best of their ability.”

Deems added, “As soon as you feel comfortable or relax in golf, you make mistakes. We kept our heads in the game until we signed our scorecards.”

The girls attribute their success to hard work, dedication to a common goal, and the support they received from each other as well as their coaches at Darlington and Coosa Junior Golf Academy (the year-round golf training program offered by Rome’s Coosa Country Club).

“Coach Hembree and Coach Woods are really funny,” Kubo said. “They always try to make situations feel more relaxed, which really helps me a lot

Darlington Magazine

Campus Feature

Hannah Mae Deems ('14) warms up on the range. when I’m nervous and tired. I know they struggle sometimes to understand what I say, but I really appreciate having them as my coaches.”

Albertson says it’s her father, Coosa Junior Golf Academy pro Brian Albertson, who has had the biggest impact on her game. “My dad has taught me everything I know about golf,” she said. “I have played since I was little and have come a long way in the game – cutting about 40 strokes off my game since freshman year and winning Georgia PGA Junior Tour Player of the Year last year. I owe everything to my dad. He has used the game of golf to

shape the person that I am and prepare me for success in other aspects of life.”

Darlington’s 2014 state championship girls’ golf team of four represented three different countries – the U.S.A. (Deems and Albertson), Sweden (Grevelius), and Japan (Kubo) – with all four girls noting diversity as a big plus.

“My favorite thing about Darlington is the diversity and you can really see it on the golf team,” Albertson said. “We all had so much fun playing together on practice days and traveling together to tournaments. I’m so blessed to have had such a great team and I know that each of them will go on to do amazing things.”

And while the girls had the same ambitions when it came to winning state, their answers differed greatly when sharing what they love most about the game of golf.

For Kubo, it’s the mental toughness.

“We think more than play,” she said. “I believe that the mental synchronization between the ball and our mind might be the most important part of golf. That is not same as any other sports, and

Coach Chad Woods, Moana Kubo ('15), Hannah Mae Deems ('14), Peyton Albertson ('14), Hanna Grevelius ('14) and Coach Josh Hembree pose in front of the scoreboard.

Fall 2014

that is the strongest reason why I keep playing golf.”

For Deems, it’s the unpredictability.

“Every golf course is unique just as every golfer is unique,” she explained.

“The way a golfer swings or approaches a shot adds to the variability golf holds.

Everything from the weather to the type of sand in the bunkers enhances the difficulty and beauty of golf.”

And for Albertson, golf is something she does to relax. “There is nothing greater than going out on a pretty summer evening and playing golf with my dad,” she said.

With three of the four state champs moving on to college this fall, Kubo will miss her teammates dearly as she enters her senior season.

“Our team was like family,” Kubo said. “They meant so much to me and supported me a lot. I loved to joke around, have fun and talk about school on the course. I believe that this win at state never could have happened if there had been no Hannah Mae, Hanna and Peyton.”

Hannah Mae Deems ('14) and Peyton Albertson ('14) celebrate their third state title in four years. They are the only two members of the team to play all four years of high school.

15

Road to Retirement

Janice Cox

It all came full circle for Janice Cox a few years ago. One of her Cox Cubs was in the hospital and, of course, the beloved Mrs. Cox made a point to visit. Armed with her “Nurse Nancy” puppet and a big arrangement of homemade “Tiger Lilies” and get well notes from classmates, she made the trip to Floyd Medical Center to share some love and good cheer with her precious kindergarten student.

When the nurse walked in, Cox was surprised to see that it was a former student from her days teaching at Midway Elementary. Though she is now a pediatric R.N., Tiffani Townsell Colston will forever be a Cox Kid to Janice Cox. “One tiny new Cox Cub who was ill and needed a nurse’s care, one grown up Cox Kid who provided that care, two great parents to take a picture, and one very blessed teacher!” Janice recalled.

After her 35-year career as an educator – 24 of those years spent at Darlington – you might be surprised to know that Cox did not always intend to be a teacher but, rather, a freelance writer.

“My dad always said I would be a teacher, but I didn’t think so,” she

said. “My mom always read to us and set up great play areas like the post office (sorting, reading names) and the telephone office (learning numbers, sequences and telephone manners) to let us learn while playing. I never realized that I was working to learn specific skills because it was all fun.

“Many years later, when I took an education course in college as an elective, we were given a creative project to complete and use to teach the rest of the class. I loved it!” Cox continued.

“I realized that teaching was a natural thing for me and what a great teacher my mom had been. God had given me the gift of teaching whether I knew it or not! I have never taught school because I had to work; I have worked in education because I had to teach.”

Cox began teaching at the age of 20, right after her graduation from Berry College. After completing her student teaching at Pepperell Elementary, they hired her to teach fourth grade, which she did until the birth of her daughter four years later. Cox stayed at home with her children, Halei (’92) and Jarrad (’94), until they were 10 and 8, respectively.

“Halei heard so many great things about Darlington from my sister, June [Scoggins], that she had begged to come to school here,” Cox said. “June came to Darlington as a teacher, coach and counselor in 1976, and I constantly heard of great academic and athletic opportunities that were offered to Darlington’s students. She loved the students and her work. The community seemed to be a family in itself. My

eyes were opened to an educational opportunity for my own children that I had really never considered before, and my husband and I decided that Darlington was our choice for our own children’s education. We enrolled them at Darlington in 1982, Halei in third grade and Jarrad in first.”

In 1984, Cox returned to teaching at Midway Elementary, where she taught first grade and, later, kindergarten.

In 1990, she discovered that thenkindergarten teacher Millie Sirmans was leaving Darlington. With a position opening up in the close-knit learning community she so loved, Cox went for it.

“Had I known what big shoes I would need to fill in Millie’s absence, I might have been more concerned!” she laughed. “But I felt called to be here. I realized the endless possibilities and resources that a Darlington teacher has in this community of educators, and I knew it would be a great place to teach. When I was hired, I was absolutely speechless (which is pretty unusual!) I could not imagine that an exceptional school like Darlington wanted me to teach in this incredible institution. Darlington’s kindergarten was magical right from the start – and it still is. Twenty-four years later, I am still amazed and enamored with this place, its students and my colleagues.”

In her long Darlington career, Cox has written more than 35 original musical productions performed by her students.

She has also been recognized with Darlington’s Awsumb Faculty Award and Brown Faculty Award, the Rome Continued on page 34

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Darlington Magazine

Campus Feature Campus Feature

G

rateful raduates

A lu m n i oft e n t e l l us t h at they did not realize the impact Darlington School had on their lives until many years after they graduated. They finish college, build new relationships, start careers, grow families and begin reflecting on everything that helped them become the person they are. Often times, Darlington is a part of that. Whether it be the lifelong friends you made here; the guidance and support of legendary teachers; or the core values of wisdom, service and honor that are instilled

Fall 2014

in all of us, there is no doubt that Darlington leaves a lasting impression on every student who comes through these gates.

These students from the Class of 2014 – who are thrilled to be among the school’s newest alumni – are grateful for their Darlington experience and have already begun to realize the impact this special place has had on them. We hope you enjoy reading about their ambitions, their observations and the people they will never forget.

“Going to school at Darlington opened my eyes to how large the world really is. I have friends from China to Venezuela, and that’s something I want my kids to be able to experience one day. Darlington helped me prepare for the world that lies ahead of me – not just college, but beyond. It’s impossible to name a teacher that didn’t teach me something and that wasn’t ready to go the extra mile for any student.

Thanks to Darlington, I am a leader, a problem-solver, a holder to connections around the world, a band captain, a RUMPUS champion, a painter, a college student, and a friend to many.”

Mary Grayson Spence (’14) of Rome, Ga. Georgia Southern University

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rate ful raduates

“I would love to take all of the things that I learned at Darlington and use them to help the world. I am very concerned with the environment, so I would like to help create a future that is more environmentally friendly.

Darlington has given me the tools to take my passions and use them to make this world a better place.”

“Darlington means the world to me. It has been my home. Everyone there was like my family, and I know that they always have my back.

Darlington changed me and my outlook on life in such a positive way.

It opened me up to so many different cultures and ways of living. It made me want to experience more of this world and what it has to offer. I can truly say that going to Darlington helped me discover more about the person I am meant to be.”

Arden Babb (’14) of Rome, Ga. Oregon State University

Anna Sandor (’14) of Little Rock, Ark. University of Arkansas

“My favorite thing about Darlington is the sense of community and the sense of unity you feel as soon as you arrive. You’re greeted by a place with people who understand you and know your experiences. For example, as a new boarding student you arrive at a dorm and you’re nervous because you’re far away from home. But there are a lot of other people who are far away from home, too, so they understand you and help you to feel better and more at home. It really helps you settle in. Then, through the years, the bonds become stronger, and you make lifetime friends from really faraway places.”

Arturo King Prosperi (’14) of Pampatar, Venezuela Auburn University

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Darlington Magazine

Campus Feature

“Darlington has been my whole life.

I had great experiences meeting new people there and trying new things.

Darlington has molded me to be the best person I can be. I have learned to lead, work hard and persevere through hard times.”

Chas Williams (‘14) of Rome, Ga. University of Georgia

“Darlington is a home away from home, a place where I was able to feel safe, be happy and meet people I will remember for the rest of my life. Mrs. Lynn Cox helped me through a few very tough situations in high school, from losing friends to owning up to my own mistakes. I learned a lot about what to

expect out of both life and the people I go through it with, for both the better and the worse.”

Connor Hallet (’14) of Lawrenceville, Ga. University of Georgia

“The fine arts program astronomically enhanced my Darlington experience and gave me the opportunity to blossom into a mature, self-assured young adult – having an unforgettably fun time in the process. I love Darlington and the person it helped me to become. It is my second home and the school community is my extended family.

A Darlington education extends beyond intellect. Darlington expects academic excellence, but requires character. That is what separates it from others.”

Elizabeth Wilhoite (’14) of Cartersville, Ga. University of Colorado at Boulder

Fall 2014

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rate ful raduates

“I have learned so many things from Darlington. I have learned who I am as a person as well as how to manage my time. I have learned to be a leader and to stand up for what I believe in. I have been provided so many wonderful opportunities to help me grow. Both on the field and in the classroom, Darlington challenges and pushes you to be the best you can. As a three-sport varsity athlete and a member of the

Concert Choir, the Darlingtones, and many other leadership groups, I was spread thin. But Darlington always made it possible for me to accomplish all that I wanted. Darlington has instilled in me a confidence and sense of pride that you cannot gain elsewhere.”

Emily Thurmond (’14) of Rome, Ga. Georgia College & State University

“It is during high school that you start figuring out who you are and what you want to do with your life. During this time, the environment around you affects you a lot, and I believe that Darlington was a great influence and place for me to grow academically and as a person. The campus and school give students so many opportunities, but it is the people who make Darlington as great as it is. I know that I made friends for life.”

Hanna Grevelius (’14) of Lidingo, Sweden University of Tampa

“Darlington has left its mark on me in a number of ways. I learned not to fall, or at least to get back up when I do, in the face of hardship and challenge. I learned to tackle every challenge head-on and to think critically and persistently until I’ve surpassed it. I learned what my interests are, filmmaking, and what I am decidedly not interested in, physics. Most importantly of all, I learned to appreciate the precious time I have, both in high school and beyond. That lesson will definitely stay with me for life.”

Indra Sofian (’14) of Rockmart, Ga. Georgia Institute of Technology

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Darlington Magazine

Campus Feature

“I appreciate the care that each teacher and staff member at Darlington has for the students. Ms. Ivy Brewer was a second mother to me. She supported me not only through the college process, but as an individual. She was someone I could always talk to, and I know she truly cares about me. Mr. Gregg Marshall taught me to appreciate good literature and to be a good reader. I learned and grew the most in his English 2 and English 3 classes. Mr. John Cox taught me to push the limits of my mind and to be open to all possibilities. He encouraged me along the way as well. I am attending Oxford College of Emory University this fall, and I feel extremely well prepared because I know the rigor of Darlington courses equipped me to conquer anything.”

“My favorite thing about Darlington School is the dedication of the teachers and staff to ensuring the success of their students. The learning specialists and teachers like Mr. Craig Schmidt and Mr. David Powell fundamentally changed my perceptions of the world around me.”

Noah Katz (’14) of Maitland, Fla. George Washington University

Kereisha Harrell (’14) of Lake Spivey, Ga. Oxford College of Emory University

Fall 2014

As the Class of 2014 begins the next phase of their lives, they have dispersed throughout the country and the world, but there is one thing that will forever bond them together – this special place we call Darlington.

profound impact on you, so have you left your imprint here. There will never be another class quite like yours. Be proud of how far you’ve come and know that we are forever invested in your success.

After all, Darlington is more than just a school. It’s a community, a family, and it will forever be a home away from home for each and every one of our alumni. Just as your experience at Darlington has had a

Congratulations to the Class of 2014 and best wishes for an extraordinary life full of opportunities to learn with passion, act with integrity, and serve with respect.

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1961

Michelle (Wilkins) Johnson was recognized by the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta as the 2013 Attorney of the Year. She has performed pro bono legal work for the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence; The Living Room, an agency which provides assistance for low-income people who are at risk of becoming homeless due to HIV/AIDS; the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children; North Fulton Community Charities; and the Forsyth County Family Haven, which advocates for victims and families of domestic violence and provides basic needs during short-term emergencies. Michelle is a partner in the firm of Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough.

(next reunion 2017)

Class Agents: Adeline (Wright) Hanks, Fred Neely, John Shearer

Frank Stegall Sr. received Redmond Regional Medical Center’s 2013 Humanitarian Award. (next reunion 2018)

Class Agents: Honey (Buskill) Dews, Bob Elkins

Sam Moss III is president of the South Rome Redevelopment Corp. In June, he accepted a check for $25,092 from the Rotary Club of Rome and Seven Hills Rotary Club to purchase literacy materials for South Rome’s new Early Learning Center.

1964

(next reunion 2019)

Class Agent: Vacancy

Bob Berry is chairman of Greater Community Bank in Rome.

1977

(next reunion 2017)

Class Agent: Beth (Johnson) Higbie

Mary Helen (Wright) Heaner writes: “This spring, several of us from the Class of 1977 had lunch at the Smith Plantation House in Roswell, where Chuck Douglas is the site coordinator. It was great to see Chuck, Sam (Camp) Berry, Bill Bradley, Beth (Johnson) Higbie, Melinda (Proctor) Heidt, Judy (Hine) Beecham, Suzie (Hine) Duke (’79) and Wade Brannon (’79). Several others were not able to come at the last minute, but we had a great time renewing our Darlington friendships.”

1982

Lyons Heyman (’44) greets Bob Hortman (’72) and Michael Van Cise (’97) at the JJD and 1905 Society Reception.

Frank Stegall (’62) gives the invocation at the Second Century Campaign Gala.

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(next reunion 2019)

Dan Hanks Jr. received the Medical College of Georgia Alumni Association’s 2014 Distinguished Alumnus for Loyalty Award.

1963

Christie Doss (’07) and Honey Bee (Buskill) Dews (’63T) pictured at the JJD and 1905 Society Reception.

1984 Class Agent: Vacancy

1962

Darlington Head of School Brent Bell (right) pictured with former school leaders Tom Whitworth and Jim McCallie at the JJD and 1905 Society Reception

(next reunion 2016)

Class Agents: Terry Bradshaw, Alex Wyatt

(next reunion 2017)

Class Agents: Charlie Williams

Katharine (French) Flory writes: “My daughter, Kate (’17), is now attending Darlington just like me.

Can’t wait for many memories for her that I have experienced.”

1987

(next reunion 2017)

Class Agent: Kimberly (Murphy) Moseley

Kimberly (Murphy) Moseley and her husband, Stephen, announce the birth of a daughter, Murphy Grace, on April 4, 2014. She joins big brother Bair (’24). The family lives in Rome.

1989

(next reunion 2019)

Class Agent: Lee Hark

Marty Martin writes: “I’m living in the Atlanta area and working at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. My wife, Susan, and I enjoy spending time with our sons, Liam and Pete.”

1990

(next reunion 2015)

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

Jay Ferguson Jr., chief legal officer for Randstad North America, is the winner of the General Counsel - Large category in this year’s Corporate Counsel Awards sponsored by Atlanta Business Chronicle and the Association of Corporate Counsel Georgia chapter.

Darlington Magazine

Class Notes

Tammie and Doug Braden (’87) attend the Second Century Campaign Gala.

1993

(next reunion 2018)

Class Agent: Sarah (Evans) Joseph

Heather (Cox) Rosenberg writes: “In January of this year, we finalized the adoption of our third child, Elizabeth Grace “Elie” Rosenberg. She joins big brothers, Warren and Liam. I think we’re done (for now) adopting kids, and now we’re just going to focus on enjoying watching these little people grow into the wonderful big people they’re going to become.”

1994

(next reunion 2019)

Class Agents: Maurie Dugger, Jimmy Smith

Morgan Baker and his partner, Wendy Doyle, announce the birth of a daughter, Christina Lucille “Lucy,” on Dec. 17, 2013. She joins big sister, Stella. The family lives in Sandymount Village, located just outside Dublin, Ireland. Morgan is environmental policy executive at IBEC, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation. Wendy runs her own interior design firm and lectures on design at Griffith College, Dublin.

William Brock filmed an episode of LeVar Burton’s “Reading Rainbow” children’s educational program on location at the Grand Canyon.

William is a actor/producer/ writer/director currently living in Los Angeles.

Alex Ezell III writes: “Danielle and I just moved to Blacksburg, Va., where I’ve taken a job with Rackspace as a software development manager and she hopes to start veterinary school at Virginia Tech. Our son, Oliver, started kindergarten in the fall.”

Bob (’84), Patti and Betty Ledbetter attend the Second Century Campaign Gala.

Derek Minshew writes: “After living and working in the metro Washington, D.C., area for the past 10 years, my wife took a job with the U.S. Foreign Service. So in June, we packed up ourselves; our son, Carter; and our two Westies, Wallace and Dexter, and shipped out to sunny and scenic Sierra Leone, where my wife is serving as the medical officer for the U.S. Embassy in Freetown and I am an international development consultant, working with non-profits and government contractors in the greater West Africa region. Things have already been quite busy here, as we recently got a visit from Second Lady Jill Biden. We are looking forward to spending the next two years exploring our new home!”

1995

(next reunion 2015)

Class Agent: Scott Morris

John Thompson and his wife, Renee, announce the birth of a daughter, Josephine Nicole, on Feb. 22, 2014.

She joins big brother, Foster, and big sister, Luci. The family lives in Jacksonville, Fla. 1996

(next reunion 2016)

Class Agent: Corie (Dempsey) Swan

Matt Sawhill was named to the University of Georgia’s list of “40 under 40.”

1997

Hundreds of Campaign supporters gather at the Fox Theater in Atlanta to celebrate the success of the Second Century Campaign.

Campaign co-chairmen Jere Drummond (’57) and George Johnson (’53) pictured with Chief Advancement Officer Joe Montgomery at the Campaign Gala.

Michael Van Cise married Ashley Claire Ritchie on Dec. 27, 2013, in Chattahoochee Hills, Ga. Ashley, a registered dietician and chef, works with Open Hand Atlanta and teaches as an adjunct instructor at Le Cordon Bleu.

1998

next reunion 2018)

Class Agent: Regan Maki

Bailey Duncan III and his wife, Shannon, announce the birth of a son, William Xavier, on May 16, 2014.

The family lives in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Gardner Wright (’47) attends the Second Century Campaign Gala.

(next reunion 2017)

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

Alex Boling’s latest film, “Movement and Location,” won the Audience Award at the 2014 Brooklyn International Film Festival. Alex’s wife, Bodine, wrote and starred in the film. The couple lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Dusty Large (’02) participates in Leadership Darlington.

Fall 2014

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Alumni Profile

Jerry Spurlin (’55) When passion meets profession

When asked about his roots in Rome, Jerry Spurlin’s (’55) enthusiasm spills over. In the 1930s, his family moved there to live and work in a textile community created by the American Chatillon Corp. that is now known to most Romans as Celanese. It was among those brick houses that Spurlin was born and raised – going to school, church and engaging in just about everything a kid could desire, all without leaving the confines of his neighborhood.

This article was written by Ian Griffin, co-founder and managing partner of V3 Publications LLC in Rome. He serves as chief of advertising and sales director for the company’s well-known publication, V3 Magazine, in which he also writes a monthly column and other feature stories.

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“We were kind of like a small city all to ourselves,” he recalled. “We had our own school, drug store, doctor’s office, service station, great recreational facilities and the nicest swimming pool in the county. All the families knew each other and looked out for each other. It was a wonderful place to grow up.”

Surrounded by woods, Spurlin developed a love for the outdoors that has endured to this day, spending countless hours with his siblings fishing and hunting. This passion, plus the fact that his father was a Scout Master, led him to join the Boy Scouts of America.

He went on to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout and credits much of his foundation for discipline and respect for others to the scouts, his father and other mentors such as Darlington science teacher George Dorsey, who helped him earn many of his merit badges.

After he finished grades 1-6 at the community school in Celanese, Spurlin’s parents opted to pay tuition to send him to the Rome City School for grades 7-8 before heading to Darlington for high school. In what would be the theme of his youth, his move to Darlington was engineered by the neighborhood in which he grew up.

“My folks played bridge with a group of other parents in the neighborhood on a regular basis,” he said. “Several men at

the plant had children at Darlington and it was [during] those card games and work that [my parents] were encouraged to send me there for high school. My parents sacrificed a lot to send us there, but they had faith that the education we would receive would be worth the sacrifice.”

At the time, Darlington was still an all-boys’ school that lived by the motto “Unselfishly dedicated to young manhood.” Spurlin thrived in his new setting, enjoying the one-on-one attention a teacher could give students due to the small class sizes. One other major difference from his previous schools was the personal accountability expected by the teachers at Darlington.

From day one, it was clear he would be expected to show up to class prepared and ready to learn.

“Our teachers presented opportunities for us to engage in critical thinking,” Spurlin said. “In math class, for example, we were expected to go to the board, look over a problem, evaluate the information and then work out a solution in front of the class. That environment prepared all of us for the challenges that awaited us in college.”

It probably didn’t hurt the large group of 14- to 18-year-old Darlington boys that there weren’t yet any girls on campus to distract them from their studies.

“Back then, we went to school on Saturdays and were off Sunday and Mondays,” Spurlin recalled. “When I think about that now, I believe they did that to keep us out of scuffles with the Rome boys. With Darlington being an all-boys’ school, if any of us had a girlfriend, she was most likely going to Rome High and the Rome boys didn’t appreciate the competition. So, there was a bit of a rivalry there.”

With Sunday and Monday reserved for family, friends and possibly the company of a young lady from Rome High, Tuesday through Saturday was

all business. Outside of the classroom, Spurlin was a member of the football, track and soccer teams, but his true love was swimming. He excelled in the pool but since Darlington did not have a swim team at the time, he was forced to perfect his breast stroke off campus.

From a young age, Spurlin’s academic interests were geared toward engineering with a specific passion for aviation. As a child, he would build model airplanes, stick by stick from balsa wood, and made a habit of taking apart just about any piece of machinery he could get his hands on. Putting them back together didn’t always go as planned, but that was part of the learning process. It was this passion that inspired him to attend Georgia Tech after graduating from Darlington in 1955.

“Getting into Georgia Tech wasn’t easy in the 50s,” Spurlin said. “[Graduating] happened to be even harder. When we showed up for freshman orientation, the dean of students advised us to look to our left and right and take the opportunity to meet the people next to us because most of them wouldn’t be there when we graduated. That dynamic has changed in higher education. For the most part, the schools will do everything they can to help you graduate these days, but it was very different then. I attribute a lot of my success at Tech to the preparation I received at Darlington.”

His career in engineering essentially began right out of high school when he enrolled in Georgia Tech’s co-op program. This program placed students on a job in the field of their declared major every other quarter, allowing him to alternate between classes and on-thejob experience until graduation.

Spurlin enrolled in the summer quarter of 1955 and took his first co-op position as a flight test engineer trainee at the Naval Air Test Center in Patuxent River, Md. It was the opportunity of

Darlington Magazine

a lifetime for an aviation enthusiast.

He was only 18 years old at the time, didn’t own a car and was hundreds of miles from home. This situation would have overwhelmed most young men, but Spurlin had found his calling and nothing could stop his momentum from that point forward.

In the three months he would work, he made almost enough money to fund his next quarter of school while gaining invaluable experience in his field of choice. But due to the travel expenses of going back and forth from Atlanta to Maryland every three months, he requested a move to an equally impressive facility right up the road in Tennessee.

“I heard about an opening at the Arnold Engineering Development Center just outside of Tullahoma and asked the co-op directors if I could change jobs,” Spurlin said. “They discouraged it because they tried to place students in positions where they could move into permanent roles once they graduated, but they allowed me to move and that’s where I stayed for the duration of my professional career.”

Named after WWII Air Force General Henry “Hap” Arnold, the AEDC was located on the Arnold Air Force Base, which – to this day – is the most advanced and largest complex of flight simulation test facilities in the world. It was a major change to go from working on airplanes to working in wind tunnels; however, Spurlin would spend the next 45 years there collaborating with the likes of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and NASA to conduct critical tests that would ensure the viability of various aeronautic projects.

Upon graduating from college, Spurlin worked for one year at the AEDC before taking a leave of absence to serve his mandatory two-year stint in the military as a participant of the ROTC program at Georgia Tech. So while he had found his future home in Coffee

Fall 2014

Photo courtesy of USAF Arnold Engineering Development Center

County, his permanent residency would have to wait a few years.

After joining the Army, Spurlin served as a platoon leader in the 3rd Infantry Division. The majority of his tour of duty was spent on the East German boarder during the Cuban Missile Crisis, so tensions were high during his time abroad. He was happy to return to the comforts of central Tennessee after his time was served.

Upon his return, he took his post as test project manager, focusing on hypersonic and transonic flight simulations. The AEDC was the first site to offer facilities of this nature, so on a daily basis the engineers on hand were experiencing phenomena that no one else had ever known. This cuttingedge technology allowed them to work on a wide variety of projects, and NASA was among the most important clients Spurlin serviced during his tenure. “While I was working for the Navy, I had the opportunity to fly with Alan Shepard, who was the first American astronaut to travel into space,” Spurlin said. “At the time I began my career as an engineer, the space race had just started and we worked on the escape capsule for NASA’s Mercury program. The fact that I knew Alan and I was testing the performance of this aircraft made that a very personal project and one I took great pride in.

“We later worked on just about every component of the space shuttle for NASA, so those launches and missions were very real to all of the

team members who worked on those projects,” Spurlin continued. “Our motto was, ‘test before flight’ and we all recognized we weren’t just working on some piece of metal, but something people were going to fly in.”

The passion Jerry Spurlin exudes when talking about his craft is contagious.

Only the love he has for his wife Nancy and their three children, who he speaks of with the same pride used to recount his NASA projects, rivals it.

Now retired, he still calls Tullahoma home, spending his time working with multiple charities and non-profit organizations with a focus on the arts, keeping his schedule almost as full as his former profession did.

Spurlin still visits Rome on occasion and is impressed by the state of his alma mater. “There are so many wonderful memories I associate with that campus,” he said. “While there are many new facilities, they have maintained all the things that made it special and they will continue to prepare young men and women to do great things for generations to come.”

Jerry Spurlin (’55), at right, and a colleague work on the F-16 wind tunnel test model. The F-16 is currently flown by the U.S. Air Force Thunder Birds flight demonstration team.

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Class Notes

Barton Lowrey (’05, LD ’14) hosts a Career Day session about politics.

Rhonda (Wilson) Hennessy (’01) hosts a Career day session.

1999

(next reunion 2019)

Class Agent: Marie (Hodge) Gordon

Reagen (Lowrey) Lozar and her husband, Casey, announce the birth of a daughter, Marion McCarty “Mary Mac,” on Nov. 20, 2013.

The family lives in Helena, Mont.

Reagen has taken over ownership of Southern Treks Adventure Travel, an international walking tour company.

She will be leading her first adventure to Oregon in May 2015. For more information on Southern Treks and the Walking/Rafting Oregon’s Rogue River trip, please visit www. southerntreks.com.

Kim McCoy (’88) participates in Career Day. Luke Farmer writes: “I graduated from UAB med school this past May. Jan Scott and I have moved to Charlotte, N.C., along with our son, Luke Jr. In late June, I started my residency in internal medicine at Carolinas Medical Center here in Charlotte. Please call or email if you’re ever in Charlotte. We’d love to have you!”

Skye Wellesley married Beth Mooney (’00) on June 15, 2013, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Rome.

The couple lives in Atlanta.

2001

(next reunion 2016)

Class Agents: Kelli (Hutchinson) Karanovich, Whitney (Keene) Whittington

Marinell (Saville) Coats married Matthew Ira Coats on April 27, 2013, at the home of the bride’s parents in Rome. The couple lives in Arlington, Va.

Mary Mac Lozar 2000

(next reunion 2015)

Class Agent: Skye Wellesley

Will Thuston Jr. and his wife, Ginger, announce the birth of a daughter, Libby, on Jan. 16, 2014. The family lives in Birmingham, Ala.

26

Ryan Fox and his wife, Lindsey, announce the birth of a son, Nash, on April 9, 2014. He joins big brother, Noah. The family lives in Rome.

Ryan has also been appointed to the Rome-Floyd County YMCA Board of Trustees.

Kent Harrison and his wife, Rachel, took Darlington students on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic this past summer.

Robert Noble (’70) hosts a Career Day session about architecture.

2002

(next reunion 2017)

Class Agent: Miles Wellesley

Alex Murray, who is pursuing his acting career in New York City, had a small speaking role in an episode of “Boardwalk Empire.”

Georgia (Harris) Wooller and her husband, Teddy, announce the birth of a son, Edmund “Harris,” on May 16, 2014. The family lives in Atlanta.

2003

(next reunion 2018)

Class Agents: Lindsay Doss, William Krueger

Hannah (Betts) Hensley and her husband, Craig, announce the birth of a daughter, Olivia Harper, on Oct. 4, 2013. The family lives in Ellijay, Ga. 2004

(next reunion 2019)

Class Agent: Whitney (Smith) Hsu

Drew Davis married Kate Ramsey Gruetzmacher on April 12, 2014, at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church in Tampa, Fla. The couple lives in Atlanta.

Will Foss married Laura Lancaster Hussmann on Nov. 16, 2013, at Darlington School’s Morris Chapel.

The couple lives in Atlanta.

Katelyn (Dellinger) McWhorter married Brett-Harte Mills McWhorter on March 29, 2014, at North Broad Baptist Church in Rome.

The family lives in Clayton, N.C.

Darlington Magazine

2005

(next reunion 2015)

Class Agent: Madison (McRae) Criswell

Spencer Dismuke married Allison Taylor Walker on April 27, 2013, at First Baptist Church of Niceville, Fla. The couple lives in Auburn, Ala. Brad Large writes: “I am now working in Augusta as the director of admission and financial aid at Augusta Preparatory Day School.

I have just received my M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration.

I miss my Darlington family and if anyone is in Augusta please let me know!”

Barton Lowrey married Elizabeth Hart Kessler on March 15, 2014, at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta. The couple lives in Atlanta.

2006

(next reunion 2016)

Class Agent: Strom Mull

Brittni Dulaney was a contestant on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” 8th Annual Belly Flop Competition. She is oldest daughter of Darlington P.E. teacher Theresa Dulaney and Brian Dulaney (’79). Brittni is also the women’s lacrosse coach at Shorter University.

Taylor Smith graduated from Tulane University’s School of Medicine with a Master of Science.

2007

(next reunion 2017)

Class Agents: C.J. Cypress, Christie Doss

Ben Butler married Charlsie Ann Hubbell on Dec. 20, 2013, at The Biltmore’s Imperial Ballroom in Atlanta. The couple lives in Augusta, Ga.

Martin Schmitz-Drager earned his bachelor’s degree in economics in 2012. After graduation, he spent five months working for a consulting company in Munich, Germany, and another five months at an international trade company in Bangkok, Thailand. Martin recently returned from an exchange semester at the University of Copenhagen. He plans to graduate from university with dual master’s degrees next spring.

2008

(next reunion 2018)

Class Agents: Mac Gilliland, Kelly O’Mara

Natalie (Brock) Babington and her husband, Caleb, announce the birth of a son, Robert Maclean, on May 25, 2014. The family lives in Homewood, Ala. Elliott Echols, national youth director for the Republican National Committee, was one of four featured speakers at Congressman Tom Graves’ GA-14 Youth Leadership Summit at GNTC in Calhoun, Ga. on April 22, 2014. Darlington students in attendance included Chas Williams (’14), Max Berry (’15), Morgan Fambro (’15), Ella Peek (’15) and Sarah Cait Hubbard (’14).

Christina (Rutledge) Ricks married William Andrew Ricks on Dec. 28, 2013, at Darlington School’s Morris Chapel. The couple lives in Mobile, Ala.

Leadership Darlington Class of 2014

Fall 2014

27

Molly (Kelly) Steeves (’98, LD ’12) From Rome to Rio

The roots of Molly (Kelly) Steeves’ (’98, LD ’12) family tree grow deep into the soil of Rome, Ga., dating all the way back to the 1800s, in fact. And while she graduated from Darlington in 1998, the school serves a much larger purpose in her existence than simply providing her with a stellar education. Her mother and father, Mai Mai (Selman) Kelly (’72T) and Bill Kelly (’71), met when they were students at Thornwood and Darlington, so it’s fair to say that without Darlington, the world may have never known Molly Steeves.

This article was written by Ian Griffin, co-founder and managing partner of V3 Publications LLC in Rome. He serves as chief of advertising and sales director for the company’s well-known publication, V3 Magazine, in which he also writes a monthly column and other feature stories.

28

While her family linked her to Rome as a child, her father was a military man (Navy), which meant they were on the move for most of her younger years. Moving from place to place was common ground and, through those years, Rome was the one familiar community in their lives. They visited often and Steeves attended tennis camps at Coosa Country Club every summer. It was there that she formed a bond with tennis pro Craig Jones, her personal coach from pee-wee tennis into her high school years. Tennis became a passion that would last a lifetime for her, but the club swimming pool was an important part of her childhood summers as well.

“I was very close with my grandmother growing up,” Steeves said.

“I remember coming to Rome in the summer for tennis camps and riding around in her convertible. We always had so much fun together and all my early memories of Rome are wonderful.

I guess that has a lot to do with why I enjoy coming home to visit so much.”

Steeves’ parents had always planned on returning to Rome, but it wasn’t until her freshman year of high school that their plan came to fruition. That was the year she enrolled at Darlington.

“I always knew I was going to Darlington and even remember visiting the Lower School when I was a kid,” she

Molly (Kelly) Steeves ('98) shares the impact Darlington has had on her life with her classmates in the Leadership Darlington Class of 2012. said. “The school I went to in Dallas, Texas, only went through eighth grade, so it was a perfect time for me to make a change. We moved back the summer between eighth and ninth grade, and I will never forget how welcoming everyone was on my first day of school.

I never felt like the new kid; I felt like it was meant to be.”

She took advantage of this perfect fit by diving head first into the academics and extracurricular activities that suited

her best. Naturally, tennis was one of the activities she took part in all four years, helping to bring home the state championship in 1996. Cheerleading was another four-year commitment – to both the competition and football squads – with Steeves serving as captain her senior year.

She fondly remembers hanging out in The Cove with her friends and serving as a proctor her senior year, which allowed her to spend time taking

Darlington Magazine

Alumni Profile

attendance and roaming the campus.

Eventually, she would know every nook and cranny it had to offer.

On the academic front, she excelled and found her future college major in art history via a humanities class with the late George Awsumb. His ability to engage his students had a profound effect on Steeves, and she carried that with her to the next stage of her education.

“My dad had classes with Mr. Awsumb when he was at Darlington, and my mom had classes with Mrs. Awsumb while she was at Thornwood,” Steeves said. “I had classes with both of them in high school, so that was a really neat thing to experience. From the very first day of my humanities class, I knew exactly what I wanted to study in college.”

After graduation, she moved on to study and play tennis at Hollins College in Roanoke, Va. The choice of a private women’s college was calculated as she enjoyed the small class sizes at Darlington, and the school has a great reputation for liberal arts students. She adjusted to the academic expectations easily, juggling academics and athletics without complication. As she had throughout her life, Steeves once again found success on the tennis courts – making fast friends with her teammates and giving her an outlet for the competitive streak she has had since birth.

The most unique opportunity she had while playing collegiate tennis was forming a doubles partnership with her sister, Bess Kelly, who graduated from Darlington in 2000.

“Bess and I were both on the tennis team at Darlington, but we never played together in high school,” Steeves said.

“When she came to Hollins, it was apparent that we had matured enough to play together. That never would have happened in high school and I’m extremely thankful for the two years we played together in college.”

On her summer breaks from Hollins, Steeves worked as a junior staff member at the Cloister at Sea Island Resort, a

Fall 2014

job that allowed her to live at the resort while leading different activities and other responsibilities. With her art history degree in hand, she decided to head back to Sea Island for one more summer while she figured out what path she would take professionally.

She worked her usual summer job, which then turned into an internship, followed by a position as an activities coordinator for corporate groups, and finally a coordinator position for weddings and special events. This relationship lasted five years, but it was her very first client, Stan Smith Events, that eventually ended up luring her away from Sea Island.

“I was 22 years old when I showed Stan Smith around the property,” Steeves recalled. “For someone as passionate about tennis as I am, meeting a legend like Stan Smith was amazing. I formed an instant bond with everyone on their team and I worked with them for five years, [helping] with one of their annual events. In 2007, a position became available and they offered it to me. It was a no-brainer and the fact that they were stationed in Atlanta meant I got to move closer to home.”

Finding herself working for a former World No. 1-ranked singles player and two-time Grand Slam Champion (’71 U.S. Open and ’72 Wimbledon) was a dream come true for Steeves. Her new position allowed her to expand upon her experience with corporate event planning at Sea Island into the realm of high-end sporting events such as Wimbledon, the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, Super Bowls, NCAA Final Fours, World Cup Soccer and many more.

With a focus on corporate clients, Stan Smith Events’ mission is to help businesses grow by creating and managing events on the grandest of stages. In addition to providing clients with exclusive venues and access, they bring in celebrity athletes to share personal insights from a champion’s perspective. Day and overnight packages are available, but the basic idea behind Stan Smith Events is that from the time

their guests hop off the plane to the time they get back on, every detail is covered and an unforgettable experience is provided. This requires the team to be logistically sound and knowledgeable of the countries and cities in which their events take place.

Due to those demands, Steeves’ travels take her around the globe to scout locations for upcoming events. When we talked, she had just returned from Rio de Janeiro.

“We want to cover all the bases, so we spend a tremendous amount of time planning,” she explained. “We bring in former champions to speak to our groups, which is one of my favorite aspects of what we do. While Stan has the bases covered at Wimbledon, our guests really enjoy hearing from the athletes who experienced the event they are about to enjoy so we seek out former champions and make that a part of the program. It is also extremely important that we know our surroundings, so I’m on the road a good portion of the year just preparing for our events.”

Even with all the travel, Steeves finds the time to make the hour-long drive up to Rome to visit her family as often as possible. After all, the path to her dream job was laid out before her on the courts of Coosa Country Club, the summer drives in her grandmother’s convertible and the hallways of Darlington School.

“Discipline, strategy and precision are three things I learned in the classroom and on the tennis court that I apply to my job as an event planner,” Steeves said. “Every opponent is different in some way and every event is different.

While it’s always the same game, you have to prepare and attack in order to execute your game plan. You have to be ready to adjust on the fly. If you can do those things, you can handle just about anything.”

29 29

Class Notes 2009

(next reunion 2019)

Class Agents: Rachel Buckle, Sha Goode, Cleve Jackson

Thomas Craton graduated from Auburn University on May 3, 2015, with a degree in entrepreneurship and family-owned business.

2010

(next reunion 2015)

Class Agent: Cole Daniel

Martha Tucker graduated summa cum laude from Wofford College with dual degrees in psychology and Spanish.

Del Parker (’72) graduates from Leadership Darlington.

Blake Segars (’99) and Ed Watters (’83) participate in Career Day.

Martha Tucker (’10) pictured with her parents, Karen (Candler ’75, LD ’13) and Larry Tucker.

Legacy members of the Class of 2014 pictured with alumni family members.

Calling all alumni…

Distinguished Alumnus Nominations Send us your nominations for the 2015 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 Jan. 1, 2015 and include the following information:

Alumni Council Nominations Send us your nomination for the 2015-2018 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 Jan. 1, 2015.

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

30

Darlington Magazine

2012

(next reunion 2017)

Class Agents: Austin Spooner, John Wilhoite, Kelsey Ann Williams

Ansley McDurmon was named to the University of the South’s Dean’s List for spring 2014. To earn a place on Sewanee’s Dean’s List, a student must earn a minimum grade point average of 3.625 on a 4.0 scale.

2013

soccer championship with the Concorde Fire U19. He is a sophomore at Seattle University.

(next reunion 2018)

Class Agent: Vacancy

Jane Campbell has been training and competing with the U20 U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.

She is a sophomore at Stanford University. After shutting out two of the nation’s top teams, ACC power houses Duke and North Carolina, in August, Jane was named CS360 National Primetime Player of the Week for Aug. 22-24, 2014.

Cameron Rohani (’13)

The Alumni Council hosts a fabulous Senior Picnic at the home of Emily Thurmond (’14).

Cameron Rohani won a national

THE ANNUAL FUND IS Your gift to the Annual Fund helps fund 5% of all student, parent, faculty, staff and alumni programs at Darlington School. To make your tax-deductible gift, please visit www.darlingtonschool.org/give by May 31, 2015. Every single gift matters.

Fall 2014

31

John McElrath (’99, LD ’13) Success rooted in tradition

The entrepreneurial spirit is said to be the backbone of the U.S. economy. Those bold enough to take an idea, breathe life into it and make it a reality have molded the lives of us all for centuries. John McElrath (’99, LD ’13) embodies these aforementioned qualities, weaving the dreams of a few friends into a successful business, a custom clothing line known as State Traditions.

This article was written by Ian Griffin, co-founder and managing partner of V3 Publications LLC in Rome. He serves as chief of advertising and sales director for the company’s well-known publication, V3 Magazine, in which he also writes a monthly column and other feature stories.

32

Born in Macon, Ga., McElrath’s family moved to Rome the summer between his eighth- and ninth-grade years.

Naturally, he was just as apprehensive as any rising freshman would be when making such a major change in schools, but his doubts quickly subsided upon his arrival at Darlington.

“They really rolled out the welcome mat,” McElrath recalled. “From the students to the teachers, everyone made me feel at home. I think it helped that the student body there is so diverse. I made friends from all over the world and many of them were arriving at Darlington at the same time as I was.

The fact that they were making the same adjustments as me in a country foreign to them kind of gave me some perspective on what I was dealing with at the time.”

A gifted athlete, McElrath found his place outside of the classroom on the football and lacrosse fields, culminating in two undefeated, state championship seasons his senior year. It was a feat any sportsman would call a dream come true.

Playing both sports all four years of high school, he formed a tight bond with head football coach Tommy Atha.

And in the classroom, he remembers Raymond Murray’s recounting of Earnest Hemmingway as something he willould never forget.

“I really enjoy going back to visit when I can,” McElrath said. “It’s nice to see that a lot of the teachers and coaches [who taught me] 15 years ago are still on campus today. Some of them are in different roles, but seeing those familiar faces really means a lot. Coach Atha always seemed to have my back and Mr. Murray was just a wonderful English teacher. Those guys both had a positive effect on me as a young man.”

Growing up a Georgia Bulldogs fan, McElrath was faced with a big decision when choosing his institution of higher learning upon his graduation in 1999.

While touring campuses, he visited Tuscaloosa, Ala., to take in the sights at the University of Alabama. It was a trip that resonated with him and, after a short deliberation, he enrolled and was accepted.

“When I arrived at Alabama, it was during the era of the Mikes (DuBose, Price and Shula) and, honestly, the football team wasn’t very good then,” said McElrath. “I think it’s is safe to say we have had a really good run these past few years.”

As a business major with a focus in marketing, McElrath enjoyed his time at Alabama, playing club-level lacrosse and serving as the president of his fraternity.

This created a social network to which he credits a lot of his success. The campus Greek community alone played a large role in his current business

circle in addition to providing links to lifelong friends.

Upon graduating from college in 2003, it was time for McElrath to decide what he would do with his business degree.

So like many 22-year-olds who need a bit of time to find their path, he decided to move out to Jackson Hole, Wy., where he worked construction during the winter and with Jackson Hole White Water during the summer.

“I took the advice of several people that I considered to be very successful,” McElrath said. “I was staring at all these job applications wondering what I should do, and they told me to go and do something I would never be able to do again while I had the least amount of responsibilities. The construction aspect was not fun at all, but the rafting was a lot of fun and you can’t ask for a much more beautiful place to live. A year later, I found myself living in an RV down by the river and realized that while it had been fun, this wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life. So I moved back home.”

It didn’t take long for McElrath to land his first real job with a real estate company focused on student housing developments on college campuses across the United States. He moved to Birmingham, Ala., and settled into a position, which he held for nine years, becoming extremely familiar with the campuses and traditions of colleges all over the country.

It was on one of these trips that McElrath and co-founder Keith Brown came up with the idea for their future business, State Traditions. While out and about, they observed that students were wearing a lot of what McElrath refers to as “aspire to” brands. Be it a fish, a whale or a horse, the brand on the breast of their shirts or the crown of their hats represented a lifestyle of which they aspired to be part. This observation got the ball rolling for State Traditions, as the duo mused that an identity people could directly relate to instead of aspiring to could be a

Darlington Magazine

Alumni Profile

Decked out in State Traditions gear, managing partners Maury Lyon, John McElrath (’99, LD ’13) and Josh Brown pose for a photo with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at The Masters in 2013. successful branding venture. States were the perfect place to start.

“Everybody grew up somewhere, or went to school somewhere, so there is a natural attachment and sense of pride people have in those states,” McElrath explained. “We quickly came up with the name State Traditions and started throwing ideas around for different product lines.”

After officially incorporating in 2007, Brown and McElrath launched their business with one product representing four states – Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and, of course, Alabama.

Each shirt bore the outline of the respective state with different images juxtaposed to the state (i.e. fish, dogs, and state flags). A simple concept with broad appeal seemed like a sure-fire success, but they needed to get into retail locations in order to get their name out there. This process didn’t happen overnight, but after picking up four steady retailers, State Traditions gained traction.

“We quickly realized that in order to be a successful brand, we needed to offer more than polo [shirts],” McElrath said. “That’s when we started doing a lot of research into product development and created a headwear line. About that time, we took on our third partner, Maury Lyon, who came on in a sales capacity, and from that point on things really took off.”

They focused the branding and marketing efforts on the college campuses they had become so familiar with over the years, wisely employing

Fall 2014

campus representatives to organize giveaways at football games and other athletic and school-oriented events.

Brand recognition grew organically through word of mouth, and the orders started rolling in.

As things progressed, McElrath and his partners grew tired of filling orders on lunch breaks and working after hours. The demand had become large enough to consider State Traditions a full-time job, so they threw caution to the wind and decided to leave their corporate positions.

“I’ll never forget telling my wife I thought it was time for me to leave my corporate job and pursue State Traditions full time,” McElrath said.

“She was at home on unpaid maternity leave at the time, so I wasn’t sure how she would react to my leaving behind that financial security. But if she was concerned, she never showed it. Her support was unwavering and certainly appreciated by me.”

What started with four states and polo shirts now includes all 50 states, an American and world traditions line, a State Traditions logo line, and products ranging from cell phone cases to boxer shorts. Each power- conference school’s colors are available in all 50 states.

Weather you love the Tide, the Tigers or just the state of Alabama alone, you can find a tradition that meets your own.

They have even launched Darlingtonthemed designs that are available in the school store.

Now in over 350 retail locations and growing – in addition to the full-service

online shopping experience on their website – State Traditions is focused on expanding the brand and merchandise even more in the coming years.

“We grew this business the right way and I think that has played a large role in our success,” McElrath said. “We put our heart, souls and every penny we had into it, so I’m glad it worked out. It was a risk worth taking and we owe our success to the people who supported us throughout this journey.”

Stacey and John McElrath (’99, LD ’13) pictured with their son, John IV, born in February 2012.

33

Road to Retirement Continued from page 16

Graduating seniors have fun in the Senior Picnic photobooth.

News-Tribune Best Teacher Award, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.

But in true Janice Cox fashion, she is most proud of the children.

“Children are precious and special and wonderful … period,” she said. “They do not come in with their own philosophy of education at 5 years old. They just reflect their teacher’s. I love having a small part in the shaping of a child’s perception of learning. I love to be the encourager; I love to know my students so well that I know when to push harder and when to pull gently. I love seeing the moments when the learning comes together and joy rushes to the face of a child who looks at me hearing the intrinsic applause. I love being the teacher because I love children.

Someday, these children will make decisions that may affect all of us. I love preparing them to make good choices later by making good choices now.”

Cox, who retired in May, already misses Darlington dearly but is evergrateful for the wonderful students, colleagues and friends that were placed in her path.

“I will miss the children, my colleagues, the support of this great network of people; the smiling faces and squeals; the creativity of the classroom; writing and producing children’s plays; spontaneous, teachable moments shared with excited, wide-open eyes,” she said.

“I will miss being known as one of Darlington’s teachers. There is no greater way to leave your footprint on the future than through the careful guidance and influence of young minds. It has been such a joy to spend my days with little children.”

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Former Faculty Notes Tony Lopez writes: “9/11 changed my life. I went back into the military as a reservist and also entered law enforcement. I am a Navy lieutenant assigned to NCIS and a deputy with Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

I have protected high-value assets for the Department of Energy. I am one of only 192 civilian law enforcement officers who, as a Navy Reserve officer, is selected to work with NCIS. These officers – who, in civilian life, are FBI, U.S. Deputy Marshals, SWAT, etc. – are fully integrated with the NCIS civilian special agents as NCIS Navy investigators. In the past, I was an undercover operative for several agencies. I worked to stop crimes against children. I will not be doing anymore undercover work much to my wife’s joy. I am now a liaison officer between NCIS and Spanish law enforcement. When in the U.S.A., I work for the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. I also coordinate between the U.S. Navy and local law enforcement agencies, and have been honored by the Spanish police for my work protecting the children of the world. I am blessed to have an incredible wife who supports me.”

Mary McDonald was one of only six people to be named 2014 Professional of the Year by the New England Association for College Admission Counseling. She is director of college counseling at the Portsmouth-Abbey School in Portsmouth, R.I. Clare (Cheney) Sedlacek writes: “I missed the last Alumni Weekend but promise to attend when I am able! I moved back to Wisconsin in 2001 with my husband, Jim, and our 5-month-old daughter. We’ve now been here for almost 13 years!

Seems like just yesterday when I was teaching my first seventh-grade class at Darlington. My boys’ swim team at Plymouth High School won their second sectional championship in February and we have continued our string of sending kids to state every year since 2008. In addition to coaching, I am the children’s ministry director at Redeemer Lutheran Church. I love keeping in touch with former faculty and students on Facebook! Hope to be back in Rome soon! Go Tigers!”

Clare (Cheney) Cedlacek is a swim coach at Plymouth High School in Wisconsin.

Tony Lopez

Darlington Magazine

In Memoriam

Larry Muschamp A lover of people and life

Larry Muschamp was a lover. He loved his family, especially his “sweetaaaht” and soul mate, Sally, his wife of 50 years. And, of course, he loved his three sons, their wives and his four grandchildren. Each had their own stories and he shared so many memories with me about their time together. He was a proud husband, father and grandfather. Larry loved the 4th of July, which was his family’s annual holiday. The Muschamp Christmas card was always a red, white and blue one filled with happy, tanned faces.

This article was written by Lea Duncan, who retired from the Admission Office in 2013 after 24 years of service to Darlington School.

Fall 2014

Larry loved his church “on the mountain” in Mentone, Ala., and often spoke of how its pastors and members held such a special place in his heart.

He even began an after-school tutoring class in one of the Sunday School rooms so he could be even more involved. He lived what he loved.

He loved his friends and their years of practical jokes, both given and received. He also loved football. I remember one weekend he combined the two when his beloved University of Georgia played Auburn University in Athens. The Bulldogs were having a less-than-stellar season and – in this particular game – they were losing 28-7 at halftime. Auburn seemed to have the momentum, but Georgia exploded from the locker room, determined to change that in the second half. They held Auburn to 28 points and added 14 of their own. The score was 28-21 with seconds to go when the Bulldogs made a perfect 30-yard pass that resulted in a jaw-dropping Georgia touchdown.

Following the extra point, the game was tied 28-28 and went into overtime.

The crowd went wild on both sides of the field and the fans never sat down again. The game finally ended after four gut-wrenching overtimes, with Georgia winning 56-49.

glow instantly. He endeared himself further to the students with individual nicknames he gave them, which I’m sure many remember fondly to this day.

My son, “Griffinsky,” certainly does! He had that rare talent of balancing being friends with the students while also commanding respect as their principal.

Larry loved to teach. He captivated countless young minds with fascinating stories of historic personalities and events, making social studies come alive. His class was much more than just another subject and he – without a doubt – influenced many a future Larry swaggered into the office on history teacher, my son included. Larry Monday with that face-wide grin also loved his faculty. He supported, and a decided pep in his step. After encouraged and respected his I congratulated him on the historic teachers, always treating each one victory, he told me a story that professionally. As I heard over and over, outscored the game. Saturday after the “Mr. Muschamp trusts us and just lets win, he called a friend of his – a dieus teach!” He was an amazing and wellhard, devoted Auburn fan – and told loved administrator. him the electricity had gone out “on Larry loved practicality and could the mountain” over the weekend and always distill life into simple words he was calling to check on the score. of wisdom. I joined his staff as an Ouch! Larry loved to laugh. Anyone admissions coordinator and soon found who knew him knew that contagious a mentor and beloved friend. I would smile of his that, more often than not, often seek his advice and, more times erupted into his characteristic, raspy than not, it would be, “Mrs. Duncan, it guffaw that came straight from the ain’t complicated!” Those words have heart. You couldn’t be around him long served me well over the years. They are a without hearing it, and it filled the halls reminder that we often make situations of Darlington that day more than ever! more difficult than they actually are.

Larry loved Darlington. He was Larry always had a way of simplifying principal of Darlington’s Middle School what seemed insurmountable. for seven years, leaving indelible impact Larry Muschamp has most certainly on countless young men and their left a legacy of love, laughter, lessons and families. Before relocating to Florida, life well-lived. He made a difference in he was instrumental in beginning the hearts of his family, his students, his our Lower School in 1973. He loved colleagues, his friends and Darlington the elementary level so much that School. The simple reason he meant he returned to Darlington in 1985 to so much to so many was that he lived become Lower School principal until by the words of “Ol Blue Eyes,” the his retirement in 1999. It was during singer he loved so much: “’Cause he had these years that I met Larry, and had the high hopes, ...high apple pie in the sky, honor and endless pleasure of working hopes!” We miss that laugh, Larry! for and with him.

Editor’s Note: Larry Muschamp passed I knew him first as a parent and away on May 1, 2014, at the age of 79. immediately saw his true love of children. When children ran up and wrapped their chubby arms around his gangly legs – which was a daily occurrence – his face would

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In Memoriam

Elbert Roberson ‘The greatest Tiger of all’

I first came to know Elbert Roberson when I came to Darlington 21 years ago. He and Coach Jerry Sharp were best friends and were always together. As a young coach, I wanted to be around Coach Sharp as much as possible, which put me around Elbert a lot as well.

It wasn’t very long before Elbert began to have an impact on me.

This article was written by Head Varsity Football Coach Tommy Atha, who has taught P.E. at Darlington since 1993 and also serves as assistant athletic director and Middle School girls’ basketball coach.

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In those days, the headsets we used were connected by wires, and it was Elbert’s job to keep the wires untangled so that Coach Sharp could move freely up and down the sidelines. I’d be willing to bet that Elbert walked 10 miles or more every Friday night as much as Coach Sharp paced the sidelines. I think Elbert was the happiest person on the sidelines when we went to wireless headsets! He did more than just carry the headsets, though. Elbert was sidelines control, equipment troubleshooter, and general “do everything” guy when the game started. When I took over, instead of keeping the wires untangled, Elbert would grab me by the back of the pants and pull me back on the sidelines before I got flagged.

Not long after I became head football coach, Elbert began a tradition of taking me to lunch on game days during my lunch period. We would always go to the same place, eat at the same booth and order the exact same thing. Regardless of whether I was hungry or not, Elbert made sure I ordered the same thing each week. He was more superstitious about things than I have ever thought about being. I learned a tremendous amount from him during our lunch conversations. Elbert imparted a great deal of wisdom about dealing with people, raising a family and the importance of making sure little details were taken care of.

Elbert Roberson pictured with longtime Darlington athletic director Jerry Sharp, now retired.

When it came to taking care of those headsets, Elbert took great pride in making sure they were charged and ready to go. If my office was not unlocked by 10 a.m. on game day, he would be calling to let me know about it. He would always go down the list to make sure I had every minute detail covered. Usually, I had forgotten something and he would just shake his head and say, “Dang boy, won’t you ever learn?”

Nobody was happier when we won and nobody took it harder when we lost. Elbert told me on more than one occasion that he couldn’t sleep the night after a loss. However, in all the years we were together, he never once questioned a decision I made on Friday night or told me I should have done something differently.

Often, if the number of players and coaches only called for one bus with a little spillover, I would drive Elbert’s truck to the game and back home. If you were in the truck with us, you’d think we didn’t like each other very much because there was little conversation either way. Neither of us spoke unless we really had something to say. Elbert knew when to carry on conversation, but was more than willing to just ride and be moral support.

When I first came to Darlington, Elbert and Coach Sharp ran the

concession stand at basketball games.

Elbert had done it ever since his children started attending Darlington in the early 80s. They had it down to a science and were very particular about how they wanted things done. As time went by, I started helping run it as well.

Elbert would always ask, “Did you salt that popcorn good, boy?” He always said people would buy more Coke if the popcorn was salted well!

Elbert loved Darlington athletics and Darlington School tremendously.

Rarely was there a home basketball or baseball game where Elbert was not in attendance. He once told me that in the past 30 years he had only missed one football game and that was because Emily, his wife, made him go on a cruise. But as soon as they got into port, the first thing he did was call and get details about the game!

The first thing I always did after taking the field on Friday nights was look for Elbert to get my headphones. There is no doubt I felt a little lost the first time we took the field this year. However, I know Elbert is there with us in spirit.

We always say, “Ain’t nothing like a Tiger on Friday night” and Elbert was the greatest of them all.

Editor’s Note: Elbert Roberson passed away on April 18, 2014, at the age of 80.

Darlington Magazine

In Memoriam 1934

Burnett Hull died May 11, 2014

1940

Donald McIver Jr. died April 10, 2011

1944

Issac Rouse died May 5, 2011

1937

Joe Carter died Feb. 22, 2010

1961

John Harry Jr. died Dec. 3, 2011

1976

Jo Stegall III died March 16, 2014

George Willis died July 19, 2009

William Dix died Jan. 13, 2012

1941

Leighton Blount died March 21, 2009

1945

Elder Glenn died April 11, 2014

1951

Wilmer Dickey died April 5, 2014

1938

1965

Pete Brady Jr. died Oct. 2, 2006

1979

Cynthia (Freeman) McBurnett died March 19, 2014

Pete Fulghum died Oct. 31, 2013

George Lilly died July 1, 2012

1942

Jim Stringfield died Dec. 8 2011

1946

Mayo Little died Feb. 13, 2014

John Taylor died Aug. 14, 2010

Eddie Boyd died July 18, 2014

1966

Herbert Smith III died April 14, 2010

1981

Curry May Jr. died March 10, 2014

Robert Buttrick died Sept. 22, 2007

1948

Norman Harden Jr. died Feb. 4, 2008

1952

John Howell died Aug. 21, 2013

1939

1967

Charles Chamlee Jr. died April 5, 2008

1984

Scott Olson died Jan. 26, 2014

1943

Alfred Eubanks died May 2, 2011

Stanley Boykin died Oct. 16, 2013

Shelby Shanklin Jr. died March 20, 2008

Jack Henson died June 28, 2014

LeRoy McDade died Dec. 25, 2008

1970

David Kirkland died June 16, 2014

1986

Mark Eakes died Dec. 19, 2009

Rodney Hill died March 7, 2014

Chuck Cheatham Jr. died May 21, 2014

Mac McWhorter Jr. died Oct. 10, 2007

Charlie Bradshaw Jr. died Dec. 21, 2013

1992

Colin McKay died March 30, 2014

Jimmy Maupin died Jan. 3, 2008

1960

Carl Harris died Dec. 20, 2013

1972

Andy Anderson died April 26, 2014

Lamar King died Feb. 26, 2011

1950

1959

Buford Birdsey Jr. died Oct. 2, 2009

George Alford Jr. died Oct. 5, 2007

1944

1949

1954

Bill McDonald III died May 10, 2014

Pressley Rankin Jr. died Oct. 9, 2010

Jack Dunlap Jr. died March 30, 2014

1975

Peter Ramsey died June 25, 2001

1996

Scott Bulber died March 15, 2014

Berrien Chidsey died May 14, 2014

Paul Auston Jr. died Aug. 14, 20

1976

Jeff King II died May 1, 2014

1999

TC Cooper III died April 21, 2014

Not Pictured – 1942: Carl Buck Jr. died Oct. 2, 2006 1943: Julian Brown died April 25, 2014 1944: Sam Burgess Jr. died Sept. 14, 2010 1946: Jack Donovan died Dec. 17, 2007 1947: Thomas Clarke, Jr. died June 14, 2014, George Jordan died Feb. 7, 2014, John Patterson died Sept. 25, 2013, 1950: Don Davis died Jan. 2, 2011 1951: Bob Frazier died April 30, 2013 1954: Clyde Guthrie died Jan. 26, 2009, Jim Weeks died Dec. 18, 2013 1957: Walter Stearns died June 4, 2010 1958: Charles Tate Jr died Nov. 5, 2011, Larry Russell died June 10, 2012 1960: George Lanier died Feb. 1, 2014, Bob Stiles died Feb. 19, 2013, Chris Zahnd Jr. died Feb. 24, 2014 1966: Anne (Smith) Smith died Nov. 11, 2013, Jeffery Cave died April 22, 2014 Memorials published in this edition were reported to the Advancement Office prior to August 1, 2014. Additional memorials can be found on the alumni web page at www.darlingtonschool.org

Fall 2014

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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

THE ANNUAL FUND IS April and Neely Raper say the decision to send their children to Darlington was an easy one to make.

“We both understand the importance of creating the best foundation possible for our children and we were convinced beyond a doubt that Darlington was where our family needed to be,” Neely said. “Most importantly, we feel that the curriculum, along with the proactive leadership from the faculty will better prepare the students for college.”

There are many things the Rapers love about the school, but they agree that the closeness of the Darlington family – both past and present – is something that distinguishes it from others.

“The facilities are incredible but it’s the people who occupy these facilities that make the difference,” Neely said.

Sam (’17) and Holly (’21) have thrived at Darlington since they enrolled in 2010.

“Our children have been impacted greatly from their experiences at Darlington,” shared April. “They have great pride in their school and are very proud of the fact that they are Tigers. Their confidence in themselves and their attitudes are important factors that let us know they are where they need to be.”

Neely is quick to add that, as parents, he and April feel it is important to give back

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Parents

to the school and that they look forward to serving in any capacity needed.

“The Darlington experience is one that is greatly enhanced by complete family involvement,” he explained. “Our children need to understand that Darlington is something that the parents believe in and not just a stopover for their children on their way through life. Parent involvement in a child’s education will lead to better grades, higher self-esteem and, as an integral part of your child’s development, it shows them how much you believe in the importance of their education.”

One of the ways the Rapers give back is through their involvement with the Annual Fund.

“Volunteering for the Annual Fund is an investment in Darlington’s students and their families, and it fulfills a tremendous need,” Neely said. “The Annual Fund provides income for various programs, services and activities for Darlington students that might not otherwise be available. Annual Fund gifts ensure that each year Darlington is able to provide students with much-needed financial aid, up-to-date technology, library resources, career counseling, academic support and more.

“Your gift makes a statement that Darlington’s students are worth investing

April and Neely Raper in,” he continued. “Annual Fund support ensures that hardworking students have the resources they need in order to maximize their learning potential. The world our children face in their future is going to be extremely competitive and fierce and the dollars generated through the annual fund will ensure that we give them the most solid foundation we possibly can.”

The Rapers give of their time and treasure to ensure that the Annual Fund campaign is successful each year.

“Participation in the Annual Fund shows that you believe in the mission of the school,” April said. “There is great satisfaction in knowing that you help to make a difference every day. Our inspiration for contributing time and money is reinforced each time we visit the campus. The sense of pride you see in the students’ eyes is the greatest reward imaginable.”

To learn more about the Annual Fund or to make your gift online, simply visit www. darlingtonschool.org/give.

Darlington Magazine