Darlington Magazine Winter 2016

W I NT E R

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M A G A Z I N E

Winter 2016

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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 (Wilson) Lucas (‘97) Director of Development Vicki Vincent Director of Alumni Relations Tannika Wester Director of Communications Editor, Darlington Magazine Luke Chaffin Content Manager Paige Hamil Marketing Coordinator RuthAnne Anderson Kelly Moore (‘95) Paul O’Mara Photographic Contributors Darlington Magazine is published two times a year by the Communication Office of Darlington School, and is distributed to those who have shown a continued interest in Darlington.

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

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

On the Cover: Students in grades 6-8 fill the front lawn of the Home-on-the-Hill during the Tiger Tailgate hosted by Andrea and Brent Bell in October. This event preceded a 40-21 win by the middle school football team over Rockmart.

Contents: The fine arts department presents Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” in the Zelle Black Box Theatre in October. Congratulations to the cast and crew!

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Darlington Magazine

WINTER 2016

Contents 2 Community News 20 Class Notes 35 In Memoriam Dr. Elson Floyd (’74)

Campus Features 7 Renate Starr Road to Retirement

10 Ask Matthew Peer 12 Lifelong Learning

A spotlight on professional development

16 Tiger Turf

Chris Hunter Stadium gets new look

Campus Views 8 Opening Convocation 18 Alumni Weekend Alumni Profiles 23 Neal Williams (’54) Distinguished Alumnus

22 Bob Glenn (’60) Distinguished Alumnus

28 Jennifer (Jaynes) Hankey (’93) & Reagen (Lowrey) Lozar (’99) Leading the charge to ‘go green’

32 Liz Levy (’00) Making her mark

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FROM THE

Head of School

In our mission statement, the first thing we as a school make a commitment to doing is “To empower students to learn with passion… ” In order to do this, we must teach, coach and direct with passion ourselves.

ELA-8 Director Hope Jones conveyed this sentiment perfectly at the start of the 201415 school year when she presented each of her faculty and staff members with a tennis ball. This, she explained to them, was a representation of a Labrador Retriever, a dog that is willing to dive into a lake or climb into a thornbush just to fetch a ball. And to do so again and again. She then posed the following questions to her colleagues: “What will you go into the thornbush for?” and “Are we teaching and showing our students the passions we have?”

Founders John Paul and Alice Allgood Cooper named our school after Mr. Cooper’s favorite teacher, J.J. Darlington. Mr. Darlington was a lifelong learner. He was a problem solver. He took appropriate risks to enhance his life and the lives of his students. And most importantly, he modeled for young people his passion for learning.

I feel like this trait is evident in the educators on our campus, and it is certainly a hallmark of our professional development program.

Through professional development, Darlington offers an incredible opportunity for faculty and staff to nurture and explore their passions, develop new passions, and renew their commitment to learning for the benefit of their students. We hope you enjoy seeing and learning more about what they’ve been up to in the pages of this magazine.

Here, we want to teach our students how to think, not what to think. We want to encourage curiosity. We want to teach with passion so they will learn with passion. Because it is through these things that one comes to truly understand the value and importance of

“Wisdom more than Knowledge,” a foundation of our school and a life goal for each of us.

At a recent conference, independent school thought leader Ian Symmonds noted, “Wisdom requires time to think about the ramifications of an issue.”

In his book “The Noticer,” author Andy Andrews uses the characters in the book to provide this partial definition of wisdom: One of wisdom’s greatest benefits, is accurate discernment – the learned ability to immediately tell right from wrong. Good from evil. Acceptable from unacceptable. Time well spent from time wasted. The right decision from the wrong decision. And many times this is simply a matter of having the correct perspective.

Here at Darlington, our commitment to sharing our individual passions in a way that inspires students is an important part of who we are as educators. We are lifelong learners.

We are constantly chasing that tennis ball. We take the knowledge we acquire and use it to lead a life of wisdom. And we empower our students to do the same.

Wilson published in Independent School magazine English Department Chairwoman Beth Wilson was published in the summer issue of Independent School magazine. The article, titled “On the Edge of the Dark Side: Self-Concept and the Teacher-Leader,” explores the internal struggle with mindset that exists when a member of faculty at an independent school is also a leader among colleagues, and how to turn this into an opportunity for growth and understanding.

Wilson, who has taught English at Darlington since 2007, explains the two primary roles that exist in the lives of teacher-leaders and how effectively wearing both hats must ultimately hinge on a continued focus on supporting the mission of the school.

“The concept of institutional thinking can help teacher-leaders because it articulates the value of the ‘leader’ part of our dual identity,” writes Wilson. “It offers a constructive alternative to the fear of selling out that is created by our dogged commitment to independence.”

An experienced teacher-leader in her own right, the department chair also teaches English 2, English 4 and AP English Language. Wilson holds a B.A. from Davidson College and an M.A. from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and is a doctoral candidate at Old Dominion University.

Beth Wilson

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Darlington Magazine

Community News

Dang (’15) named Georgia STAR Student runner up Ha Dang (’15) was first runner-up in the Georgia STAR Student Competition in Atlanta in April. She and state winner Carter Guensler of Henry W. Grady High School (Atlanta) were selected as the top two from a total of 534 local STAR Students representing public and independent school across the state.

“Ha challenges herself and she challenges her classmates; and, on the rare occasion when someone bests her, she graciously acknowledges their accomplishment,” said chemistry

teacher Julia Dodd, Dang’s STAR Teacher. “I look forward to watching her star continue to rise.”

Dang, who attends the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, moved to the United States from Vietnam as a junior to enroll at Darlington. She was first named Darlington’s STAR Student in February and later went on to win the Rome City Schools and Region 1 rounds of the competition, sending her and Dodd to the state level.

Ha Dang (’15) was also named salutatorian of the Class of 2015.

Athletic program wins 7-AA Director’s Cup

Jay Shadday (’16) pitches in the Tigers’ 1-0 win over Model.

Darlington’s athletic program has been recognized with the Georgia Athletic Directors Association (GADA) Director’s Cup for Region 7AA. The accolade recognizes the top-scoring teams in each region based on the accumulation of points given during post-season play.

“This is an honor for Darlington but specifically for all coaches, teams and student-athletes,” said Bob Stinchcomb, former athletic director. “Our spring season had nine of 11 teams in three state playoffs. Eight of those nine teams won the region in their sport.”

Darlington won the cup with a total of 924.5 points. Both the boys’ teams

(470.5) and girls’ teams (454.0) won individually with the highest aggregate points in the region. Model High School earned second place with a total of 748.0 points, while Gordon Lee High School came in third with 628.0.

The Georgia Athletic Directors Association is a membership-based organization made up of athletic administrators that works to encourage professional development and standards of ethics, sportsmanship and unity within the profession, while also fostering and recognizing the achievements of student-athletes.

College Boot Camp gives seniors jump start on college admissions Dean of College Guidance Sam Moss (’63) addresses the Class of 2016 at College Boot Camp in August. Each year, the senior class spends the entire first day of school participating in this workshop, which provides them the opportunity to meet with their college advisers, interact with a panel of college admissions professionals, and engage in themed break-out groups aimed at preparing them for next steps as they head toward graduation.

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Community News

SACAC honors Brewer for work in college guidance

Ivy Brewer talks with seniors about the college admission process.

Students host community Maker Day

Associate Dean of College Guidance Ivy Brewer received the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling’s Garrett Klein Award in April, which recognizes emerging leaders.

“I am especially proud of Ivy for her rapid leadership in the world of college admissions and for this wonderful recognition from her peers,” said Sam Moss (’63), dean of college guidance and former SACAC president. “She has been instrumental in leading professional development at Darlington, training college advisers.”

A member of SACAC’s Board of Directors, Brewer is the organization’s professional development co-chair, creating and implementing summer programs for SACAC members that

involve training, mentoring, and college campus visits. Since joining Darlington’s college guidance staff in 2007, she has visited more than 200 college campuses.

Brewer holds a B.A. from the University of Georgia, an M.A. from Florida Gulf Coast University and a graduate certificate in college counseling from the University of California Los Angeles Extension. She has also been designated a Certified Educational Planner.

The Garrett Klein Award was created

by SACAC in memory of Garrett Klein, an undergraduate admissions professional at Vanderbilt University who was known for his commitment to his students and his work, his ambition, and his desire to share and acquire knowledge.

August fundraiser nets $115,500 for parent groups

As part of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce’s Geek Week festivities in October, Darlington students hosted Maker Day: A Showcase of STEAM Projects & Maker Technologies. Through a variety of hands-on activity stations, students shared with Maker Day guests how technology is integrated into their curriculum daily through fun games and apps, supplemental instruction, and creative projects. Here, Sia Patel (’22) demonstrates the 3Doodler, a 3D printing pen that allows for the freehand creation of three-dimensional objects by extruding heated plastic that cools almost instantly into a solid, stable structure.

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Darlington’s Purple Tie Affair raised $115,500 for the school’s parent organizations in August after selling out for the first time ever.

“Not only does the Purple Tie Affair raise money for the benefit of each and every Darlington student,” said Amie Sabourin, president of the Parents Council, “but it provides a fun opportunity for parents, faculty, alumni and friends to come together at the start of the school year.”

The 475 attendees enjoyed a delicious meal and some friendly bidding on more than 300 auction items donated by local businesses and members of the Darlington Community. Items ranged from student artwork and class baskets to custom jewelry, vacations, sporting events, and a full orthodontics treatment by Pridemore & Cox Orthodontics.

Day parents Candice and Keith Mickler were the winners of the $10,000 reverse raffle with day parents Gwen and Matt Sirmans winning the secondplace $2,000 raffle prize.

“I want to thank all of the parents who worked so hard to make this event happen and everyone in our community

who came out to support it,” Sabourin said. “It was a wonderful evening and I know all of our children will benefit greatly from the success of this event.”

Proceeds were split between ELA-8 Tiger Pride, Upper School Tiger PRIDE, the Athletic Booster Club and the Fine Arts Booster Club.

Head of School Brent Bell bids on an item in the live auction.

Darlington Magazine

Community hears from reading program’s featured author Modeled after similar initiatives throughout the nation, Floyd County’s One Book, Many Voices is designed to encourage reading, spark discussion and bring the community together through one great book. This year, schools, book clubs, and other local organizations have built programs around George Ella Lyon’s “Voices from the March on Washington.”

“We chose ‘Voices from the March’ because we wanted something to unite the community and reach our younger kids,” said Melinda Holmes, director

of library services at Darlington and member of the One Book, Many Voices Steering Committee. “Each year, we alternate from adult books to books that reach teenagers – this is the first book chosen that reaches into a fifth-grade reading level.”

The novel, co-written by Lyon and author J. Patrick Lewis, uses voices of different ages, backgrounds and motives to help paint a comprehensive picture of one of the turning points in the AfricanAmerican Civil Rights Movement.

The March on Washington for Jobs

and Freedom, as it was also known, is credited alongside Martin Luther King’s landmark speech with aiding in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

As part of One Book, Many Voices, Lyon gave a community address at the new Anna K. Davie Elementary School in October. Sponsored by several organizations, including Darlington, this reading initiative has brought Maya Angelou, Sherman Alexie, Paul Rusesabagina, Jay Asher, Kristin Kimball, Kelsey Timmerman and Clyde Edgerton to Rome in previous years.

George Ella Lyon

George W. Awsumb Room named in memory of legendary teacher

Commencement honors Class of 2015

George Awsumb A classroom in Zelle Fine Arts Center will forever bear the name of George Awsumb, one of Darlington’s most legendary teachers from 1962 to 2009.

“After George’s death in 2013, the school received numerous messages and memorial gifts from alumni and faculty who were impacted by him during their time here,” said Kim Tunnell, director of fine arts. “The generosity of George’s family, friends and former students helped fund a renovation of his former classroom this summer, and we are so proud that his legacy will live on here at Darlington in this way.”

During his 47-year tenure, Awsumb created and led numerous programs that gave generations of students the opportunity to explore the arts. He created the fine arts department, founded The Darlington Players, developed the AP Art History course,

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and for 12 years organized the annual fine arts trip to New York City. He also spent time as advisor to the yearbook and newspaper, but his most popular course was always Cinema.

“The Darlington Community was always there for us, celebrating the good times and supporting us through the tough ones,” said his wife, Betsy, who also retired from Darlington in 2009. “I am convinced that the goal of getting back into the classroom with his students was what kept George alive through the difficult times surrounding his heart transplant.

“The tributes from his former students and colleagues that now fill a shoebox sustain our family to this day, and his grandson still reads the online tributes,” she continued. “This room dedication is an honor to George and to all those who serve as teachers everywhere.”

Members of the Class of 2015 line up on the steps to the Home-on-the-Hill before the Commencement ceremony in May. These 118 new alumni hail from 14 countries and 11 states. Thirteen were four-year resident students, and 13 were enrolled since pre-K or kindergarten. Thirty-seven have one or more family members who also graduated from Darlington and six are third-generation graduates. Collectively, these students gave more than 11,000 hours of service to their community. They also earned $8.6 million in merit scholarships (not including HOPE), and are now attending 70 different colleges in 23 states.

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Community News

‘Wrinkles’ places first in art competition

JC Wang (’17) won first place in the 14th District Congressional Art Competition with his original charcoal reduction piece, “Wrinkles.” The winning piece will hang in the Cannon House Office Building tunnel to the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside artwork representing each congressional district across the country.

Wang drew inspiration for “Wrinkles” from a photograph he took back home in China.

The contest winners were selected by an independent panel of judges appointed by the Cultural Arts Center in Rockmart, Ga., and announced by Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA14) at a reception this spring.

Owens (’79) appointed Board chair, 3 new trustees named Darlington’s Board of Trustees appointed its first female chair, Linda (Grizzard) Owens (’79), and welcomed three new members at the May meeting.

Owens is president of Southeastern Mills Inc., a fourth-generation food company headquartered in Rome. A dedicated supporter of the school, she most recently chaired the Head of School Search Committee that led to Brent Bell’s appointment. Owens has also spearheaded the school’s strategic planning process; served on the Second Century Campaign Cabinet, chairing both the Life Trustees Campaign and the Extra Mile Campaign; chaired the Advancement Committee; served as an active volunteer for the Annual Fund; and gave the keynote address at Commencement in 2014. She and her husband, Jim, are the parents of Parrish

Linda (Grizzard) Owens (’79) gives the Commencement address in 2014.

Owens (’04, LD ’13) and Mary (Owens) Ethridge (’06).

Kim McConkey (’73, LD ’12), new Board member, is an audit partner at Habif, Arogeti & Wynne LLP. A resident of Atlanta, he is an active volunteer for Darlington. He has spoken at Career Day, volunteered with the Annual Fund and hosted alumni events.

Most recently, McConkey chaired the Advancement Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee. He and his wife, Cathy, have two children, Patrick and Stephanie.

Gordon Smith (’71), executive director of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), returned to the Board of Trustees after serving previously from 1999 to 2003. A resident of New York City, Smith is a Distinguished Alumnus, a Visitor Emeritus and a former class agent. He and his wife, Jane, have three children, Gordon, Kimbrell, and Fielding.

Bill Smith (’72), CEO of Capital City Bank, returned to the Board of Trustees after serving previously from 2000 to 2009. A resident of Tallahassee, Fla., Smith has been an active volunteer for Darlington, serving as a past treasurer of the Board of Trustees, Annual Fund volunteer, and host of alumni gatherings. He and his wife, Paula, have two children, William and Jennifer.

Students learn from Grammy-winning singer

Mela Dailey performs for students and faculty in Thatcher Hall.

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Grammy-winning opera singer Mela Dailey visited Darlington in September to work with the Concert Choir and perform for the school community. The evening before her visit, the soprano sang with the Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Symphony Orchestra.

“We take advantage of our proximity to bigger cities to bring [these performers] and other fine arts experiences to our students,” said Choral Director Rebecca Duren, a friend of Dailey’s since high school.

The vocalist coached the Concert Choir on “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” before performing the song with the group. In a small concert, she

performed renditions of tunes like Etta James’ “At Last” and opera aria “Despuis le jour,” interjecting personal anecdotes and taking questions from the crowd.

“I’m really impressed with Darlington and, in particular, the fine arts division,” Dailey said. “[The kids] were so wellprepared and attentive, and excited to learn, which has to be a communitywide value that’s been instilled. That will carry them through the rest of their lives, no matter what they do.”

Dailey has performed across Europe and the United States, debuting in the professional arena in 2003 when she took the Carnegie Hall stage with vocal ensemble Conspirare Company of

Voices. Earlier this year, the group and conductor Craig Hella Johnson won the Grammy for Best Choral Performance for the album “The Sacred Spirit of Russia.” In December, Dailey will be featured on the soundtrack of the movie “Heaven Sent.”

“To see someone living out their passion inspires others to do the same – it all depends on that passion, your persistence and drive,” Dailey said. “It makes things that seemed impossible to these kids now feel possible. You never know – there’s that one kid in the sea of 300 that it will touch, and that lasts their whole life.”

Darlington Magazine

Campus Feature

Road to Retirement

Renate Starr

She gave doses of comfort and care to students and faculty when they didn’t feel well. She bandaged scrapes, cuts and other injuries.

She was a second mother to ill boarding students who were far from home. And in May, former Student Health Center Director Renate Starr retired after 19 years of service to Darlington.

“I’m really going to miss the kids and helping them feel better,” Starr said.

“I’ve always treated them like I treat my own. I’ve stayed here when they’ve had surgeries and didn’t want their parents to come from far away. I’ve stayed here during snowstorms. It’s what I hope any nurse would do.”

Prior to her work with the domestic and international students at Darlington, the Albany, Ga., native became familiar with the world outside living abroad with her military family in England and Newfoundland, Canada.

After graduating from high school in Warner Robins, Ga., Starr went on to get her R.N. from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing and her B.S.N. from the Medical College of Georgia.

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Before becoming a stay-at-home mom to three, Starr worked at the University of Michigan Hospital in the diabetes research and training center, and also served on the medical surgical floor of University Hospital in Augusta, Ga. Between the first leg of her career and coming to Darlington, she also worked at Floyd Medical Center and Redmond Regional Medical Center as a patient health educator.

Taking care of patients has become something of a family business for Starr, whose husband, Trammell, is a pulmonologist with Harbin Clinic. And it was the quality of the opportunities offered for their young children that initially acquainted the Starrs with Darlington.

“We visited [other schools], but I was very impressed with the students at what was the Lower School at the time,” said Starr. “The kids walked right up to us and said hello. We wanted our children to be around that kind of selfconfidence.”

Trammell IV (’00) enrolled as a kindergarten student with Nathan (’03) and Lacey (’06) coming in prekindergarten. So, when the opportunity presented itself, Starr jumped at the opportunity to work close to her children.

In her role, Starr made lifelong friends with many of the school’s international students, several of which still stay in touch.

“They call me their American mom and I still get Mother’s Day presents, flowers, and phone calls from one Korean student, in particular, who graduated in 2006,” she said.

During her tenure, Starr and her colleagues in the Health Center have seen many changes and improvements to the school’s wellness program, including the introduction of computers and an ever-growing partnership with Floyd Primary Care Pediatrics, which has resulted in additional resources for the community. But Starr says the one thing that has had the greatest impact is something that many now consider synonymous with residential life at Darlington.

“The House System has supported our work to make everything much more efficient,” said Starr. “Before that, the children had a lot of different people in the dorms watching after them.

Now, you have one person to call if you have a concern about a student.

The administration made a wonderful decision.”

The newly retired nurse has no intention of slowing down in this new chapter of her life. She plans to travel with her husband; be more involved with the Junior Service League of Rome in her role as a sustainer; to serve at her church, Rome First United Methodist; and to spend more of her time in the Mountain View Garden Club, where she has been a member for over 30 years.

“Every day [at Darlington] was exciting,” said Starr. “I really enjoyed the students and getting to know them, keeping an eye on them when they are ill. I’ve always looked at their job as being to go to school – so when they were sick, it was my job to get them well and back to school as soon as possible.”

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Campus View

OPENING

CONVOCATION

“Y” Cabinet President Sally Jones (’16) gives the invocation.

Seniors walk hand in hand with our youngest students during the processional.

Walker Sirmans (’23) shares what honor means to him.

Student Body President Will Crawford (’16) rings the bell to usher in a new school year.

Members of the Darlington Community gathered together in the A.J. Huffman (’67) Memorial Athletic Center to celebrate the start of the 111th school year at Opening Convocation in August. With a processional that illustrates the diversity of our community and customs like the ringing of the historic school bell, the program is always full of tradition while also celebrating the year ahead. This year’s ceremony, which involved students of all ages, was extra special as it marked the beginning of our year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of Darlington’s Honor Code, which was founded by students in 1915 and remains an integral part of our school culture today.

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Julia Warren (’16) and Palesa Molapo (’17) sing with the Concert Choir.

Students and faculty members represent 35 countries this year.

Dean of College Guidance Sam Moss (’63) shares the history of the school bell.

Darlington Magazine

Head of School Brent Bell addresses the community.

Grace Watters (’20) shares what it means to live a life of honor.

Honor Council President Hunter Manning (’16) talks about the impact of the Honor Code on our community.

Dutch Hernandez (‘26) listens intently to the speakers.

The Concert Choir performs “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”

Walker Kines (’29) smiles for the camera.

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Students join together in the singing of the Alma Mater.

Students carry flags representing their heritage during the processional.

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Matthew Peer was named director of Upper School in 2014 after serving as director of student life since 2010 and men’s lacrosse coach from 2012-2014. Prior to his work at Darlington, he taught history; worked in the Dean’s Office; and coached football, hockey, and lacrosse at Avon Old Farms (Ct.) and the Cardigan Mountain School (N.H.) Peer holds a B.A. in Sociology from St. Lawrence University and an M.A. in Liberal Studies from Wesleyan University. He and his wife, Jess, Darlington’s second-grade teaching assistant, have two children, Jackson (’24) and Ella (‘27).

Q&A with Brent Bell

Matthew Peer

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

In high school, I actually thought I wanted a career in sports medicine. But after having knee surgery, I recognized that I did not have the desire or the stomach to spend time in the operating room. When I got to college, I realized the tremendous impact that my teachers in high school had on me, and I knew that I wanted to have that same impact on someone some day.

What do you love about working in independent schools?

My parents provided me the opportunity to attend an independent school from pre-k through seventh grade and a Jesuit school from eighth grade through high school graduation.

In college, I student taught at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Ct., and at a public school in upstate New York. At each independent school that I have been associated with, whether as a student or as teacher, I have enjoyed my interactions outside of the classroom as much as the time spent in it. I think that the values taught on the playing fields and in the dining and residence halls are extremely important to the development of young people, and I truly believe that we as faculty members have a tremendous impact on a student’s character development.

What do you enjoy most about working with children?

The best part about working with children is that you can encourage them to take chances, try new things and, as teachers, we can celebrate the fact that it is OK to be wrong. All of us – whether we are 4, 14, 44 or 84 – are always learning. When working with children, we have the ability – and the duty – to teach them that perfection is not the ultimate goal. We can teach them the value of hard work and perseverance. As students get older, they often get caught up in thinking about “what’s next” instead of enjoying the present.

Children are moldable and as educators we need to use this incredible time in their lives to teach them the skills necessary for success later on in life when taking chances and failing are not as forgiving.

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

The obvious answer is my parents. They taught me the importance of hard work, love of family and establishing your priorities. But if I had to choose three other people, they would be Bob Schwartz, my eighth-grade history teacher and hockey coach; Andy Cavacos, my high school math teacher and lacrosse coach; and Tracy Fordham Hernandez, a college professor whose son was the ring bearer in our wedding. From them, I learned much more than the subject matter that they taught. I learned how to be pushed and challenged academically. I learned the importance of caring for others and social responsibility. And most importantly, I learned that everything that we encounter in life is a learning opportunity.

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

I truly believe that you do not get into teaching for you. The great teachers get into this business for the impact that they have on young people.

If I had to choose one accomplishment, I would have to point to a young man that I taught at a previous school. He was a “C” student when I taught him as a ninth-grader in my Ancient World History class. He had to work extremely had to earn those Cs. Throughout high school, he would come to our apartment to work with me and my wife, and by his senior year, he was ready for the challenge of an AP class. I had the pleasure of teaching him again in an AP World History course as a senior.

As he was navigating the college process, he decided to apply to my wife’s and my alma mater, and it was a pleasure to write his letter of recommendation. In early January, he came to our apartment in tears. We asked him what was wrong and he said that he had gotten a full scholarship to attend our college, which was important because his family was having a difficult time finding the funds to afford college.

We asked him how his parents reacted and he said, “I don’t know. I wanted to tell you first.”

Yes, I’ve received significant teaching awards in my career that I am proud of, but nothing will ever compare to helping a student achieve his or her dreams.

What first attracted you and your family to Darlington?

As our children were getting older, we wanted to live closer to their grandparents. My parents still lived in western New York, where there are no boarding schools, so moving there was not an option. I am a huge proponent of boarding schools and the values that are instilled by living in a learning environment. I believe that the bonds that develop between faculty and students as well as those that develop between classmates is much greater when you living and learn together, so I was looking to continue my work in this type of environment.

My in-laws lived in Greenville, S.C. So, when we decided that it was time to look for a new school closer to family, I spent every Sunday night looking for job opportunities at boarding schools in the Southeast. Darlington’s employment page, along with that of four other schools, was bookmarked on my internet browser. The night I saw the director of student life position posted, I knew that it was the perfect position for me and hoped that I would have an opportunity to interview.

When Academic Dean David Powell invited me to campus, I was excited. When I arrived at Darlington, I fell in love. The people I met with that day saw student development the same way I did. I also got to meet with a great group of students. On the flight home, I made a list of pros and cons about moving to Rome and working at Darlington. The only con was leaving something familiar and comfortable.

My experiences here over the last five-and-ahalf years have been incredible. I will forever be grateful to former Headmaster Tom Whitworth for giving me this opportunity.

Darlington Magazine

Campus Feature How do you think the day/boarding environment here at Darlington makes our Upper School program stronger?

The boarding environment allows the world to come to Rome, Ga., and Rome to experience the world. It gives our students to chance to meet people with different experiences and backgrounds, which adds great value to their learning experience. When interviewing potential teaching candidates, I always talk about the unique experience our “DAR Babies” have.

For 12-14 years, they experience a wonderful Darlington education and when they transition to the Upper School, they get to experience a completely different wonderful experience.

The size of their eighth-grade class doubles their freshman year, and they get to connect with a new group of students. It is great to see relationships form and grow stronger. The highlights of the school year for me, in terms of seeing student interactions, are the senior retreat, RUMPUS, class community service projects and Commencement. During these events, it is readily apparent that we are not day school with boarding students or a boarding school with day students; we are one school with students who have different backgrounds but who live, learn, and work together.

What are some of the elements that make Darlington’s boarding program unique compared to other boarding schools at which you’ve worked previously?

Darlington’s House System is truly unique. At the end of the day, we are all members of the Darlington Community. However, each student also has the opportunity to be associated with one of our six residential houses. The head of house is the most important piece of this process and what differentiates Darlington from other schools. At a traditional boarding school, the dorm master is also a full-time teacher and coach in addition to having the responsibility of running the dorm. This “triple-threat” model makes it difficult to develop the type of relationships that Darlington prides itself on.

Our students greatly benefit from having a fulltime dorm parent whose primary responsibility is to look after the social, emotional, and academic well-being of their students.

What do you most enjoy about working with Darlington’s faculty and staff?

Our faculty and staff members truly care about students. We talk so much about “learning with passion,” and this cannot be possible without faculty members who are passionate about students. I see this passion day in and day out in around campus. Darlington teachers do not see their job as a traditional 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. commitment. They support our students around

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the clock and throughout the year. They are committed not only to helping students navigate their teenage years, but to helping them find success for years to come. I see teachers working with students before and after school as well as on weekends. I see them Skyping with alumni on nights and weekends. I see them sponsoring student trips on weekends and during school vacations. I am proud to work alongside this incredible group of faculty who dedicate their lives to supporting students and who embrace “Service beyond Self” each and every day.

What do you think are some of the greatest challenges teachers are facing in the 21st Century? What about students?

We live in an era where we all want instant access to everything. All we have to do is ask our phones for the answer and Siri will give it to us. As teachers, we are challenged to teach the process, not spoon feed information. Students and parents often struggle with this. Getting the answer immediately works when you are asking who won the game, but it does not help you when you are trying to solve a math equation. Our greatest challenge as educators is helping students understand that learning is a process. For student, it is understanding that you do not have to get the answer correct the first time every time. Students must learn how to overcome adversity by getting things wrong.

It is a disservice when a young person’s first experience with failure is during the college acceptance processes or when applying for a job; if this is the first time they have failed in their lives, they have not learned how to process the shocking news.

This year, you are teaching a Global Issues course. What made you want to get back in the classroom?

I think that in order to build relationships with students, it helps for them to see administrators in different roles at school. I am proud of the fact that the members of the student life team have the opportunity to connect with students in meaningful ways. Dean of Student Life Brant Evans teaches two AP Government classes and coaches baseball. Dean of Residential Life Marcus Holmes also serves as head of Thornwood House. Watching them successfully serve these dual roles last year made me realize that you can be a successful administrator and serve the students in other ways. One of the great things about working at Darlington is the teacher support network. I know that when I need to be in the classroom, the other members of the administrative team are there to ensure that the school is running smoothly.

Matthew Peer pictured with his children, Ella (‘27) and Jackson (‘24).

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

Great question. We started off the school year by asking our students to brainstorm this same question, and it was also the first question that was asked of my Leadership Rome class this fall.

It is amazing how many different answers you can get to this question when you ask groups of people. Without the help of others, I would say that an effective leader must: • Listen to all points of view before making decisions.

• Have the courage to do what is right, even if it is not the most popular.

• Be hard working and dedicated to the organization.

• Show care and compassion, especially when making difficult decisions.

• Lead by example.

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

This is an important year for the Upper School. We are in the process of reviewing and mapping our curriculum, implementing a new teacher evaluation system, and working with Independent School Management to develop a new comprehensive school schedule for the 2016-2017 year. My goals are to successfully implement and navigate these processes, which will make our students’ experience even stronger.

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Campus Feature

LIFELONG L Dean of Students Dana Peek, who also teaches Upper School math, has spent the last two summers completing her M.Ed. in Independent School Leadership at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College.

“We discussed everything from admission and financial aid, to Boards and budgeting, to counseling and conflict management, but the one item of business that we returned to time and again was teaching and learning,” she

said. “It’s at the heart of everything we do and ultimately the reason why we’re here. Whether the learning is inside the classroom, in the dorms, on the field, or through the arts, we as independent school professionals (and particularly as independent boarding school professionals) have unique opportunities for teaching, encouraging, relationship building, and promoting deep learning and true transfer.”

Randy Smith’s expertise on the flipped classroom has afforded him the opportunity to present to educators around the country, most recently at the Lilly International Conference on Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning in May. The middle grades science teacher has self-produced more than 350 video clips with over 30,000 views on his YouTube channel, using these multimedia lessons to deliver course materials, review content and enhance learning.

“It’s all about connection!” he said.

“The ability to develop my talents and skills to create a greater connection with students is what professional development is all about. What can I learn to do to inspire my students and motivate them to learn? Without the

support of Darlington, I would have never had the opportunities to share with so many around the country and world.”

Lifelong LEARNING A Spotlight on Professional Development At Da r l i n g t o n , w e ’r e c o m m i t t e d t o providing relevant professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to learn, explore, share, inspire, connect and reenergize.

In the next few pages, you will read about some of the meaningful learning experiences our teachers have recently had and hear firsthand about their takeaways. We are proud of these teachers – and so many others – for modeling a commitment to lifelong learning and doing their part to make Darlington an even better learning environment for the families who choose us. After all, the best way to empower students to learn with passion is to teach with passion.

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Darlington Magazine

LEARNING

Campus Feature

First-grade teacher Caitlin Alexander was one of several teachers who attended Tim Elmore’s Growing Leaders’ National Leadership Forum in Atlanta this summer thanks to Darlington’s Thatcher Master Teacher Fund.

“I found the conference incredibly informative and useful in mapping out communication with a generation of children who are growing up with apps and social media,” she said.

“While some facets of teaching remain evergreen, like meeting the children where they are, the conference provided a guide to pulling on the strengths of this upcoming generation – like their maverick ingenuity and curiosity and their ability to create and design their own curriculum. I love child-led learning, so I am excited about the future of education.”

English Department Chair Beth Wilson and five colleagues representing English, library services, and media arts attended the Future of Learning Institute, hosted by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education this summer, to better understand the roles of reading and writing, research, and digital communication in the lives of today’s youth.

“We were pushed to understand what learning must be and do if it is to prepare tomorrow’s adults to handle the complex problems and changing technologies of a highly connected, globalized future world,” she said. “We cannot predict the kinds of situations they will navigate, and thus we can’t teach about those situations; instead, we must make them great navigators.

Upper School science teacher Julia Dodd visited 26 colleges this summer thanks to the Southern Association of College Admission Counseling’s Sweet Tea Tour and the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Western Tour. As one of Darlington’s 16 college advisers, Dodd knows that this experience is invaluable as she works with her group of seniors.

“As college advisers, we are committed to helping our students find that ‘right fit’ school and in order for that to happen, we must do our research,” she said. “This summer, I visited 15 schools in Georgia and 11 in North Carolina. We visited private and public universities, large research institutions, as well as smaller public and private liberal arts colleges. We ate in the dining halls, slept in dormitories and discovered what makes each school special so that we can better assist our advisees with their college searches.”

Winter 2016

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Upper School science teacher Mike Hudson (’94), winner of a 2015 Carla & Leonard Wood Faculty Professional Development Endowment Award, is using those funds to develop the DARFarm program.

“For me, enrichment is being able to bring it back to the classroom,” he said.

“That’s what makes my job exciting and interesting. I wanted to set up something long term that I could be

involved with and watch grow based on the interests of those involved. When we started DARFarm, the students didn’t even know what to do with the seeds.

Just knowing how to plant a seed – that is the basis of civilization. Hopefully this will provide an opportunity for the Darlington Community to grow food, plants and even animals (aquaculture) on campus.”

A Master Journalism Educator, Adrienne Forgette often speaks, presents and judges competitions at journalism conferences around the country. And while these are tremendous professional development and networking opportunities for the educator, as the leader of Darlington’s growing media arts program, she feels it is just as important for students to have these experiences in high school as well.

“I take students to conferences to compete and to show them real-world journalism,” she said. “I believe that you should expose kids right away to these ideas and then they will become experts. They will formulate their own goals from going to the conference classes. My students walked away from the 5th Annual Media Now STL High School Digital Media Summer Camp this summer with a lot of confidence and a razor-sharp focus on what they want to accomplish this year.”

Upper School math teacher Josh Hembree’s experience at the AP Annual Conference this summer reinforced the idea that teaching math from multiple perspectives – graphically, numerically, analytically and in writing – is more important than ever.

“Most students who come into my classroom for AP Calculus usually have a good understanding of one of these four ‘lenses’ (usually, the analytic/algebraic) but we want them to be able to attack a problem differently from time to time,” he said. “This year, our department took the new version of the SAT … there were problems that would simply be unsolvable if approached from an analytic perspective. However, these same problems were rather easy when viewed graphically or numerically.”

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Darlington Magazine

Campus Feature

This summer, Upper School math teacher Al Shorey was selected to attend the prestigious Klingenstein Summer Institute, presented by the Columbia University’s Teachers College.

“Each summer, I try to do something to grow in my teaching,” he said. “It’s ingrained in you here at Darlington to continue to improve in your craft, and it’s deep-rooted in me from 22 years in the Army that you use every available minute to get better. Over the course of two weeks at this Institute, we were assigned to different small groups to study curriculum, diversity and other topics. Each group pushed me to improve in different aspects of teaching.”

After using her Thatcher Faculty Development and Research Grant to explore Peru this summer, Spanish teacher Ashley Evans organized a full day of activities to help students in grades 3-5 learn about the Inca civilization.

“Mr. Ivester taught them about why they built sites like Machu Picchu and how they managed to move such large stones without a wheel, Mr. Merriam had them build Incan structures using Legos, Coach

Winter 2016

Larry taught them an old Incan game called Tlachtli, and Mrs. Rigas taught them how to make aquipu to record information about themselves,” she said.

“Each time you encounter a new culture, your mind is opened a bit more and you return from your trip a little changed.

I hope that sharing my travels with my students helps them see the world with a wider lens. At the very least, I hope I inspire them to get out and experience this great big world on their own.”

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Bob Ledbetter Jr. (’84) does the honors at a ribbon cutting held before the Tigers’ first home football game in August.

Tiger Turf

Chris Hunter Stadium gets new look With the addition of a new turf field and recently completed eight-lane track, Darlington’s Chris Hunter (’82) Memorial Stadium has received a much-needed facelift and will become home to an expanded array of school sports and events.

The new track, which encloses the turf field, was funded by the school as a part of scheduled facility maintenance and improvements, and replaced a rubber track that was installed in 1992. The notion to replace Jerry Sharp Field’s grass with turf came about when several individual supporters approached school leadership and pledged private donations so that the two projects could be done in tandem and finished before the calendar year’s end.

A ribbon cutting for the stadium’s green centerpiece took place in late

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August, just in time for the Tigers’ first home football game against Bremen High School.

“We believe in providing the best education for our students and facilities play a big role in that,” said Head of School Brent Bell. “Doing what is best for students has been a guiding principle for this project. It is a great example of teamwork and how the structure of an independent school works.”

Work on the infrastructure began at the conclusion of the 2014-15 school year in May with the removal of the grass and old track. Problems with the height of the field’s crown, leveling, drainage, timing and other issues prompted its replacement as the first phase of the two-part project, just in time for the fall playing season.

Synthetic turf was selected based on its usability and durability; most importantly, its optimal usage is not dependent on the weather.

“A lot of work and research on the field and track project had been done in

the past, and there was great depth of conversation on the part of our Board of Trustees and their leadership through the Facilities Committee,” added Bell.

“They identified the areas of need and gave the green light for raising funds and hiring contractors.”

A new eight-lane track affords Darlington the opportunity to host more and larger events on the regional and state levels, opening the facilities to students at other schools. The stateof-the-art track is made a Rekortan G10 polyurethane surfacing system, a majority of which is created from environmentally friendly renewable resources.

“We had been talking about the track, in particular, for several years,” said Beth Pollard, chief financial officer. “The track was beyond its useful life – there were cracking and deterioration issues.”

In addition to running, the enhanced facility also includes areas for high jump, shot put and pole vault.

Darlington Magazine

Campus Feature

Perhaps most exciting about the project is the versatility it offers to Darlington’s athletics program, turning the stadium from a football field to a complex of sorts that can also host games for the school’s lacrosse and soccer teams, as well as Darlington School Soccer Academy.

“I am so excited to play on the new field,” said Aisling Fields (’18), who is on the girls’ lacrosse team. “Most of the other teams that we play have turf. It makes playing a lot easier and the field looks prettier.”

Not only are the new field’s goalposts removable to facilitate the transition from one sport to another, but the turf is also lined and ready for soccer and many other events and uses.

“The new field not only provides a superior playing surface, but also protects our grass fields from being ripped up during a game in the rain,” said Will Sparks (’16), who plays varsity soccer and football. “[We have] lacked a stadium atmosphere that the new field now provides. People will be more likely to stop by the soccer games because they will be at a more central location on campus.”

Beyond serving Darlington’s athletes, their families, friends and other sports

fans, the newest additions to campus will benefit a host of others as well.

“Having a multi-purpose field allows us to also host student activities,” explained Pollard. “It really becomes a community venue that we haven’t had in the past. We can open up access because we don’t have to worry about the wear and tear.”

The improvement and maintenance endeavors as they relate to this particular initiative have been a collaborative effort between a variety of different departments at Darlington, interested groups and individuals long before ground was even broken.

“One of the main leaders that stepped up was Trustee Bob Ledbetter (’84),” said Joe Montgomery, chief advancement officer. “He was there from the beginning and at every step along the way, helping to guide the project and raise the funds necessary to pay for it.”

The turf and track project has enjoyed a great relationship with businesses based out of Northwest Georgia, including Shaw Sports Turf (Calhoun); grading by Spriggs Construction Co. (Rome); and fencing, brick and general oversight by Benefield Construction (Cedartown).

Jalisa Kassam (’16) and her Soccer Academy teammates practice on the new turf.

“Any time we can use local businesses, it supports our greater community,” said Pollard. “We would much rather use local service providers when possible so that the money stays right here in our community.”

“This is a manifestation of the power of the partnerships that we enjoy at Darlington – partnerships between parents, alumni and friends, coaches and athletes,” added Montgomery.

“Everybody had to work with one another. It is truly multi-purpose and multi-interest, and brought a lot of people together.”

The Tigers take the field at the 44-6 Homecoming victory over the Armuchee Indians.

Winter 2016

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Campus View

2015 ALUMNI WEEKEND

Keara Evans (’16) and Olivia Drake (’17) are crowned Homecoming queen and princess.

A fireworks show commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Honor Code.

Knox Merritt (’28) and Wilson Lucas (’28) get their faces painted at the Fall for the Arts Festival.

More than 300 alumni and friends returned to the Lakeside in October for Darlington’s annual Alumni Weekend celebration. Event highlights included the presentation of Distinguished Alumnus Awards to Bob Glenn (’60) and the late Neal Williams (’54), the Fall for the Arts Festival, a pre-game spotlight on Honor Council members past and present, a big win over Armuchee at the Homecoming game, and the dedication of the George W. Awsumb Room in Zelle Fine Arts Center.

Reunion classes had high attendance with the Class of 1990 boasting the largest number of returning alumni and the Thornwood Class of 1965 seeing 72% participation. A special thanks goes out from Darlington School to the class agents, event hosts, and all those involved in making this year’s celebration a great success.

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The Tigers defeat the Armuchee Indians 44-6.

Julia Douglas (’07), Gordon Neville (’55) and Brad Large (’05) catch up at Halftime-at-the-Huff.

McCain Collier, son of Anna Claire and Bert Collier (’05), plays football at the Pre-Game Picnic.

Darlington Magazine

Choral students close Alumni Weekend with a concert in Morris Chapel.

Members of the Class of 1975 pose for a photo outside the Home-on-the-Hill.

Members of the Thornwood Class of 1965 gather at the home of Nancy (Smith) Hunter (’65) to celebrate their 50th reunion.

John Hunter (’55) reaffirms his commitment to Darlington’s Honor Code by signing the Honor Book, just as new Upper School students and faculty do each year.

Retired Athletic Director Jerry Sharp talks with Head of School Brent Bell at the PreGame Picnic.

Winter 2016

Alumni and friends gather for the “Celebrating a Century of Honor” Luncheon.

Alumni Council President Luke Lester (’87) and Board Chair Linda (Grizzard) Owens (’79) present Bob Glenn (’60) with a Distinguished Alumnus Award.

George Johnson (’54) accepts the Distinguished Alumnus Award on behalf of his friend, the late Neal Williams (’54).

Former Honor Council members and advisers are honored during the Pre-Game Spotlight.

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Gardner Wright (’47) sings the Alma Mater at Darlington Celebration.

Class of 1950

Frank Barron (’48) attends the ribbon cutting for the new turf field and track.

1948

(next reunion 2018)

Class Agent: Frank Barron

Allan Strand is the namesake of an endowed scholarship fund that has been established by an anonymous donor for a seventh-grade student at The Donoho School in Anniston, Ala. Allan was head of the school there from 1966 to 1971.

1955

(next reunion 2020)

Class Agent: Sid Yarbrough

Bob Ledbetter (’53) attends the ribbon cutting for the new turf field and track.

Sid Yarbrough III received the Jake’s Golden Heart Award from the Emory Alumni Association in May. Named for Dr. Judson “Jake” Ward, former dean of alumni, the award recognizes individuals who exhibit generosity of spirit and willingness to serve others, above and beyond loyalty to Emory, and extended and exceptional yet humble contributions of time and service to the university and to one’s community. Sid received all of his postsecondary education at Emory, from bachelor’s degree through medical school.

1956

Class of 1955

Class of 1960

(next reunion 2016)

Class Agent: Bob Kane

Scott Henson was recognized by Network Day Service Center Inc. for his years of service as Board president from 2005 to 2015. The nonprofit center provides support and services to intellectually and developmentally disabled adults in Floyd County. Scott has served on the Board of Directors since 1999.

1959

(next reunion 2019)

Class Agent: Vacancy

Class of 1965T

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Fred Couch Jr. received the W. Kelly Mosley Environmental Award in February for his role in developing the Alabama Scenic River Trail. This

John Hine (’53) sings the Alma Mater at Darlington Celebration. award is reserved for Alabamians whose volunteer efforts encourage the public to use the natural world responsibly. The Alabama Scenic River Trail is a network of rivers and streams that extends from northeast Alabama to the Gulf Coast, and is navigable by paddle boats.

1963

(next reunion 2018)

Class Agents: Honey (Buskill) Dews, Bob Elkins

John Brock writes: “I know this may seem trivial but I taught my grandchildren, ages 5 and 8, to waterski this summer. This is a great achievement in my opinion. I am enjoying life to its fullest.”

Steve Jenkins Sr. was appointed city attorney for the City of Elberton in Elbert County, Ga., in March.

He is a widower with four children, three of whom are married. He also has eight grandchildren and stepgrandchildren; all but one live in Elberton.

1964

(next reunion 2019)

Class Agent: Vacancy

Wade Hoyt III has been named the new Floyd County attorney. He has practiced law since he graduated from the University of Georgia in 1971.

Wade served as county attorney in Floyd County from the mid-90s to the early part of the last decade.

1965

(next reunion 2020)

Class Agent: Vacancy

Tom Bing writes: “My career with Southern Bell/BellSouth and Accenture spanned 41 years, and I really enjoyed it. I retired in May 2013 and that has been rewarding also.

My wife, Diane, and I were blessed with two sons, Mark and Philip. Mark and his wife, Michelle, live near us,

Darlington Magazine

Class Notes

Class of 1970

Class of 1965

Jere Drummond (’57) throws the first pitch at a varsity baseball game last spring.

Dean of College Guidance Sam Moss (’63) presents a program to the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Rome Class of XXXIII. along with our grandkids, Scott and Maddie. Philip went home to be with the Lord in April 2014.”

1968

(next reunion 2018)

Class Agent: Cathy (O’Neill) Dollar, Jim Moore, David Muschamp

Danny Culbreth writes: “Sold my animal hospital and retired a couple of years ago. Andrea and I are still putting up with each other after 45 years. We can be found in Thomasville, Lake Burton, Mexico Beach or Lake Seminole. Sure would like to hear from my buddies in the Class of 1968!”

John Early II (’64) celebrates his 50th reunion while his son, John Early III (’89), celebrates his 25th during Alumni Weekend 2014. Thanks for sharing this legacy family moment!

Class of 1975 1971

(next reunion 2016)

Class Agent: Vacancy

Gordon Smith, former captain of the University of Georgia men’s tennis team and four-time SEC champion, received the 2014 Bill Hartman Award during the UGA Circle of Honor Gala on Feb. 6, 2015. Named for the late Bill Hartman, Georgia’s longtime kicking coach and chairman of the Georgia Student Educational Fund, the Hartman Award is one of the highest honors given to a former UGA student-athlete.

1978

Members of the Thornwood Class of 1968 celebrate their 47th reunion in Cashiers, N.C. Pictured are Karen Prather, Mary Lee Sullivan, Diane (Harris) Ogletree, Patti (Rogers) Barron, Martha (McCall) Pullen, Reagan (Ransom) Coker, Anna (Manis) Tabor, Dana Jane Davis, Cathy (O’Neill) Dollar and Helen Powell.

(next reunion 2018)

Class Agents: John Gilliland, Chris Peacock

Thad Watters Sr. received the Boys & Girls Club’s National Board Volunteer of the Year award in May for the his work with the Northwest Georgia Board of Directors.

1979

(next reunion 2019)

Class Agent: Tony Massing

Danny Culbreth (’68) pictured with his family.

Winter 2016

Linda (Grizzard) Owens has been appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal to serve on the State Workforce Board.

Sid Yarborough (’55) reaffirms his commitment to the Honor Code by signing the Honor Book during Alumni Weekend.

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Neal Williams’ wife, Virginia, and their sons, Chris, Neal Jr. and Ridley, pictured with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Neal Williams (’54) Distinguished Alumnus

Neal Williams discovered the value of building relationships early on in his life and he never forgot it. Whether it was as class president in the 1950s or as president of N.A. Williams Co. later in life, he earned his reputation as someone who put people first.

“Neal was a genius at creating relationships and he honed that talent right here at Darlington,” said George Johnson (’54), longtime friend and classmate, as he accepted the 2015 Distinguished Alumnus Award on behalf of the late Williams. “When I talk to friends about Neal, they think I’m exaggerating. They think, ‘Nobody could be that kind, smart, courteous, wise, a loving husband and father, successful, generous, funny ... and have the impact Neal had.’ And Neal did have an impact on everyone who knew him.”

As a boarding student at Darlington, Williams was elected president of his junior and senior classes. He also served on the Social Committee, was a member of the “D” Club and the Field House Club, and played football and baseball. As a senior, he was named to

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the All Mid-South All-Star Team as a first baseman.

“Neal is a large part of the reason Darlington is so close to my heart,” Johnson said. “I only knew two students when I got here, and one of them was Neal Williams … He took me under his wing. I found out early in life that you couldn’t have a better friend than Neal Williams.

“If [he] could be here today,” Johnson told present-day Darlington students, “he would tell you that each of you have a chance here and now to build friendships and relationships that will shape the rest of your life. Many of your friends that you get to know here will be your friends 50 years from now.”

After Darlington, Williams went on to attend the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Chi Phi fraternity, and serve two years in the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Core before starting his career at his father’s company, N.A. Williams Co., in 1959. He was later named president of the company, leading it to become one of the largest and most respected automotive representative agencies in the country. He served in this capacity until his death on Feb. 14, 2015.

Active in both industry and civic organizations, Williams served on the Board of Governors and Manufacturers

Council of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association; on the Boards of Trinity School, the Alexis Tocqueville Society, and the Pals Club; and as an elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church.

Williams received numerous awards and honors during his long and successful career, including the 2009 AWDA Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement Award. One year later, he and N.A. Williams Co. were recognized

by Georgia Trend magazine and Cox Enterprises as the mid-size Georgia Family Business of the Year. He was also a Buckhead Boy of the Year in 2001 and one of Northwood University’s Outstanding Business Leaders of the Year in 2012.

An active member of the Darlington Community, Williams served on the Board of Trustees and the Board of Visitors. He was also a member of the J.J. Darlington Society and the J. Daniel Hanks Sr. (’27) Heritage Society.

“I’m honored to be back at my alma mater and to accept this award on behalf of Neal Williams,” said Johnson.

“Neal loved Darlington. He supported Darlington with his energy, his spirit and his mind. He would be humbled and honored by this award.”

After sharing his remarks with the Darlington Community, Johnson presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award to Williams’ wife of 56 years, Virginia. Williams is also survived by the couple’s four children, Neal Jr., Mary Fleming, Ridley and Chris; 12 grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild.

Darlington Magazine

Bob Glenn (’60) Distinguished Alumnus

From the time that Bob Glenn (’60) enrolled as a boarding student in the late 1950s, Darlington has held a very special place in his heart.

“If you went to Darlington, you learned character and loyalty, integrity and compassion,” Glenn was quoted as saying in the summer 2012 issue of Darlington Magazine. “Darlington gave you a road map to life to get through the ups and downs. It was an experience that was good for me.”

In high school, he played football, ran track and was elected vice president of his senior class. He also served as secretary of the “D” Club and as a proctor in the dorms.

After earning his B.S. from Auburn University, Glenn started his career at Blythe & Co. in 1969. Three years later, he began working at The RobinsonHumphrey Co. (now SunTrust Robinson-Humphrey), where he would spend the next 32 years. He worked his way up to vice chairman, serving as a member of the Executive Committee and managing its corporate syndicate origination and execution efforts.

“I want the students, particularly, to understand that this is a super, super, super school, where you are going to learn a lot of stuff going forward,” Glenn said. “School, college particularly, is going to get much, much harder, and Darlington is going to prepare you.”

In 2004, Glenn left RobinsonHumphrey to pursue an opportunity as executive managing director of equity capital markets for Morgan Keegan & Co. Inc. and member of the Executive Committee. In 2011, Morgan Keegan was acquired by Raymond James Inc. and Glenn transitioned into the director’s role he currently holds.

Active in both industry and civic organizations, Glenn served as a member of and committee chair for the Securities Industry Association and the National Association of Securities

Winter 2016

Dealers; a member of the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries of Atlanta and JGA Corp.; a Trustee Emeritus of The Lovett School; and a member of Emory University’s Board of Visitors. Additionally, he was involved with the Leadership Georgia Foundation Inc. and served as a member of the vestry and the Investment Committee at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

“I always appreciated the opportunities – the learning, the leadership and the determination and integrity that I learned [at Darlington], along with all the great friends that I made,” Glenn said. “It was a personal appreciation and gratitude that led me to be involved with Darlington both financially and in a leadership role.”

At Darlington, he is a Life Trustee and chair of the school’s Investment Committee. He has also served on the Annual Fund Board and is a member of both the J.J. Darlington Society and the J. Daniel Hanks Sr. (’27) Heritage Society. Additionally, Glenn and his brothers, Jack, Alston (’57), and Lewis (’64), were instrumental in establishing

the Jack and Anne Glenn Teaching and Learning Center at the Upper School.

“I think the thing that we were interested in was the need for students who were good students, but who needed an extra push,” Glenn said. “I could relate to that, and my brothers probably could as well. They didn’t have any programs like that back in those days when we went to Darlington. It was something that the school wanted and it was something that we embraced.”

For his notable career achievements and service to both his community and his alma mater, Glenn received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in October.

“I’m obviously very, very honored and pleased to receive this award,” Glenn said. “I don’t really quite know that I deserve it … I appreciate my brothers, who actually had more to do with this probably than I did, and my wife, and my children, and my grandchildren.”

He and his wife, Betsy, live in Atlanta.

He has three children, Amanda, Anne Fitten, and Saunders, and eight grandchildren.

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Class Notes 1982

(next reunion 2017)

Class Agent: Charlie Williams

Robert Bloodworth III was featured on episode nine of AMC’s “Halt and Catch Fire.” While at Darlington, he was a dedicated member of The Darlington Players and has enjoyed success in Georgia theatre and TV/ film.

Jimmy Kelley (’74), Mac Trotter (’74), Doug Hendrickson (’74) and Thom Young (’74) pictured at the Celebration of Life service held in memory of their classmate, Dr. Elson Floyd (’74).

Roy Dickinson (’77) speaks at the Alumni Weekend dedication of the George W. Awsumb Room.

Retired faculty member Jack Summerbell speaks at Dr. Elson Floyd’s (’74) Celebration of Life service.

Melanie Sumner-Marr published her fourth book, a novel titled “How to Write a Novel,” on Aug. 4, 2015, with Vintage/Random House. Aristotle “Aris” Thibodeau is 12.5 years old and destined for greatness. Ever since her father’s death, however, she’s been stuck in the small town of Kanuga, Ga., where she has to manage her mother Diane’s floundering love life and dubious commitment to her job as an English professor. Not to mention co-parenting a little brother who hogs all the therapy money.

Luckily, Aris has a plan. Following the advice laid out in “Write a Novel in Thirty Days!” she sets out to pen a bestseller using her charmingly dysfunctional family as material. If the mom-character, Diane, would ditch online dating and accept that the perfect man is clearly the handyman/nanny-character, Penn MacGuffin, Aris would have the essential romance for her plot (and a father in her real life). But when a random accident uncovers a dark part of Thibodeau family history, Aris is forced to confront the fact that sometimes in life – as in great literature – things might not work out exactly as planned.

Boarding alumnae Allison (Hunter) Brooks (’79) and Julie (Wilson) Lucas (’97) help kickoff this year’s BigLittle Sister program with the resident girls.

Stacey (Smith) Terry (’85), Catherine (Awsumb) Nelson (’85), Cristina Hajosy (’85), Sarah Avery (’85) and Enger McCartney-Smith (’85) were members of the first class to go from grade 1 to 12 at Darlington.

1990

(next reunion 2020)

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

Thomas Mew IV and his wife, Cat, announce the birth of Charlotte Emerson “Emme” on March 12, 2015.

She joins big sister Eden. The family lives in Atlanta.

Emme, the daughter of Cat and Thomas Mew (’90)

1991

(next reunion 2016)

Class Agent: Stephanie (Denney) Dunton

Patrick Cash and his wife, Nan Marie, announce the birth of a daughter, Elizabeth Neely, on March 26, 2015. The family lives in Rome.

Jay Smithson Jr. married Anna Hancock Nance on Feb. 28, 2015, at the home of the bride’s parents in Rome. The couple lives in Acworth, Ga. 1993

(next reunion 2018)

Class Agent: Vacancy

Brad Bohannon, the 2015 Baseball American and American Baseball Coaches Association National Assistant Coach of the Year, has been hired as an assistant coach at Auburn University. Brad spent the last 12 seasons at the University of Kentucky, where he assisted in overseeing the best 11-year run in program history.

Class of 1980

24

Melanie Sumner-Marr (’82) published “How to Write a Novel” in August.

Jackson Miranda attended a Tiger Time reception hosted by Darlington

Darlington Magazine

Class Notes Advancement Officer Barton Lowrey (’05) in Chicago. Other attendees included Dr. and Mrs. Lewis Flint (’58) and their son, Matt Flint (’09).

Class of 1985 1997 Jackson Miranda (’93) and Barton Lowrey (’05)

1994

(next reunion 2019)

Class Agents: Maurie Dugger, Jimmy Smith

Denise (Shaw) Barnard and her husband, Rhett, announce the birth of a son, Daniel “Shaw,” on Aug. 21, 2015. The family lives in Fletcher, N.C. John Scott and his wife, Catherine, announce the birth of a daughter, Mary Eleanor, on April 17, 2015. The family lives in Atlanta.

Chad Warner IV is a vice president at River City Bank in Rome, specializing in business development and community relations.

1995

(next reunion 2020)

Class Agent: Scott Morris

Betsy (Barron) Crane and her husband, Jeremy, announce the birth of a son, Barron, on Aug. 21, 2015.

The family lives in Mount Pleasant, S.C. 1996

(next reunion 2017)

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

Drew Fleming and his wife, Erin, announce the birth of a son, Edward Drew “Ward,” on Sept. 19 2015. The family lives in Marietta, Ga. Khurram Maqbool and his wife, Aliza, announce the birth of a child on May 18, 2015. The family lives in Buford, Ga. 1998

(next reunion 2018)

Class Agent: Regan C. Maki

Molly (Mooring) Melin was promoted to associate professor with tenure at Loyola University Chicago.

She teaches international relations at the graduate and undergraduate levels in the department of political science.

1999

Class of 1990

(next reunion 2019)

Class Agent: Marie (Hodge) Gordon

Hank Johnson IV married Kara Redding on Sept. 5, 2015, in Annapolis, Md. The couple lives in Nashville, Tenn.

(next reunion 2016)

Class Agent: Brooke (Walker) Irby

Class of 1995

Supriya Donthamsetty and her husband, Mark, announce the birth of a son, Zubin, on April 10, 2015.

He joins big brother Ashok and big sister Priya. The family lives in New Orleans, La.

Zubin, the son of Supriya (’95) and Mark Donthamsetty

Winter 2016

David Moss (’87) reaffirms his commitment to the Honor Code by signing the Honor Book during Alumni Weekend.

Kara and Hank Johnson (’99) pictured with Thomas Moore (’99), Emily (Conrad) Beaver (’99), David Fulmer (’99), Harry Johnson (’68), Cathy (O’Neill) Dollar (’68T), Patrick Dollar (’00), Reagen (Lowrey) Lozar (’99), Daniel Hanks (’99) and Barton Lowrey (’05).

Bryan Mullins (’95) performs with his band, Muletide Perkins, at Darlington’s Fall for the Arts Festival.

25

Class Notes Sean Watford and his wife, Elizabeth, announce the birth of a son, Charlie O’ Neil, on Oct. 18, 2015.

The family lives in Rome.

2002

(next reunion 2017)

Class Agent: Miles Wellesley

Jason Chapman stopped by the Darlington campus last spring for a quick visit with some of his former teachers. He graduated from law school in May 2014.

Win Stewart (’97) attends the Alumni Council Kickoff.

Chantz McClinic (’04, LD ’14) speaks at Dr. Elson Floyd’s (’74) Celebration of Life service.

Jim Pardue and his wife, Lila, announce the birth of a son, James Newton Jr., on July 31, 2015. The family lives in Spring Hill, Tenn.

Alison Taylor announces the birth of a son, Nathaniel Charles, on June 1, 2015. She lives in Atlanta.

2000

(next reunion 2020)

Class Agent: Skye Wellesley

Luke Farmer and his wife, Jan Scott, announce the birth of twins, Daniel Bowie “Bo” and Sarah Scott “Sally Scott,” on July 24, 2015. They join big brother Luke Jr. The family lives in Charlotte, N.C.

Chris Jackson (’02) attends the Alumni Council Kickoff.

Barrett Fleming and his wife, Billie, announce the birth of a daughter, Brewer, on July 22, 2015. She joins big brothers Brody and Beau. The family lives in Warner Robins, Ga. Will Thuston and his wife, Ginger, announce the birth of a son, Robert “Luke,” on Oct. 11, 2015. The family lives in Birmingham, Ala. 2001

(next reunion 2016)

Class Agent: Whitney (Keene) Whittington

Anna (Sargent) Miller and her husband, Chris, announce the birth of a son, Emmett Addison, on March 11, 2015. The family lives in Atlanta.

Amelia (Ross) Ricks and her husband, Adam, announce the birth of a son, Anderson Joseph, on June 10, 2015. The family lives in Birmingham, Ala.

Class of 2000

26

Anderson, the son of Amelia (’01) and Adam Ricks

Jason Chapman (’02) and Dean of College Guidance Sam Moss (’63)

Katie (Galloway) Millians and her husband, Zack, announce the birth of a daughter, Katelyn Ann, on July 21, 2015. The family lives in Newnan, Ga. Lauren (Muller) Stone a nd her husband, Ryals, announce the birth of a son, John “Jack,” on May 1, 2015.

The family lives in Atlanta.

Seth White and his wife, Marci, announce the birth of a daughter, Olivia, in May. The family lives in Smyrna, Ga. 2003

(next reunion 2018)

Class Agent: Lindsay (Doss) Raynor

Blair (Stegall) Bowden married John Martin Bowden on May 9, 2015, at Darlington School’s Morris Chapel.

The couple lives in Decatur, Ga. Padrick Dennis and his wife, Mary, announce the birth of a daughter, Mary Elizabeth “Mae,” on Aug. 14, 2015. The family lives in Gulfport, Miss., where Padrick works at Specialty Contractors & Associates Inc. Drew Evans married Candice Michelle Cole on April 18, 2015, at Belle Terra in Rome. The couple lives in Rome.

Darlington Magazine

Class Notes

Class of 2005 Mark Mooring assistant professor of naval science at the University of Idaho, joined representatives of the Navy, Army and Air Force University of Idaho/Washington State University ROTC units in paying respect to Dr. Elson Floyd (’74) on his final tour of the Washington State University campus.

Lt. Mark Mooring (’03) pictured at far right. (Photo by Robert Hubner, WSU Photography Services)

Stephanie (Corwin) Nichols and her husband, Drew (’03) announce the birth of a son, Jett Garner, on Oct. 22, 2015. Jett joins big brothers John Brady (’28) and Beckett. The family lives in Rome.

Karen (Stuenkel) Saville and her husband, Andrew (’97), announce the birth of a son, Scott Andrew, on Aug. 7, 2015. The family lives in Rome.

2004

(next reunion 2019)

Class Agent: Whitney (Smith) Hsu

Laura Bennett received the Most Outstanding MPP Student Award from the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University in May. The award recognizes scholastic excellence, including an excellent master’s project, significant contributions to the intellectual and professional vitality of the school, and exceptional potential for success in public service.

Fatema (Bandukwala) Salehbhai (’06) attends the Alumni Council Kickoff.

Baldwin (Harris) Chambless married Cameron Nicholas Chambless on Sept. 26, 2015, in the gardens of Oak Hill in Rome. The couples lives in Marietta, Ga.

Whit Remer and his wife, Katie, announce the birth of a son, Charles Whitford “Charlie,” on March 11, 2015. The family lives in Silver Spring, Md.

Charlie, the son of Katie and Whit Remer (’03)

Winter 2016

Baldwin (Harris) Chambless (’04)

Janie Hortman (’03) attends the Alumni Council Kickoff.

27

Alumni Profile

Jennifer (Jaynes) Hankey (’93) and children at Healthy Green Schools partner Saint Anne’s Day School in Atlanta enjoy King of Pops organic popsicles.

Jennifer (Jaynes) Hankey (’93) & Reagen (Lowrey) Lozar (’99) Leading the charge to ‘go green’

Jennifer (Jaynes) Hankey (’93) and Reagen (Lowrey) Lozar (’99) have found a mutual calling, making it their personal mission to educate children and parents on the adverse effects of unnecessary chemicals.

Their collaborative effort to enlighten others on healthier living, however, did not come from a connection as friends at Darlington, teammates on the soccer field, undergrads at the University of Georgia, or even as sisters in Phi Mu. In fact, at each juncture they would completely miss each other by just a few years.

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It was not until Lozar reached out to Hankey on social media to seek her expertise that the two figured out they shared more than just a concern for the safety and welfare of their little ones.

“I was really surprised to learn that in the past 50 years, only 200 chemicals out of 80,000 on the market had ever been adequately tested for safety,” Hankey said.

Both alumnae had life-changing experiences living in different locales as they pursued graduate degrees – Lozar in Colorado and Hankey in California – forever altering the way they saw the environment around them.

“I was a macaroni-eating, bleach-using southerner, just like everyone else,” said Hankey, who has since returned to Atlanta as founder, president and CEO of Healthy Green Schools. “It completely opened my eyes to what was going on in our world. California had indoctrinated me into a healthy lifestyle.”

This effort to help spearhead a paradigm shift of sorts may come as no surprise to those who knew the alumnae during their years at Darlington, as both held and maintained respected leadership positions as students. Hankey was a leader in the dorms, and Lozar served in student government.

“So many of these chemicals are not even legal in other countries, or are at least regulated for their use,” said Lozar, a director at Beautycounter, a company that creates and sells safe skin care products and cosmetics. “There are legitimate studies out there that link so many of these chemicals to cancer. It’s becoming an epidemic.”

The two have become experts on “eco-living,” sharing tips, ideas, and research through blogging, speaking engagements, and social media in order to help schools, homes, and other businesses to become less toxic environments.

“There is no legal definition of ‘green,’ and many ‘green’ products can be just as bad as others,” said Hankey, mother of two, author of the “Healthy Snack and Lunch Guide,” and resident “Green Queen” on 11Alive’s “Atlanta & Company.”

Healthy Green Schools began when Hankey started tackling personal concerns at her children’s Atlanta preschool. Like many other places, she found that the use of strong, often harmful, disinfecting all-purpose cleaners was not uncommon. Instead of going at it alone, she partnered with the school to transform the environment so that everyone could make the green transition together.

They took a multi-faceted approach that included a critical look into cleaning products, food, personal care items, recycling and reducing waste. This led to the eradication of,

Darlington Magazine

Alumni Profile

among other things, the cleaners and sanitizers in question, right down to the baby wipes.

Lozar, a Rome native who now lives in Helena, Mont., reached out to Hankey during Healthy Green Schools’ second year of operation.

“My dad was diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago, and then three years later, my husband,” explained Lozar.

“I started learning about what all was in our food. That’s when I thought, ‘OK, something is going on.’”

After delivering premature twins, her concerns continued to amplify as she sought ways to cut out unnecessary chemicals and incorporate safer products into her family’s everyday life.

“You become hyper-aware when you have children. You want to create this perfect world for your kids,” said Lozar, now a mother of three. “I knew there had to be other people out there like me.”

It was then that she began doing research on different products and found Hankey’s organic baby social media forum. After developing an online friendship and doing a little digging, the two found out they both bled purple.

“I know that going to Darlington changed the course of my life,” Hankey said. “I needed the structure that a boarding school could provide. My mom taught me independence, but Darlington taught me how to focus it into something positive.”

The alumnae have their work cut out for them in a culture that can sometimes be uncomfortable with change. And because green typically costs green, Hankey has worked to implement thrifty measures for her clientele, including manufacturing her own products to cut out the middleman and partnering with a local chemical supplier, Momar, that shares her green vision.

Among the successful initiatives that have grown from Hankey’s mission are workshops for parents and school personnel to discuss chemicals in everyday products (Healthy Food Exchange), HallowGreen (Halloween

Winter 2016

candy buyback and recycling), and a pilot “learning garden” preschool program being done through the Captain Planet Foundation. Hankey has also launched Green Queen, a green cleaning, non-toxic lawn care and pest control company.

“Our first year with Healthy Green Schools was a struggle. I had no path and I stumbled a lot because no one had done anything like this before,” Hankey explained. “As a new company, it is all about figuring things out, gaining credibility and gaining momentum.”

Now, four years later, the green business venture has secured strong working relationships with over 35 organizations in the Atlanta area.

Additionally, Hankey continues to work closely with Lozar, mentoring her as she works with schools and families in the western United States. Ultimately, they hope to expand Healthy Green Schools into a national platform.

“Even though I’m in Montana, I still have an expansive network thanks to Darlington,” Lozar said. “To me, this is my way of giving back to others. It has definitely given me a purpose,” Lozar said. “This inherent need to help people – I know it stems from going to Darlington and learning ‘Service Beyond Self.’”

While the work they have before them may seem like a daunting task, these women have a secret weapon. For them, it is the educated little ones – the leaders and consumers of tomorrow.

“We can change the world through our children,” explained Hankey. “They don’t have to do things differently when this is the new normal for them.”

For more information on their work, visit HealthyGreenSchools.com and TheGreenQueen.com.

Reagen (Lowrey) Lozar (’99) gives a presentation about the importance of healthy cosmetics and personal care products in Helena, Mont.

29

Class Notes Whitney (Smith) Hsu and her husband, Ryan, announce the birth of a son, Davis Ryan, on July 23, 2015.

He joins big sister Ella Kate and big brother Joseph. The family lives in Winston Salem, N.C. Emily (Brock) LeCraw married Christopher Benjamin LeCraw Jr. on Aug. 1, 2015, at Darlington School’s Morris Chapel. The couple lives in Atlanta.

2006

(next reunion 2016)

Class Agent: Strom Mull

Fran (Monteith) Hendrix married Christopher Ernest Hendrix on Feb. 21, 2015, at Darlington School’s Morris Chapel. The couple lives in Atlanta.

Bryan Martin and his wife, Laura, stopped by the Darlington campus on a recent trip to Georgia to see family.

Bryan is currently stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma.

Clark McGehee married Elizabeth Formby Buice (’08) on May 23, 2015, at Darilngton School’s Morris Chapel. The couple lives in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. Fatema (Bandukwala) Salehbhai and her husband, Riaz, announce the birth of a son, Noah Riaz, on May 30, 2015. The family lives in Decatur, Ga. Hope (Lester) Sonam performed a concert with local Rome musician Scott Thompson at the DeSoto Theatre on April 11, 2015, to benefit the Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation. Since leaving Rome at the age of 16, Hope has been on the road with a touring country/rock band, written songs for film and TV placement, has had her songs cut by other artists, and embarked on a successful solo career. She has opened for acts such as David Naill, Billy Currington, Kip Moore, Styx, David Ryan Harris and many others. In 2014, Hope independently produced her first full-length album, “Love Lost & Found.” To check out her music, visit www.hopesonam. com.

Wil Tucker and his wife, Jennifer, announce the birth of a son, Graham Robert, on Sept. 14, 2015. The family lives in Dayton, Ohio, where Wil is a staff technologist with Booz Allen Hamilton.

Laura and Bryan Martin (’06) with Dean of College Guidance Sam Moss (’63)

2007

Andy Giannakakis received his Master of Fine Arts in Painting from The Rhode Island School of Design on May 30, 2015.

Corey Roper and his wife, Juliette, announce the birth of a son, Carter Lee, on April 27, 2015. The family lives in Silver Creek, Ga. 2008

(next reunion 2018)

Class Agents: Mac Gilliland, Kelly O’Mara

Morgan (Birdsong) Bottger married Cameron Reid Bottger on May 16, 2015, at Colonial Heights, the home of the bride’s grandparents, in Rome.

The couple lives in Montgomery, Ala. Ben Jackson writes: “I spent four seasons as a student assistant coach at the University of Kentucky and last August, our top assistant at UK, Brian Green, got the head job at New Mexico State and brought me with him. I coach the catchers and assist with the pitchers.”

Katherine Knight is press secretary for U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts.

Elizabeth (Buice) McGehee married Clark Coleman McGehee (’06) on May 23, 2015, at Darlington School’s Morris Chapel. The couple lives in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.

(next reunion 2017)

Class Agents: C.J. Cypress, Christie Doss

Elizabeth (Buice) McGehee (’08)

Preston Jacobs (’07), John Kagley (’07) and Gregory Thomas (’07) in Red Rock Canyon, Nev. Henderson Stegall (’11) attends Darlington’s Purple Tie Affair dinner and auction.

30

Darlington Magazine

Class Notes

Class of 2000

Legacy members of the Class of 2015 pictured with relatives who attended Darlington.

Jack Mok married Margaret Alice Shariett on Aug. 1, 2015, in Honolulu, Hawaii, where they live.

Darlington classmates Ben Cantrell (’08) and Cody Anderson (’08) were groomsmen.

Margaret and Jack Mok (’08)

Sara (Pate) Congdon married Christopher Ryan Congdon on Nov. 7 at Darlington School’s Morris Chapel.

The couple lives in Houston, Texas.

Winter 2016

Christina (Rutledge) Ricks received the Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning. The award provides selected K-12 teachers in their first five years of teaching with funds to attend the annual national conference. Christina is a science teacher at Bayside Academy in Daphne, Ala. Courtney (Stevens) Warren received the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Graduate Student Scholarship for her manuscript “Going Home,” a middle grades fiction novel about Emmett Till. She attended a summer conference in Los Angeles, where she worked with several authors including recent Newbery Medalwinner Kwame Alexander, editor Bonnie Bader and author Ellen Hopkins. The manuscript also won her the Anne B. Sullivan Grant from Hollins University.

31

Liz Levy (’00) Making her mark

If being named one of Business Insider Magazine’s “Most Creative Women in Advertising” wasn’t incredible enough, Liz Levy (’00) recently added “Emmy nominee” to her growing résumé as her career continues to grab the attention of the advertising world.

The Los Angeles-based Rome native serves as a creative director with TBWA/Chiat/Day, an advertising agency that boasts power-player clients like Gatorade, Netflix, Airbnb, Twitter and Levy’s main account, Nissan North America. One of the organization’s many claims to fame is Apple’s groundbreaking “1984” television commercial that introduced the first Macintosh computer.

“Our agency has always had the culture to stay ever-present and forward-thinking – and that makes it a great place to grow with,” Levy said.

It was her work as creative director on a Nissan TV spot that allowed the time and talent of her team to be seen and honored on an even larger scale when “With Dad” premiered during the last Super Bowl. It was the first time that Nissan had had representation in the football championship since 1997.

“The core idea came from knowing that we wanted to tell a truth that was

32

currently happening in America today – parents and their careers, and how families deal with that,” explained the alumna. “We just happened to tell the story of a working parent through the eyes of a Nissan racecar driver, but in reality the father could be a teacher, a corporate businessman – anybody of any occupation.”

The 90-second spot was ultimately nominated for a Creative Arts Emmy in the “Outstanding Commercial” category. “[The nomination] means so much to each of us because of all of the work that we put into it to see it through,” Levy said.

While Levy and her crew did not get to take home the coveted trophy in September, it is surely a sign of things to come as they continue to churn out creative, touching, and engaging content to the masses.

“Darlington has always been a great supporter of students’ passions outside the normal classroom curriculum,” Levy said. “My teachers during my formative years urged me to pursue those passions, including Mr. Murray, Mr. Moss and Mrs. Mixon.”

The DAR Baby was involved in different activities during her time on campus, including serving on the staff of the Jabberwokk and the Inkslinger, and participating as a member of the diving team. Before graduating from Darlington, she was able to fit in a year abroad, studying in France as a junior.

“Darlington puts a great emphasis not only on the students, but on what they are learning and the relationships that they can develop with their teachers so they can glean from them the principles and values that will help them later in life,” Levy explained. “The school provides a lot of great programs and a solid foundation for whatever students may go into after they graduate.”

Levy received a bachelor’s degree in international business from the College of Charleston and a master’s degree in art direction and graphic design from the Creative Circus. Before her career in advertising, she worked for a time as a classic car historian and appraiser.

She even attended the Apicius Culinary Institute in Florence, Italy.

“Although I went on to obtain a degree in business, I always had a love for the arts – I just didn’t know it could be a professional career,” Levy said. “I owe so much to my parents, who provided me with a lot of loving guidance and support, but also a lot of freedom. That freedom allowed me to explore, make mistakes and make choices that led me to find the right career path.”

Before making the move to Southern California five years ago, Levy worked for an ad agency in Colorado, where she maintained clients like Old Navy, Burger King, Volkswagen and Microsoft.

The success and recognition garnered from “With Dad” came on the heels of several cutting-edge projects with Nissan. Levy’s creative influence can be seen in an episodic reality TV show that turned PlayStation gamers into professional racecar drivers through the “Nissan GT Academy.” Also notable among her favorite projects is last year’s Nissan promotion that included the delivery of a compact car – in the world’s largest Amazon box.

While it may seem like fun and games, Levy and her team at TBWA/Chiat/ Day have generated much respect and credibility in the advertising world.

Together, they have been honored with numerous Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity Awards as well as several CLIOs, awards once described

by Time as the most recognizable advertising honors in the world.

“To see beyond limitations, you must first allow yourself to see the opportunities in those limitations,” Levy said. “It comes down to being willing to take risks, seeing your faults and how you can overcome them, and constantly bettering yourself by learning from [others]. Steve Jobs once said, ‘Sometimes life is going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith.’ Well, I’ve had a lot of bricks come my way in both life and work. But those bricks haven’t taken down my perseverance because I love what I do.

And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

Darlington Magazine

Class Notes Jennifer (Watford) Deems married Ricky Lee Deems on Oct. 24, 2015, at Burk Farm in Rome. The couple lives in Tallapoosa, Ga.

Honors Research in only four years.

I can’t imagine another school being so flexible in making study abroad opportunities realities with the tough course load I chose for myself.”

2012

(next reunion 2017)

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

Ricky and Jennifer (Watford) Deems (’08)

2009

(next reunion 2019)

Class Agent: Bess Kelley

Lauren (Dulaney) Hughes married Jared Lane Hughes on Sept. 26, 2015, at the home of her parents in Rome.

The couple lives in Rome.

Cleve Jackson married Emilia Shea Dover on June 20, 2015, at the Old Baptist Church in Rolater Park in Cave Spring, Ga. The couple lives in Cave Spring. Cleve was also a finalist in the 2014 Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer competitive events at the organization’s annual conference on Jekyll Island.

2010

(next reunion 2020)

Class Agent: Cole Daniel

Molly (Safigan) Huston married Matthew Charles Huston on March 29, 2015, at the home of the bride’s parents in Rome. The couple lives in Macon, Ga. 2011

(next reunion 2016)

Class Agents: Chandler Holcombe, Charles King

Leah Mayo, a senior from Rome,

credits her numerous study abroad experiences as one of her favorite parts of her college experience. A double major in political science and English, Leah participated in a Maymester trip to Greece in 2012 and spent a semester in Ormskirk, England, during her junior year. Most recently, she traveled to Cuba with the political science department.

Leah says: “I was able to coordinate with the International Office and my major departments so that my study abroad experiences contributed to my major and minor courses, allowing me to work toward two degrees and

Winter 2016

Liliane Chidsey is an Africana studies research assistant at the University of North Carolina Asheville. For the next year, she will be working closely with international studies professors in developing and eventually publishing an Africana studies journal for the university.

Myles Englis, a midfielder/forward at Creighton University, was listed as a Top 40 Professional Prospect of the PDL summer league. The PDL (Premier Development League) has proven to be an important steppingstone for top professionals now playing throughout the world, with 70% of all MLS draftees having PDL experience.

Dylan Faber was named Northeastern University’s StudentAthlete of the Year, which recognizes academic achievement, excellence in leadership, and commitment to being the best example of a Northeastern student-athlete on and off the field.

Keenan Freyberg was enrolled in the general course at the London School of Economics for the 201415 school year. The admission process for entering the General Course at LSE is very competitive, with over 19,000 applicants for only 300 spots. While in London, Keenan was a member of the University of London Boat Club, training on the River Thames and competing across Europe and Asia. To begin his journey, Keenan traveled to Dusseldorf, Germany, to visit his friend Florian “Flo” Isken, whom he met in 2010 through Darlington’s Global Classroom cultural exchange program, which paired 13 Darlington students with St. Ursula Gymnasium students.

At that time, Flo stayed with the Freybergs in Rome for two weeks, and the following school year Keenan stayed with the Iskens in Dusseldorf for two weeks. On their reunion trip, Keenan and Flo stayed with the Isken family in Dusseldorf and traveled to Munich and to Flo’s university in Clausthal-Zellerfeld. From there,

Keenan traveled to Berlin, where he met up with his new teammates and coaches and competed in the Rowing Champions League final before continuing on to London to begin his junior year studies. Keenan attends The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Elliott School of International Affairs, where he is in the Honors Program and is a member of the men’s varsity rowing team.

He was named to the Intercollegiate Rowing Association’s Academic AllIRA Team during his freshman and sophomore years.

Flo Iksen and Keenan Freyburg (’12) at Olympiapark in Germany.

Class agents gather in Atlanta to talk about their role and new ideas for engaging the alumni in their classes.

Head of School Brent Bell and Director of ESL Tara Inman host a summer reception for alumni, students and parents in Beijing, China.

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Class Notes 2013

(next reunion 2018)

Class Agent: Vacancy

Cody Hall graduated from Great Lakes Naval Training Center in North Chicago, Ill., on March 13, 2015, and is bound for Advanced Training School.

2014

(next reunion 2019)

Class Agent: Vacancy

Ian Winder will join the Men’s Bahamian National Team as they compete to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, which will be hosted by Russia.

Class of 2015

2015 Ansley McDurmon has been named to the Dean’s List at the University of the South for the Easter 2015 term.

To earn a place on the list, a student must earn a minimum grade point average of 3.625 on a 4.0 scale.

Marissa McKoy and fellow Darlington alumnus Chris Jefts (’84) connected at a recent Presidents Club reception at the University of Georgia.

Shelby Martin (’13), Madeline Gaffney (’13) and Caroline Walker (’13) reconnect in Oxford, England, this summer.

(next reunion 2020)

Class Agent: Vacancy

Juan Angulo Reyes showed a group of Darlington Soccer Academy Players around Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University this fall during their three-day tour of eight colleges with Soccer Academy Director Chad Liddle. Juan enjoyed seeing his former teammates.

Charlotte Boyd had an internship with U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson this past summer.

Chris Jefts (’84), Marissa McKoy (’12), Santhia Curtis and Raymond McKoy

Calling all alumni…

Distinguished Alumnus Nominations Send us your nominations for the 2016 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 March 1, 2016 and include the following information:

Alumni Council Nominations Send us your nomination for the 2016-2019 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 March 1, 2016.

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

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Darlington Magazine

In Memoriam

Located on the bank of Silver Lake, Dr. Elson S. Floyd (’74) Legacy Point is a focal point of Darlington’s campus.

Dr. Elson Floyd (’74) Leaving a Legacy

Darlington School has named the area on the bank of Silver Lake that is home to our nation’s flag in memory of Dr. Elson Floyd (’74), the school’s first black graduate. Dr. Elson S. Floyd (’74) Legacy Point was dedicated Sept. 23, the same day as a Celebration of Life service hosted by the school in his honor.

“Dr. Floyd credited Darlington with changing the trajectory of his life, and it is our honor to memorialize him by dedicating something so significant in his honor,” said Head of School Brent Bell. “This area is a focal point of the Upper School campus. It is a place where teachers may hold class on a warm spring day, a quiet place for a student to study for that important exam or simply a place for friends to gather to enjoy each other’s company. This tribute is one more way that Dr. Floyd’s meaningful legacy will live on here at Darlington.”

The plaque at Dr. Elson S. Floyd (’74) Legacy Point reads:

Winter 2016

The first African-American graduate of Darlington School, Dr. Elson S. Floyd was admired and respected by his classmates and faculty. A nationally recognized figure in higher education, he was an educator, life-long learner, visionary leader, statesman and a man of honor.

Dedicated September 23, 2015 “Legacy, what is left behind through the actions of a lifetime.”

- Anonymous In attendance at the dedication were Dr. Floyd’s mother, Dorothy; his widow, Carmento; his son, Kenneth; his Rome Parents, Guy and Beulah Welch, and their family; his former roommate, Thom Young (’74), and other classmates; Board Chair Linda (Grizzard) Owens (’79); Darlington’s Elson Floyd Scholars; and other distinguished guests.

Born and raised in the small, thensegregated town of Henderson, N.C., Dr. Floyd’s father was a brick mason and his mother worked in a tobacco factory. Neither had graduated from high school but they knew the value of a good education and wanted more for their sons. Elson earned a scholarship to attend Darlington and enrolled as a boarding student in August of 1972.

Dr. Elson Floyd (’74) speaks at Darlington Celebration after receiving the 2004 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Bill Smith (’72) was the proctor on the hall. “Elson was a great fellow. It was easy to see from the day he arrived at Darlington he would be very successful in life,” Smith said. “Elson broke the color barrier. His style and grace were at the forefront of everything he undertook at the Lakeside. Elson made Darlington better simply by his presence.”

Once he arrived on campus, Elson quickly became involved in all aspects of campus life. A three-sport athlete, he

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In Memoriam

Carmento Floyd addresses the Darlington Community at her husband’s Celebration of Life service.

Darlington classmates Elson Floyd (’74), Thom Young (’74) and Doug Hendrickson (’74) pictured with then-President Gordon Bondurant at their Commencement. was co-captain of the football team and a member of the track and basketball teams. He was also president of the “Y” Cabinet, president of Student Council, vice president of the Explorers, vice president of the Honor Council, and participated in many social school activities, including Advisory Committee and Social Committee. A leader among his peers, he was even voted “Class Favorite.”

Classmate, friend and current trustee Doug Hendrickson (’74) lived on the same hall as Floyd their junior year. As seniors, the two were proctors together, but on different floors. “Elson was just a good guy,” he recalled. “Everybody liked him. I remember how very funny he was. He had

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a great sense of humor and he’d spring it on you when you least expected it.”

After graduating from Darlington, Elson went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Speech, a Master of Education in Adult Education, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher and Adult Education, all from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“The decision Elson, his family and Darlington made together to ensure that he had the same opportunity as other students to attend a school that would prepare him for college was the right decision – the right decision for Elson, for Darlington, for every individual Elson impacted during his lifetime, and for everyone who will be impacted by his legacy,” said Owens.

Prior to his appointment as the first black president of Washington State University in 2007, Dr. Floyd served as president of the University of Missouri System and of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. He also held numerous administrative positions at his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and at Eastern Washington University.

“As the first African-American graduate of our school, Dr. Floyd’s historical significance is undeniable,” said Bell.

“More importantly, we carry great pride in the way he lived his life to the full embodiment of our motto: Wisdom more

than Knowledge; Service beyond Self; Honor above Everything.”

A lifelong supporter and advocate for Darlington, Dr. Floyd was a former trustee, a Visitor Emeritus, a Distinguished Alumnus, and a member of the Second Century Campaign’s National Campaign Cabinet.

“I vividly remember the Distinguished Alumnus ceremony at which Elson Floyd was honored in 2004. Upon receiving his award, he stated, ‘While there are many alums so much more deserving of this award, there is not a single one who is more grateful,’” recalled Joe Montgomery, chief advancement officer. “He was a grateful person and his gratitude was manifested in his humility.”

A scholarship endowed in Dr. Floyd’s honor through the Second Century Campaign is awarded annually to minority students of all ethnicities who possess strong character and leadership skills. This year’s Elson Floyd Scholars are Hannah Fitzgibbons (’21), Kam Hall (’19), JD Hull (’19), Matyah Jackson (’19), Treylin Moore (’27), Jiniya Trammell (’19), Ivan Tran (’19), Tijai Whatley (’18) and Jamila Wood (’18).

“Dr. Floyd’s life serves as a reminder of the potential in each child, and we are honored to call him a Darlington Tiger,” Bell said. “His legacy challenges us to seize opportunity, to treat everyone with respect and to do our best each day.”

Editor’s Note: Dr. Elson Floyd died June 20, 2015, due to complications from cancer.

Photo by Robert Hubner, WSU Photography Services

Lt. Mark Mooring (’03), at far right, joins representatives of the Navy, Army and Air Force University of Idaho/Washington State University ROTC units in paying respect to Dr. Elson Floyd (’74) on his final tour of the WSU campus.

Darlington Magazine

In Memoriam

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Jake Jacobs III died Jan. 26, 2015

1947

Bill Jordan Jr. died Oct. 7, 2015

1936

Ted Stivers died Sept. 20, 2015

1949

Bob Watkins Jr. died on Oct. 19, 2015

Burney Huff died July 1, 2015

1963

Ronald Cole died Jan. 4, 2010

1976

Marvin Barron died July 26, 2015

Clifford Brooks died Aug. 18, 2015

1965

Hutch Wright died July 26, 2015

1982

Guy Welch died Oct. 26, 2015

James Barnwell died Oct. 21, 2015

Phil McGill died March 4, 2015

Ed Curlee Jr. died Sept. 16, 2015

Wade Pullin Jr. died July 24, 2015

Bill Smith II died July 1, 2015

William Ritch died Nov. 12, 2012

1955

Robert Eberhardt III died June 11, 2015

1967

David Ewan died March 3, 2015

1990

Kurt Robinson died Sept. 29, 2015

1941

1942

Pete Lindsey Jr. died Aug. 22, 2009

Gus Wilson died July 29, 2015

1944

James Salmon Sr. died Sept. 4, 2015

Guthrie Allen died Nov. 15, 2013

1956

Kirby Farrington died March 26, 2011

1996

Miles Callahan died July 4, 2015

George Simmons died April 8, 2015

William Devane Jr. died July 20, 2015

1958

Bob Black died June 16, 2015

1969

Charles Etheridge died Jan. 8, 2015

1946

Robert Wilcox died May 30, 2015

1953

1951

1954

Ranny Burts died April 10, 2015

1940

1950

1953

Joe Booker died Aug. 7, 2015

1939

Jim Elkins Jr. died April 1, 2015

1970

Bob Burrell died March 15, 2013 Van

Swanton Ivy Jr. died June 8, 2015

1959

Kenny Williams died Aug. 8, 2015

1974

Elson Floyd died June 20, 2015

Tim Bentley Jr. died Oct. 1, 2015

1961

Jack Fincher Jr. died Sept. 6, 2015

1975

Rick Hlatky died Dec. 14, 2011

Former Faculty

Diane Calleson died Aug. 15, 2014

John Thomas died Aug. 17, 2015

Not Pictured – 1939: Damon Tuggle died Feb. 12, 2015 1940: Robert Mull died Sept. 3, 2015 1952: Jim Carson Jr. died Aug. 28, 2015, Griffin Martin Jr. died May 28, 2014 1953: Jack Crouch died Nov. 25, 2014 1961: Bart Blakeslee died May 30, 2014 1985: Homer Blankenship died March 17, 2013 Former faculty: Sally MacLeod died Sept. 28, 2015, Thomas Pederson died Oct. 21, 2015 Memorials published in this edition were reported to the Advancement Office prior to Oct. 21, 2015. Additional memorials can be found on the alumni web page at www.darlingtonschool.org.

Winter 2016

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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 When Steven Winkler (’72, LD ’15) enrolled at Darlington as a freshman, he went from being an only child to having 30 brothers who lived right down the hall.

Forty-three years after graduating, he credits the school with helping him gain independence, leadership skills and new talents.

“Darlington forced you to grow up and be responsible,” he said. “You had to balance your academic life with sports and social activities. It also strengthened your morals and standards through the Honor Code. I would be remiss if I didn’t say a huge part of the experience at Darlington was the interaction with the faculty. They lived in the dorms and we got to be part of their lives.”

Winkler remembers riding home to Dalton, Ga., with Rick Buice, babysitting for Betsy and George Awsumb, helping Worth Moser fill the Coke machines, coach classes with Mr. Mac, and so many more.

As a student, Winkler was a member of the Honor Council, “Y” Cabinet, the Darlingtonian and Jabberwokk staffs, and the Dance Committee. He also wrestled, served as the tennis manager and worked on the stage crew, running lights for

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productions like “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

In his years as a Tiger, the Baton Rouge, La., resident formed a close friendship with his roommate of four years, Bill Smith (’72).

“Bill has been a wonderful friend for over 40 years,” Winkler said. “We have shared the best experiences of life and the worst, from weddings and births to losses as well – always being there for each other.

This is true for many other graduates of both Darlington and Thornwood with whom I shared my time in Rome.”

To help protect the camaraderie within the Class of 1972, Winkler became a class agent in 1999.

“I wanted to stay in touch with the classmates that I had spent four years with, so I started asking everyone to send me their updates,” he said. “I would put that information back together in a booklet and mail it to everyone. We didn’t have Facebook then.”

The Leadership Darlington graduate has also served as chairman of the Board of Visitors and is a loyal contributor to the Annual Fund.

“The Annual Fund is necessary to maintain the great things about

Steven Winkler (’72, LD ’15) Darlington,” Winkler said. “If we want the school to have the same impact on tomorrow’s students as it did on our class, the alumni have to stay close. We must continue to recruit students and be willing to give back to the school as it costs a lot to maintain the programs and grow with the times as well.”

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

Darlington Magazine