Darlington Magazine Summer 2010

M A G A Z I N E

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On the Cover: Anna Jaron (’12) and Sara Lee (’12) create pastel

drawings in Art I using Darlington School’s scenic lakeside campus

as their inspiration.

Tom Whitworth Headmaster

James Milford Assistant Headmaster Director of Admission

Gordon L. Hight III (’94) Director of Upper School

James Hutchins Director of Middle School

Steve Bartholomew Director of Lower School

Faye H. Fron Chief Development Officer

Joe Montgomery Chief Advancement Officer

Vicki Vincent Director of Alumni Relations

LaNoya Corley Graphic Designer

Doug Hamil Director of Graphic Design

Tannika King Director of Media Relations

Anne Paige Wilson Director of Marketing

RuthAnne AndersonCrystaline Kline Randazzo 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 30161706-235-6051(phone)

706-232-3600, (fax)[email protected]

www.darlingtonschool.org

Located at the end of Silver Lake, the Sennett Tower was given in memory of Charles Sennett (’79) by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Charles O. Sennett. The bells in the tower were given by Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. Riddle in thankful appreciation to Darlington School in honor of their sons, Doug (’67), Kran (’69) and Alfie (’75). Constructed in 1997, the tower enhances the beauty of the campus, and the chiming of the bells on the half-hour serves as a reminder of its presence.

Content

2 Community News 6 Second Century Campaign News 30 Class Notes 53 In Memoriam

Campus Features

8 Second Century Campaign breaks $70 million

9 Year in Review 16 Tech Talk

Darlington website gets a new look, features

20 Ask Dr. Frank Stegall 22 Career Day

A glimpse into the real world

Campus Views

18 Hello, Dolly! 24 Special Olympics 28 Alumni Weekend 48 Tiger Tailgates

Alumni Profiles

26 Road to RetirementElaine Smith (‘71T) and Sally Rudert (‘66T)

32 Acquania (Gibbs) Escarné (’01) Learning to cope when disaster strikes

36 John Hine (’53) Distinguished Alumnus

42 Eric MacLeod (’92)Lifelong passion inspires opportunity

52 Mike Page (’66)Remembering a friend

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Darlington Magazine

Trail dedicated in memory of Charlie Orr (’75)

Orr’s classmate and friend, Henry Hine (’74), helped fund the memorial.

A memorial marker placed near the Kawamura Science Center was dedicated in memory of Charlie Orr (’75) during Alumni Weekend in September. The memorial was established by Orr’s mother, Vallie, and his longtime friend and classmate, Henry Hine (’74).

“Charlie’s remains are at Myrtle Hill Cemetery in Rome,” Hine said. “I’ve been to his grave, but his memories are hidden there. He needs to be out front where everybody can see him, think about him and remember his contributions and what he stood for.”

Orr was killed in the fall of 1984 at age 27 when the bicycle he was riding was struck by an automobile. An outdoorsman at heart, he was an experienced hiker and whitewater canoeist. As a student at Darlington, he was a member of the cross country team, so it was only fitting that the memorial be placed at the entrance of Darlington’s cross country course, which has been named The Charlie Orr Trail in his honor.

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Five new members were elected to the Board of Trustees during the May meeting.

Susie Harton of Cartersville, Ga., is president of the Fine Arts Booster Club and secretary-elect of the Parents’ Association. Mary Helen (Wright) Heaner (’77) of Atlanta is a second-generation Darlington alumna. Billy Mitchell (’58) of Atlanta has served previously as chairman of the Board and is a Distinguished Alumnus,

visitor emeritus and co-chairman of the Second Century Campaign Atlanta Cabinet. Bob Smith (’78) of Tallahassee, Fla., has served previously on the Board of Visitors. Steve Wilhoite (’73) of Cartersville, Ga., is a current parent and class agent.

In addition, John Hine (’53) has been named a life trustee. He served previously on the Board and is a Distinguished Alumnus and co-class agent.

Five join Board, life trustee named

International dignitaries representing 11 countries were greeted by students, administrators and the Board of Trustees during their visit to Darlington in September. The school was one of several stops on the group’s tour of Rome, which also included visits to Berry College, Shorter College and Pirelli Tire North America.

The visitors, Atlanta-based members of the Consulate Corps, toured Darlington’s campus and attended a short program in the chapel where students displayed flags representing the 27 countries from which they hail. The consuls then had an opportunity to talk briefly with students from their respective home countries.

“Darlington was selected for the tour because of its international presence,” said Heather (Lathbury) Seckman (’85),

director of economic development for the local Chamber of Commerce. “We are truly honored to have this group visit Rome and Floyd County, and are excited that we have such valuable community assets, like Darlington School, to show them.”

International dignitaries visit Darlington

Consul General Yan Hsing Yin of Taipei talks with a Darlington student from his home country.

During the 2008-09 school year, 98 students in Rome and Floyd County earned the designation of AP Scholar by The College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program (AP) Exams. Of these scholars, 59 are from Darlington.

“Each year that I grade AP exams, I am impressed with how skilled our Darlington AP students are compared with the majority of test takers nationally,” said Academic Dean David Powell. “This is a testimony not only to our students and teachers, but to the

Darlington education as a whole, pre-K through 12.”

Five recent graduates qualified for the National AP Scholar Award, the highest designation, by earning an average grade of 4 or higher on a 5-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. These students are Dylan Baker (’09), Isabel Bonnyman (’09), Spencer Carroll (’09), Zi Yang Chen (’09) and Monique Picon (’09).

Darlington currently offers AP courses in 19 subjects.

59 earn AP Scholar designation

Summer 2010 3

The Darlington Community walked thousands of laps around Silver Lake in March during Light the Lake, the school’s annual Relay for Life-inspired fundraiser. The event raised $7,600 for Cancer Navigators, a local organization that provides resources to all who are touched by the life-changing process of dealing with cancer.

“Raising money is so important for our community, but raising awareness among young people is where it begins,” said Instructional Technology

Coordinator Kandi Riddle, a Board member for Cancer Navigators. “I am a cancer patient myself and as I walked around the lake, I saw so many luminaries with my name on them. It means more to me than those students will ever know.”

Throughout the entire evening, students, faculty, parents and friends walked laps around the lake. After dinner, candles were released onto the lake, which was lined with hundreds of luminaries in honor and memory of

friends and family. A Walk of Honor followed.

“This year’s event was especially meaningful to me since surviving my second bout with breast cancer last fall,” said Cindy Stinson, kindergarten teaching associate. “Light the Lake gave my family and me the opportunity to reflect on the support system we have at Darlington and the many blessings the Lord has given us.”

Visit www.darlingtonschool.org/lightthelake for more on this story.

Light the Lake raises awareness, funds for Cancer Navigators

Students honor and remember loved ones during Light the Lake.

Five scholarship awards were given to qualified students in 2009-10, and more than 30 commitments have already been made for 2010-11 thanks to the Darlington Community’s generous support of the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program.

One hundred thirty-six contributors redirected a total of $409,850 of their Georgia state income tax dollars to Darlington in 2009 through the GOAL

initiative, which helps create additional scholarship opportunities for public school students who are transferring in or entering pre-K. In return, they received a state tax credit.

“This is a huge accomplishment for our first year of participation in the program, and we are so appreciative of all those who supported this effort and helped make it such a tremendous success,” said Admission Officer DeLean

Brandon, who is managing the GOAL effort this year. “We want to double this total in 2010, and we hope we can count on your participation!”

Unfortunately, the House Bill that created this program could be revoked by the Georgia General Assembly at any time. Therefore, it is imperative that friends of Darlington act fast. To learn more, visit www.darlingtonschool.org/goalscholarship.

Georgia GOAL Scholarships benefit new students

Darlington Magazine 4

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Since its inception last August, 14 Upper School students have enrolled in Darlington’s Instrumental Music Conservatory, a year-round program that draws upon the expertise of local and regional performing artists who have helped place their students at renowned institutions such as the Peabody Conservatory and the Mannes School of Music.

“Darlington’s Instrumental Music Conservatory enrolls highly motivated students from around the world who share a common goal – to obtain an excellent college-preparatory education and intensive conservatory training within a single school program,” said Will Camp, conservatory director. “By

providing an academic conservatory experience for young musicians, we are able to train, educate, assist and prepare members for the competitive scholarship process in the nation’s most prestigious schools, regardless of major or career path.”

The Instrumental Music Conservatory provides a full range of musical training that includes fundamental classes, master classes, juried recitals and audition preparation. By graduation, students have developed an electronic portfolio of repertoire and accomplishments with audio documentation of steady and marked improvement over several years.

This fall, Darlington students and faculty joined the Rome community in reading Paul Rusesabagina’s “An Ordinary Man” as part of the One Book/Many Voices reading initiative. Alexandra Murray (’10) was named Darlington’s winner of a community essay contest that focused on the book.

“Rusesabagina’s concept of the ordinary demonstrates a belief in common human decency that transcends racial divides,” said Murray, who met the author when he spoke at Berry College in September. “He labels himself an ‘ordinary man’ because he

treated his neighbors not as friends or enemies, but as ordinary people. … Rusesabagina simply viewed his heroism as part of his duty as a human being.”

“An Ordinary Man” tells the story of a country torn apart by violence during the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Rusesabagina has been internationally honored for saving 1,268 civilians during the Rwandan genocide. His book was the basis of the 2004 Academy Award-nominated film “Hotel Rwanda.”

One Book/Many Voices is sponsored by 14 community organizations, including Darlington School.

Senior wins community essay contest

Alexandra Murray (’10)

May Wang (’12)

Instrumental Conservatory adds to fine arts offerings

Seniors reach 100 percentFor the third consecutive year –

and only the third time ever – the senior class has achieved 100-percent participation in giving back to its alma mater. In April, a local trustee anonymously challenged seniors to give to the Annual Fund, promising a gift of $2,010 if every senior made a donation. Two weeks later, all 133 members of the senior class were on board. Together, they contributed more than $930 for the Annual Fund, making gifts in honor of faculty, staff, coaches and advisers. “This is a significant boost to our Annual Fund campaign, and sends a very clear message that even the most recent graduates are already thinking about Darlington’s future,” said Jason Turner, annual gifts officer. “We are very grateful to both the ’10 bunch and to this trustee for such a tremendous display of leadership and loyalty. I think this continues a tradition of which all Darlington alumni can be proud.” The Annual Fund campaign surpassed its $1 million goal in May.

Summer 2010 5

Lower School students hear from award-winning author

Georgia author Lola Schaefer brought her stories to Darlington this winter during the Lower School’s annual author visit.

Schaefer, a former teacher who has published over 260 titles, has won dozens of awards for her nonfiction and narrative works, including the Outstanding Science Trade Book Award, the Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award and the Zena Sutherland Award. She is also a national writing consultant.

“Lola talked to our students about how reading actually improves one’s writing,” said Ann Glass, Lower School librarian. “Emphasizing the need for accuracy, she also told many stories about the research she does for her books. The children were astounded when she told them that she has actually rewritten a single book as many as 40 times efore sending it to her editor for publishing.” Schaefer will return to Darlington in October to conduct a three-day writing workshop for grades 2-4. Visit www.darlingtonschool.org/authorvisit for more on this story.

Lola Schaefer

Medal of Honor recipient and NBC military analyst Jack Jacobs was the seventh speaker in Darlington’s annual Class of 1953 Lectureship Series in March.

“You’ve got your freedom and the best foundation you could possibly have,” he told students. “Do not forsake them. Nurture them and encourage others to nurture them as long as you live. …When today’s gone, it’s gone forever and you can’t get it back. When you get to be

my age, every day is a large percentage of what you have left. I recommend you don’t waste time.”

Jacobs entered the U.S. Army in 1966, serving as a platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division and executive officer of an infantry battalion in the 7th Infantry Division, and commanding the 4th Battalion 10th Infantry in Panama. A member of the faculty of the U.S. Military Academy, he has taught international relations and comparative politics, and was a member of the faculty of the National War College in Washington, D.C. He was in Vietnam twice as an adviser to Vietnamese infantry battalions, and he is among the most highly decorated soldiers from that era, having earned three Bronze Stars, two Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts and the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest combat decoration. Jacobs retired as a Colonel in 1987.

During his visit to Rome, Jacobs also spoke at the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce and The Rotary Club of Rome, and hosted several book signings for his memoir, “If Not Now, When?”

Lectureship features Medal of Honor recipient

Col. Jack Jacobs

Darlington Magazine

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Joe Montgomery presents a photo of

Thatcher Hall to John Thatcher (’44).

Darlington’s newest building has been named Thatcher Hall in memory of Samuel E. and Mary W. Thatcher thanks to a named gift from their son, John Thatcher (’44), to the Second Century Campaign.

“In every organization, there are people who simply embody the values and the ideals of the institution; John Thatcher is that person for Darlington School,” said George Johnson (’54), campaign co-chairman. “He has demonstrated Wisdom more than Knowledge in important and critical decisions that were made during his past chairmanship of our Board of Trustees; he’s lived Service beyond Self in the ways that he has served his profession, his church, his school and his alma mater; and he is one of the most honorable people I know.”

The announcement was made in September during a formal dinner

hosted at Darlington by Lyons Heyman (’44), chairman of the Northwest Georgia-Area Campaign Cabinet, to honor all major donors to Darlington’s Middle School project. Each donor was also presented with a brick from the original Middle School building as a memento.

“Lyons, along with his committee of over 25 alumni and parent volunteers, called on hundreds of people in the Northwest Georgia area and reigned in unprecedented funds for this project,” said Frank Stegall (’62), chairman of the Board of Trustees, as he addressed the audience. “We express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for the role that you played in making our dream come true by your amazing generosity and support for this Middle School building. Let this brick be a reminder to you of how far we have come.”

Middle School named in memory of donor’s parents

Summer 2010 7

Thanks to the generous support of the Darlington Community and a foundation friend of the school, the final phase of renovations to the boys’ residence halls will be completed this summer.

“Work has already begun, and we expect to finish in July,” said Joe Montgomery, chief advancement officer. “The upgrades include a complete renovation of each room and the addition of new common areas. The architect worked closely with the boys and their heads of house to design a

complete transformation that truly meets their needs. I think everyone will be very pleased when they see the finished product in August.”

To preserve the history that lies within the walls of Wilcox and South halls, Darlington is offering alumni the opportunity to be permanently recognized with the naming of a dormitory room on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact the Second Century Campaign Office at 1-866-534-1905.

Darlington’s new Middle School facility has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED is the premier program in the nation to certify high-performance green buildings, and is based on energy consumption, water management, indoor environmental quality, site planning and material use.

“We are proud to have created a learning environment that is both sustainable and healthy,” said Headmaster Tom Whitworth. “Our commitment to meet LEED standards in the planning, design, construction

and operation of this building will pay it forward for years to come as we seek to be good stewards of the environment and our surrounding community.”

Thatcher Hall’s mechanical system exceeds the local energy code efficiency requirements by 40 percent. All spaces are day lit to minimize the need for artificial lighting, thus reducing energy consumption. Along the same lines, motion sensors are utilized in many rooms and photocells control lighting in the classrooms, automatically turning off lights when the daylight reaches a level equal to that of the light fixture. Additionally,

to conserve water all plumbing fixtures and kitchen equipment are low-flow and many are also motion controlled. To preserve a healthy air quality, interior finishes and materials are low-VOC products to minimize off-gassing, and environmentally friendly cleansers are used by Darlington’s housekeeping staff. Last, and most remarkable, 90 percent of all construction waste was recycled.

Thatcher Hall earns LEED Gold Certification

Thatcher Hall, Darlington’s 57,000-square-foot Middle School facility, opened in August 2009.

The athletic field next to Thatcher Hall has been named Charlie Davidson Field in honor of the retired athletic director. This named gift to Darlington’s Second Century Campaign was funded by a group of Davidson’s former players and students.

Davidson, known as “Coach Charlie” among alumni, was the school’s athletic director and head football coach from 1971-1984. He has been honored by the Georgia State Senate for outstanding work with the young people of Georgia, and was inducted into the Georgia High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2005.

“Charlie Davidson was a master at motivating players to give their best on every play,” said Chief Financial Officer Bob Rogers, who coached with Davidson. “He was well-respected by players and coaches alike.”

Davidson’s record was 244 wins. He retired in 1984 and served as athletic director emeritus at Darlington for the next two years.

New athletic field honors ‘Coach Charlie’

Charlie Davidson

Renovations to boys’ houses to be completed this summer

Architectural rendering by Chapman, Coyle, Chapman & Associates


From the start, campaign co-chairmen George Johnson (’54) and Jere Drummond (’57) have emphasized that the Second Century Campaign is not just about money. It is about the people – the students, faculty and staff – who are currently at Darlington as well as the generations to come. The next phase of the campaign will focus on the importance of people.

First, the school is seeking to raise $10 million for faculty support. Currently, $2.1 million has been designated for this area of need.

“Great teachers make a great institution, and Darlington’s faculty members are the heart of our school,” Johnson said. “They have been in the business of transforming lives for more than 100 years by serving as teachers, mentors, coaches and friends. However, there is increasingly more competition for high-caliber faculty who excel not only in teaching, but who are also committed to working with students in a residential setting. That’s why it is more important than ever that we provide the funds needed to increase endowment designated for faculty salaries and professional development. This will allow Darlington to continue to recruit and retain high-quality teachers and mentors, like those who transformed the lives of countless Darlington alumni like myself.”

Along with supporting faculty, the Second Century Campaign aims to support future generations of students by increasing the financial aid endowment by $10 million. Alumni frequently credit Darlington with making a difference in their lives, and one of the school’s goals is to ensure that this transformative experience is within reach of any academically qualified student. The good news is $4.5 million has already been committed for this purpose.

“Our students are an investment in the future of Darlington School, and providing them with an outstanding college-preparatory education is our primary goal, but it is also a significant financial investment,” Drummond said. “Darlington adheres to a strict, need-blind admission policy, which means that all admission decisions are made without regard to the applicant’s ability to meet the cost of education. Because educational costs have risen to sustain programs, faculty and facilities, Darlington must offer families a variety of financing options, including payment plans and financial aid. Increasing financial aid opportunities is essential to our future.”

Johnson and Drummond added that they are extremely grateful to those members of the Darlington Community who have already made a contribution or commitment to the campaign. The grand total currently sits at just over $70 million, which is equal to 78 percent of the $90 million goal.

“It is the leadership of these folks that has allowed Darlington to move forward even during difficult economic times,” Johnson said. “Now, we need to reach out to the entire Darlington Community to encourage everyone’s participation in this vital campaign. Whether it is by providing support to faculty endowment, financial aid endowment or the Learning Center, or making a planned gift to ensure Darlington’s strength in the next century, there is a place in the campaign for everyone. Together we can all contribute to the success and legacy of the Second Century Campaign.”

To learn how you can be part of the Second Century Campaign, visit www.darlingtonschool.org/campaign or e-mail [email protected].

Second Century Campaign breaks $70 million

This article was written by Pat Douglas, Second Century

Campaign coordinator.

78%$70,099,783

The first phase of the Second Century Campaign has been extraordinarily successful thanks to the remarkable support of almost 900 of Darlington’s alumni, parents and friends. Their commitment to Darlington through the campaign has funded a new Middle School and much-needed renovations to the boys’ residence halls, and has allowed the school to begin increasing its endowment for financial aid. But there’s still more to do.

C a m p u s F e a t u r eC a m p u s F e a t u r e

Summer 2010 9

Augu

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September

Year in Review

C a m p u s F e a t u r e

Jim Van Es and Board Chairman Frank Stegall (’62) cut the ribbon on the first day of school to commemorate the opening of Darlington’s newest facility, Thatcher Hall.

Seniors and Lower School students walk hand in hand into Opening Convocation, kicking off another school year at Darlington.

Jamie Vincent (’10), Emily Braden (’10), Haley Weed (’10) and Hannah

Martin (’12) perform with the Concert Choir at the Many Voices Concert.

Soccer Academy coach Jeff Haigler presents Stefan Dill (’10) with a trophy after the U-19 boys’ team won the Atlanta Cup.

Emily Braden (’10) and Wale Desalu (’10) are named Homecoming Queen and King.

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Paige Black (’10) climbs the ropes course during the Senior Class Retreat.

Destinee Aspenwall (’14) and Bethany Cagle (’14) learn to weave baskets in Art class during Island Culture Day at the Middle School.

Chris Holloway directs the Middle School Orchestra during the Fall for the Arts Festival.

Year in Review


Hee-yeon Lim (’10) and her classmates bond over a bonfire during the Senior Class Retreat.

Heads of House Marcus Holmes and Tim McCann sport their costumes to the annual Middle School Halloween Parade.

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Summer 2010

Pierce Monroe (’18) carries a bag of donations for the Lower School’s annual Warm Clothing Drive.

Sally and Ben Scarbrough (’22) enjoy turkey, dressing and all the fixins at the Lower School’s annual Thanksgiving Feast.

Allie Hurley (’13) talks with women’s soccer star Julie Foudy during her trip to the campus. Foudy, an Olympian and former captain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, visited Darlington to learn more about the school and the Soccer Academy.

Year in Review


November The Tigers take

the field in the Class A State Semifinals. After a valiant effort, Darlington’s “Cinderella run” ended in round four with a 24-10 loss to Savannah Christian.

Tyler Watkins (’21) plays the family dog in the first-grade play “No Turkey for Perky.”

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January

Year in Review

Darlington’s 26th Annual Lessons and Carols featured a performance by Melissa Lee (’11) on flute and more than 130 other students from Lower, Middle and Upper Schools.

The Middle School hosts its annual holiday party for over 140 children from the Rebecca Blaylock Child Development Center.

Hamilton Shamblin (’23) performs in the pre-K and kindergarten musical, “The Tiniest Christmas Star.”

The Dar Bots robotics team hosts a FIRST

Lego League Regional Qualifier Tournament at the Middle School,

bringing over 200 visitors to campus.

The Neville House boys, decked out in slumber party attire, make their grand entrance during

RUMPUS, a weekend-long competition involving day and dorm students from all six residential houses. Neville House was named the overall

winner of RUMPUS 2010.

Summer 2010


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January

Year in Review

Kevin Sherrill (’10) takes down his Pepperell competitor on Senior Night. He went undefeated at the 171-pound weight class and was the area and state champion in Class A. After a visit from 11 Alive’s Mobile Weather Center in January,

Lower School students are filmed saying “11 Alive, you’re the ones!” Clips of this footage were aired during the news.

Febr

uary

A layer of snow blankets Darlington’s campus.

Robyn Featherngill (’23) proudly displays her Smith Smarties flag during the opening ceremony of the Pre-K Olympics, held in conjunction with the Vancouver Olympics.

After an exciting season, the boys’ and girls’ Middle School basketball teams earn complementary region titles.

Brian Liu (’10) does calligraphy at the International Fair and Taste of Darlington. At this event, international students representing 27 countries shared their cultures and favorite dishes.


April

Mar

chYear in Review

Sarah Tunnell (’22) and 17 other Darlington students perform the “Annie” selection “Hard Knock Life” during a Northwest Georgia Winds concert.

Caroline Temples (’18) was among the Lower School’s Science Fair winners for her project titled, “Is Smiling Contagious?”

Tommy Atha (’19) slides down an inflatable slide during Tiger Fest, an annual spring event sponsored by Darlington’s House Senate.

Members of the boys’ and girls’ varsity tennis teams pose for a group photo after sweeping the region tournament

Matt Duckworth (’10) and his date, Kamlyn Andrews (’12), walk in the

Senior Lead Out at Prom.

The 5th and 6th Grade String Ensemble plays at the Dollywood theme park. The Orchestra and Chorus also performed.

Summer 2010


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May

Year in Review

Chelsea Winfrey (’11) hands the baton to Paige Banks (’11) during the 4 x 100 Relay at the state meet. The relay team finished third in state, and the Lady Tigers finished fifth overall.

Hunter Hardeman (’11) and Cliff Knight (’11) race to the finish line during the Physics Boat Race. Their boat, The Wizard’s Curse, won the race by several minutes.

Gianna Pieroni (’17) plays the lead in the concert version of the famous Broadway musical “Annie.”

Chloe Simms beams with pride as she finishes the swim portion of Tri for the Kids with the help of Alea Vick (’13). The triathlon was held to benefit the Boys & Girls Club.

Kelsey Howell (’10) hugs history teacher Brian Inman after receiving her diploma at Commencement.

Allie Cordell (’23) and Hamilton Shamblin

(’23) play tug of war on Field Day.

Darlington Magazine

“For a school, in particular, everyone does initial comparisons on the web, so Darlington’s website has to be as good, or better, than our competitors’ to make a prospective student want to take the next step,” said Stefan Eady, director of information technology. “This fall and winter, I.T. and Communications teamed up to revamp our site. We had outgrown the previous design, and the large amount of information was causing the navigation to become difficult. The website is our most important – and arguably our most effective – marketing tool, so we wanted our efforts to support and enhance Darlington’s marketability. We’ve spent the past few years developing and

expanding our intranet for our internal audience, so it was time to really focus on the external.”

When Darlington launched its website in 1997, it was a static site typical of the time that was built and maintained by Eady, who was then working in the Communication Office. The site went through a series of redesigns in 1998, 2000 and 2002, evolving into a dynamic, data-driven website that could handle a growing amount of content that changed frequently, including real-time photo galleries, calendars, announcements and gradebooks. Since much of the development focused on academics, class management and administrative tools, it also became the primary communication medium for parents, students and teachers.

“Over the years, we have looked at several popular website vendors that specifically target independent schools; with few exceptions, all of our competitors use one of these services,” said Eady, who continued to manage the website when he became head of the I.T. Office in 2003. “But every time we began comparing, we were faced with more compromises we’d have to make in switching over than there were benefits, particularly in terms of our intranet capabilities. Simply put, we’d rather address our business needs the

right way instead of the easier way. By keeping Darlington’s site in-house, we are truly able to do anything we want any way we want. We can do things before any of our competitors because we don’t have to wait on industry solutions to catch up. We have also been able to tailor the functionality of our site specifically to our needs. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s made just for Darlington and that’s why it works so well.”

Eady and a five-person team representing I.T. and Communications began work on the latest rendition of Darlington’s website in October 2009. With Audra Babb and Eady focused primarily on database integration and programming; LaNoya Corley and Doug Hamil on multimedia production and web design; and Tannika King and Anne Paige Wilson on content and marketing, the group was off to a quick start. Their first steps were to address the weaknesses of the previous site design and brainstorm new features and functionalities that would specifically support future marketing needs. Their goal was simple: to attract more visitors for longer periods of time.

“To do that, we needed to get people connected to that content, either by leaving comments, sharing it with family and friends via social media

Technology is ever changing and always improving, and with internet access now available on the go via mobile phones and other hand-held devices, it’s more important than ever that an organization have a dynamic website. As people turn exclusively to the internet for discovering new services, an organization doesn’t exist unless it has one. For new customers, at least during that initial discovery, the website is the organization, and the organization is perceived to be only as good as its site.

Tech TalkDarlington website gets a new look, features

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Summer 2010

sites, or even contributing their own content,” Eady explained. “That connection with content creates a loop that helps us build more content and reach not only more people, but people who want and need to find Darlington. These two concepts, content and connectivity, became the focus of all of our planning. We actually sat down the first day, narrowed our focus to those two areas, and had the bulk of the new site planned by the end of that day.”

The school’s formal, static content was expanded in almost all sections, and pages were added in admission, academies and fine arts. In addition, the alumni section was transformed into a dynamic area where classmates can now create personal profiles and use tools like the Online Directory and Career Network to reconnect. On the back end, a great deal of time was spent restructuring and consolidating large sections of the database to make the new site easier to develop and maintain.

However, the most obvious change was the addition of new, authentic content that truly conveys the spirit and culture of the school.

“Static content paints a controlled image of the school by conveying central, foundational messages. This is necessary to accurately communicate what we’re about,” Eady said. “Our goal

was to expand this content, but to also complement it. We wanted to take the roof off of Darlington and let visitors get a peek into real life here. We know that the key to getting a new student at Darlington is getting that family on campus, so we wanted to help translate that experience online. To do that, we added things like blogs, videos and a whole section just for student-created content. Of this new content, the 1,000 Stories and the blogs are by far the most popular. What we have now is only the beginning.”

The new site launched in mid-March after several user tests.

“Two months into the project, we had a functioning prototype built and conducted one-on-one user testing with faculty, students and parents. That was probably our most helpful feedback and led us to make several adjustments to the overall site design, navigation and several individual page adjustments,” Eady said. “A month later, we were able to release an alpha version to all faculty members and a select group of other people including parents, students, trustees and friends. Most suggestions from that release focused on individual pages, but the reaction to the new direction of the site was very positive. When we released the beta version to the world in

February, the feedback was extremely positive. Following that curve of feedback, we felt very comfortable with our plan to launch the site over spring break.”

The website’s open design and the fact that it was built in-house creates a world of possibilities. Eady and his team encourage members of the Darlington Community to share their feedback and ideas so that they can continue to grow the site to support the future of Darlington.

“I’ve been designing websites for 14 years, and I have never created anything as sophisticated as the site we just launched,” Eady said. “We basically created our own content management system from scratch and integrated it with every other system on campus. Big businesses spend millions and take years to do that. Six of us created this site while still managing our other responsibilities, and it only took five months. We all had our separate strengths, but we also shared a similar passion for the power of the web and communications as well as a respect and practical knowledge of how it all works. This was some of the toughest work I’ve ever done, but it was also some of the most fun. With a great plan and the right people, anything is possible.”

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Darlington Magazine

More than 70 students of all ages took the stage in Darlington’s production of the famous Broadway musical, “Hello, Dolly!” at the Rome City Auditorium in February. The Tony Award-winning production tells the story of matchmaker Dolly Levi’s efforts to find a husband in wealthy half-millionaire, Horace Vandergelder, the first citizen of Yonkers, N.Y. Along the way, she also succeeds in matching up the beautiful, rich widow, Irene Molloy, with Vandergelder’s head clerk, Cornelius Hackl; Malloy’s assistant, Minnie Faye, with Hackl’s assistant, Barnaby Tucker; and struggling artist, Ambrose Kemper, with Vandergelder’s niece, Ermengarde. A special thanks to Darlington’s Fine Arts Booster Club for all of their support!.

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Hello,

Summer 2010 19

Darlington Magazine

How was Darlington a transformative experience in your life?

I was a graduate of the Class of 1962. The Honors Program had just begun, and we were the first class to have inductees into the Cum Laude Society. My classmates were some of the brightest individuals I have ever known; they set the bar high and in our day it was “cool to be smart.” Darlington taught me that mediocrity was not acceptable and that hard work can overcome a heck of a lot of deficiencies. I have always been grateful to Darlington for instilling those values in me.

You were elected Board chairman in May 2009. Did you ever imagine yourself in this role?

I never dreamed I would be a member of the Board of Trustees, much less the chairman. Looking back at the 13 men who have held this role before me, I am in awe. However, I am happy to serve the institution that has meant so much to me and my family.

What steps have you taken this year to determine the focus of your work as chairman?

My goal as chairman has been to work with the headmaster and my fellow trustees to identify national, regional and local factors affecting Darlington, and put into place processes to address these factors. Early in the year, we held strategic planning sessions with renowned consultant Dr. Bill Weary, and out of those sessions we have identified 10 major areas of focus specific to curriculum, development, marketing, mission and operations. We have six Board committees and five ad hoc committees dedicated to this process. It has been extremely gratifying to see our trustees – a very savvy group of people – engaged, energized and feeling productive in their service to the school as they work through these issues. We all feel a mandate to take Darlington “from good to great.”

What are the 10 areas of focus defined by the strategic planning group?

Independent schools face many challenges in 2010, and Darlington is no exception.

1. We are taking a close look at the Lower School to see if we can redefine its niche in Rome’s PK-4 market. The Lower School has been a proud part of Darlington since 1972, but in the last several years we have seen a decline in enrollment due to the emergence of several local competitors. We all want to see our Lower School succeed and be the undisputed best option in the city, so we are re-evaluating programs, curriculum, marketing, etc.

2. Raising the remaining $20 million to complete the Second Century Campaign is obviously on my mind. The most ambitious fundraising effort in Darlington’s history, this $90 million campaign is critical to Darlington’s future.

3. Attracting and keeping the best students – regionally, nationally and internationally – is a challenge I think all independent schools are facing to some extent. As families struggle with the economic downturn and whether or not to send their children to independent schools, it is more important than ever to fine tune our strategic marketing efforts and increase our financial aid dollars. We must identify the uniqueness of the Darlington experience as it relates to each of our constituents, define which students we serve best and focus our efforts on reaching those audiences, and find new ways to get Darlington’s message out to broader circles. Along with this, we must grow our endowment for student scholarships and continue to build participation in the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program so that we can enroll the very best students regardless of socioeconomic factors.

4. Another challenge is increasing our endowment for faculty support. Darlington’s faculty and staff have been the backbone of what we do here for over 100 years, and unfortunately their salaries are not where we want or need them to be. This group of devoted professionals is sacrificial in their service to the school; they are what alumni

remember when they leave our gates. So, in order to attract and keep the cream of the crop, this must be a priority.

5. Along with that, we want to improve our evaluation procedures for faculty and staff. Performance evaluations are essential to the success of any organization, and are as valuable – if not more valuable – to the employee’s professional development as they are to the institution.

6. In addition, we want to improve our accounting processes. There is always room for improvement where money is concerned, and this is an important way to ensure that we are the best possible stewards of our resources.

7. We also want to improve data collection on our alumni. For instance, how well do our graduates do in college and in life? What percentage go on to graduate with High Honors from their respective institutions? This is what we call outcomes measurement, and it will certainly help us on the marketing front.

8. There is a need for a more integrated, seamless curriculum across all three divisions of Darlington. Academic Dean David Powell and his vertical subject teams have already made great strides in this area. The math department, in particular, has done an excellent job re-evaluating what is taught at each grade level and developing a common language that will take students from Lower to Upper School. I look forward to seeing more progress in the coming year.

9. We want to look at expanding Darlington’s academies to include a fine arts academy, in particular. In the past five years, the soccer and tennis academies have flourished, attracting student-athletes from all over the world who want to obtain a quality education at Darlington. We need a similar option for students interested in pursuing the fine arts in college and as a career, and it is our goal to provide top-notch curricular programs and facilities to make this dream a reality.

Dr. Frank Stegall (’62), chairman of the Board of Trustees and third-generation Darlington alumnus, talks about the past, present and future of Darlington School. Stegall is a cardiologist in Rome, Ga. He and his wife, Rebecca, are the parents of Darlington alumni Maury (Stegall) Hitchcock (’00), Frank Jr. (’02) and Blair (’03).

Dr. Frank Stegall

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Summer 2010

10. Last, we are taking a good, hard look at our mission statement. Successful institutions do this every five or so years to ensure that it is aligned with future goals. We want to ensure that the mission of the school guides us appropriately and is something our entire school community truly believes in. Our mission should speak not only to academics, though that is the primary goal. Darlington aims to prepare students not only for college, but for life. We have an obligation to educate the whole child, and – most of all – we want to prepare our graduates for a life of accomplishment, leadership, service and fulfillment.

Setting up key statistical benchmarks to assess multi-year progression in these areas will be challenging but vital. As we update our strategic plan to guide us through the next few years, we must clearly outline the ways in which we will calculate our progress. After all, goals should be measurable.

Why is financial sustainability more important now than ever for independent schools?

The economic downturn has caused the value of an independent school education to be questioned now more than ever over lower-cost options. Parents simply have less discretionary income, and private school tuitions demand a sacrifice. This means an increased demand for financial aid for new and existing students. That coupled with a 20-25 percent drop in the value of our endowment have necessitated that Darlington, along with many other independent schools across the country, focus on financial sustainability. Past Board Chairman John Irby (’81) led this charge in 2008-09, and we continue to build upon the solid groundwork he laid. We are currently doing a cost/benefit analysis of programmatic offerings and looking at alternate sources of income besides tuition (i.e. summer programs).

What role does the Second Century Campaign play in Darlington’s future?

This campaign is crucial to Darlington’s financial sustainability. With $70 million already pledged, we have been remarkably successful despite the challenging economic climate. Co-chairmen Jere Drummond (’57) and George Johnson (’54) have been inspirational in their leadership of this campaign. This school is very fortunate to be blessed with hundreds of loyal alumni and friends who have been generous in their support, but there is still more to do. The final phase of this campaign will focus on increasing the endowments for faculty support and student scholarships.

In terms of admission, what must Darlington do to remain competitive?

Darlington and other independent schools across the nation are all facing the same challenges in admission – a drop in the birthrate, an increase in the number of families who choose home schooling, the emergence of less expensive local competitors and charter schools – all of which lessen the pool of qualified candidates. To remain competitive, Darlington must continue to be sensitive to the tuition burden of families while, at the same time, striving to make the learning experience even more rich so that parents no longer assume they can’t afford to send their child to Darlington – instead, they know they can’t afford not to. A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Independent Schools found that parents want a rigorous academic program with a strong emphasis on character and leadership development and where their children can obtain a “real world” experience. Darlington is remarkably strong in all of these arenas. Our students can choose from 19 AP courses and Honors courses in every subject. Character education begins in pre-K and prepares our students to be accountable to the highest standard of honor. They can be involved in over 80 leadership opportunities. Presently, Darlington’s student body represents 27 countries and 26 states. What a wonderful environment to learn from one another and to prepare young people for the complex world they will enter. I am confident that these “value added” co-curricular elements, paired with our undeniably strong faculty, are just a few of the reasons that Darlington is among the best independent schools in the Southeast.

Describe Darlington’s role as an independent school in the community of Rome, Ga.

Darlington and the City of Rome have had a symbiotic relationship for over 100 years. We are a major economic engine for the city, while Rome offers our students a great many avenues for experiential learning. Relationships with local colleges have created opportunities for our students to partner with undergraduate students on research projects. Darlington’s tie to the South Rome Redevelopment initiative has allowed our students to witness and be a part of social change. Our servant leadership program, which has been expanded in recent years, gives every student a chance to partner with one or many service organizations throughout the city. Every year, it seems like we are finding more opportunities like this to be involved in our community, and I think that’s an important part of who Darlington is.

What reasons do we have to be optimistic about Darlington’s future?

Darlington’s people are among its major assets. My fellow trustees and I believe that Darlington is in good hands with Tom Whitworth. A seasoned and knowledgeable headmaster, he is without a doubt the right person to navigate this school through the challenges that will inevitably come our way. We are also fortunate to have a faculty and staff who possess the desire for Darlington to reach the next level. They embrace change when it makes the school a better place, and they are the driving engine behind our efforts to do just that. Our ever-supportive community of students and parents help create the nurturing, family-like atmosphere that makes Darlington so special. Our alumni and friends continue to give of their time and resources because of the affinity they have for this school. These people love Darlington, and because of that our future will be bright. It’s also important to re-emphasize the fact that we have spent the past year identifying our greatest challenges, and my fellow trustees and I are wholeheartedly committed to addressing these. We have a 105-year history with continuing efforts at improvement, so I honestly could not be more optimistic.

Dr. Frank Stegall


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Frank Stegall (’62) congratulates recent graduate Victoria Ross (’10) during Darlington’s 105th Commencement on May 15.



Muschamp, a 14-year coaching veteran who has coordinated successful defenses at the collegiate and NFL levels, has already secured two SEC titles and made two appearances at the National Championship – winning one with Louisiana State University in 2003. This past fall, he was named head coach designate to succeed Longhorns veteran Mack Brown.

“In each phase of your life, whether it is academic, athletic, spiritual or anything else, you determine how successful you will be,” Muschamp said. “Anything worthwhile in life takes work. They are really easy words to say, but it is hard to do. …The good players

I’ve been around – and I have been around a lot of them – you don’t have to ask them to work hard. They know they need to [do it] in order to become great.”

Just one month after Muschamp helped lead Texas to the BCS National Championship game against Alabama in January, he returned to his alma mater as the keynote speaker for Darlington’s biannual Career Day event, sponsored by the Alumni Council.

“Even with all his success, Will Muschamp seemed to genuinely care about getting through to us,” said Aliya Smith (’11). “The piece of his speech that stood out the most to me was the part about potential. He said something to the effect of, ‘When someone tells you that you have potential, it just means you haven’t done any work.’ And to be quite honest, I wholeheartedly agree. Hearing from others that I have ‘potential’ just screams disappointment; it’s motivation to take initiative and get the ball rolling.”

A native of Rome, Muschamp graduated from Darlington in 1990. In high school, he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, track and baseball, receiving multiple awards

for his performance in each sport. His senior year, he received the American Legion Award for courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service and the Joe Mull Memorial Trophy for most versatile athlete. Looking back, Muschamp says he credits Darlington – and specifically his teachers and coaches – with preparing him for college and life beyond.

“There was nothing I faced when I was at college that I wasn’t prepared for already because of the great job that the administration and faculty did,” he said. “Darlington has done a great job hiring outstanding people and putting [them] in places where they can positively affect kids.”

He urged students to think about the people at Darlington who have already made a difference in their own lives.

“They’re not in it for the money,” laughed Muschamp, whose father, Larry, retired from Darlington in 1999 after two decades of service to the school. “They’re doing this because they can positively affect your life. The most important motivator in the workplace is appreciation, so show your appreciation for what these people do for you. [They are] what makes

Will Muschamp (’90), defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the University of Texas, knows that hard work is the key to success. A highly competitive and visible figure in the game of football, he is constantly reminded that hard work pays off – both by his players and in his own career.

Career DayA glimpse into the real world

Will Muschamp (’90)

Katherine (Biondo) Cline (’96)

Summer 2010 23

Darlington a special place.”After Muschamp’s address, juniors

and seniors had the opportunity to attend mini-seminars with returning alumni. The sessions focused on a wide array of professions from broadcast journalism and entertainment to wealth management and law. Out of the 18 available career choices, each student selected his or her top four and heard from those alumni.

“We are so appreciative of our Alumni Council for coordinating this wonderful event and of our alumni speakers, who graciously returned to campus to give students a firsthand glimpse into their respective careers,” said Vicki Vincent, director of alumni relations. “The feedback I have received has been overwhelmingly positive. Alumni had a great time connecting with a new generation of Darlington students and re-connecting with each other, and students really seemed to enjoy meeting career professionals who, at one time, were Darlington students just like them.”

Alumni guest speakers included Elizabeth (Smith) Avery (’66T), Grady Boggs (’88), Katherine (Biondo) Cline (’96), Maurie Dugger (’94), Christine (Todino) Earp (’83), Justin Farmer (’97), Lindsey (Mann) Field (’99), Mary Kate (Vick) Fuller (’84), Julia (Ward) Hamilton (’84), Jordan Knight (’98), Kim McConkey (’73), Kelly Moore (’95),

Bryan Mullins (’95), Natalie (Berry) Murphy (’94), Mary Katherine (Husser) Simmons (’95), John Thompson (’95), James Vick (’75), Andrew Walker (’96) and Tara Lyn Williams (’91).

“Before Career Day, I had forgotten my childhood dream of becoming a vet,” said Lindsay Braden (’11). “Mrs. Murphy went to Bel-Rea Institute, a college I wanted to go to when I was young. Hearing her experiences both at Bel-Rea and as a vet tech reminded me of my old passion. It got me thinking about my other options when it comes to college and the job I may take.”

Smith said Moore’s session on photography was her favorite because of his passion for his career. “The photography class was the artsiest of them all, so naturally it drew me in,” she said. “I want to major in drawing in college. It’s the one thing about which I’ve always been passionate.”

As juniors and seniors explored their career interests by talking to professionals, freshmen and sophomores spent the morning exploring themselves. This part of the program, led by Kathleen (Smith) Hughes (’84), saw students rotating through a series of challenging activities designed to help them discover their individual strengths and passions.

“Before you choose a career, you should know yourself,” said Hughes, a human relations consultant who has facilitated leadership and team

development workshops for the past 15 years. “The way you approach tasks, make decisions, respond to challenges, and see yourself and others are very important factors in choosing a fulfilling career and being successful in life. Knowing yourself and playing to your strengths can be the difference in a great life and a mediocre life – both personally and professionally.”

The underclassmen split up into small groups and went from station to station, trying their luck at a variety of puzzles and mind games.

“There was one activity where we had to balance nails on this wooden board without letting them touch the ground,” said Shelby Martin (’13). “The game was tricky at first, but we started to figure it out eventually. Each activity was about teamwork and overcoming challenges. It was a metaphor for real life. Career Day showed me that I really am capable of anything. If I face a challenge, I know that if I work hard enough I will achieve.”

To watch a video story about Career Day, visit www.darlingtonschool.org/careerday2010. To see Muschamp’s address, visit www.darlingtonschool.org/muschampvideo. For a video story about Muschamp, visit www.darlingtonschool.org/muschampstory.

Kathleen (Smith) Hughes (’84)

Jessie Tudor (’11) and Katharina Reckendrees (’11) attempt to identify an object used in culinary arts and catering.


Service Beyond Self is not just a line in Darlington’s motto; it’s a way of life. For their senior project, the Class of 2010 partnered with Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority to host the Special Olympics on campus at Chris Hunter Stadium. Approximately 300 athletes representing Rome City Schools, Floyd County Schools, the Georgia School for the Deaf and Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital competed in running, wheelchair and trike races; a softball throw; the standing long jump; and a soccer kick. Darlington also provided lunch. All 133 seniors assisted with events, concessions and food preparation, supporting the Special Olympic athletes as they learned firsthand that it’s more important to finish than to win.

Special Olympics

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Summer 2010 25


“When I first started teaching at the Thornwood campus, it was hard to believe I was now the teacher and not the student,” she said. “I had my first date with my husband, Wright (’70), at the eighth-grade Valentine Dance in the same gymnasium where our Lower School students play. Sometimes, I look at the huge, ancient oak trees on campus and remember when I stood as a student under their branches.”

Smith’s alma mater, Thornwood School for Girls, was located on the Lower School’s current campus until it merged with Darlington in 1973. When she thinks back to her time as a student there, the lifelong friends she made and the educators who positively impacted her life, Smith’s heart is warmed.

“Bambi Berry was my English teacher my senior year at Thornwood,” she recalled. “She was so beautiful and smart, and I wanted to work hard to please her. She definitely encouraged me to push myself.”

Ms. Berry may have been among the many talented educators over the

years that influenced Smith’s career path, but her love for teaching actually began much earlier. As a child, Smith remembers playing “school” with her sisters – one of whom is Peggy Patton, who went on to teach first grade at the Lower School from 2005 to 2010.

“I loved elementary school even though I attended a strict, no-nonsense school,” Smith said. “I was a good student. My second-grade teacher asked me to help a classmate who was struggling in Phonics and that probably helped plant the seed for my teaching career.”

So, after earning her B.S.Ed. and M.Ed. from the University of Georgia in the mid-1970s, Smith followed her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. She had five-and-a-half years of previous experience when she was hired to teach second grade at Darlington in 1980.

“I love teaching elementary students because they are so loving and innocent,” she said. “They haven’t yet been subjected to the harshness of life. They love their teachers almost as much as a close relative. They have such an eagerness to learn, and they love to hear your life stories and lessons. Several years back, I ran into some of my former students. They could still sing all the dinosaur songs I’d taught them 20 years ago! One told me she’d gone into elementary education and was now a teacher in the Floyd County Schools system. I felt that perhaps I made some impact on her life; that is so rewarding.”

Smith continued to teach second grade for the next 29 years, during which time her children, Ben (’98) and Drew (’03), made their way through the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools.

“I wanted my children to have the same opportunities as my husband and I did in attending Darlington,” Smith said. “They both loved their experience here and continue the friendships they made on this campus. I feel fortunate to have been so fully involved at Darlington during my years as a parent, alumna and faculty member. It brought me close to many fine families, students and colleagues.”

This past year, Smith moved up to teach third grade – taking on one last challenge before her retirement. She says she still looks forward to the beginning of each school day.

“I’ve had a wonderful class this year. I taught half of them in second grade, so it’s been great fun deepening those relationships,” she said. “Each morning, we watch our daily school newscast on WDLS and talk about what is coming up. Then, they dive right into their morning assignments while I work with those who need individual help. It’s a good feeling to see your class work independently and confidently on lessons you have planned.”

In her retirement, Smith looks forward to setting her own schedule and pace.

“I’m going to slow down and take pleasure in all the little things I hurried to get done when I worked,” she said. “I’ll enjoy getting out and interacting with adults, exercising more and taking better care of myself. It will be nice to experience the change of the seasons and the holidays of the year without feeling rushed.”

But the idea is still a bit surreal to her, and right now she can’t help but think about all the aspects of teaching that she will miss.

“I will miss the children and all the things they say and do,” she said. “I will miss their enthusiasm and excitement on the first day of school. I will miss watching all that youthful energy on the playground. I will miss hearing their voices sing songs and watching them perform on stage. I will miss sharing daily classroom anecdotes with my colleagues. I will miss lunch with ‘the girls.’ I will miss visiting with all the wonderful, devoted staff members who make the Lower School run so smoothly. And while I’m sure I will feel exhilarated when the first week of school rolls around in August, I’m also going to be a little sad. The most rewarding part of being a teacher is watching your students grow physically, emotionally and intellectually from the beginning of the year to the end. I will certainly miss that.”

Elaine Smith(’71T)Coming full circle

After exactly three decades of teaching on the same campus where she attended high school, Elaine (Hackett) Smith (’71T) says she has come full circle.

Sally Rudert (’66T)A new phase in life

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Summer 2010 27

“I taught Geometry Honors to ninth-graders. It’s a great age to teach because the students are really fun,” Rudert said. “They are in their formative years, and they truly enjoy learning. I can guide them, fine tune their math skills and

teach them good study skills at the same time. I love when I am working one on one with a student to understand a concept and he or she finally gets it. I also love when alumni tell me that they have used Geometry at some point, that they see the importance of it, or that something I helped them with really made a difference in their lives. It’s so rewarding to see former students in their professional world as doctors, journalists, lawyers, bankers, dentists, contractors, teachers, etc. As a teacher, those are the best moments.”

Rudert graduated from Thornwood School for Girls in 1966. She earned her B.S. from Emory University and taught math for one year at East Rome High School before she started teaching at Thornwood in 1970. She later earned her M.A.T. from Emory.

“My mother and my two sisters were also teachers, so I think teaching just came naturally,” she said. “Dana Edgens was my senior math teacher at Thornwood. I had always enjoyed math classes, but I think that her influence made it clear to me that I wanted to pursue math. I taught on the Thornwood campus from the fall of 1970 through spring of 1973. Then, Thornwood merged with Darlington and I came over with the girls.”

Over the past four decades, Rudert has taken on additional duties as college adviser, department chairperson, associate academic dean, academic dean, assistant director of Upper School and finally – director of Upper School studies and registrar, the position she held until her retirement. While these responsibilities often make for a very busy work day, Rudert said she wouldn’t trade it for the world.

“I have enjoyed my work in the Academic Office because I have been able to interact and build relationships with students who might not ever be enrolled in my Geometry class,” she said. “I helped guide their academic choices and chart their individual academic paths. I want students to remember me as fair and consistent. I hope I helped them learn to solve problems, not just math problems. I

want them to be able to figure out how to deal with issues and make the right decisions.”

As Rudert settles into retirement, she looks forward to traveling more, pursuing her hobbies of needlework and gardening, and taking classes to enhance her skill as a quilter.

“I anticipate this next phase of my life with great enthusiasm,” she said. “My husband, Bob (’64), and I have renewed our passports so we can be ready to travel. It’s nice to have the flexibility to go places at a moment’s notice. We would like to see the national parks. I also plan to spend more time visiting with my retired friends, reading and watching more movies. Instead of getting up at 6 a.m. every day, I can sleep late and watch the ‘Today Show.’ Who knows, I might even take up golf!”

But Rudert knows it will be a big adjustment, and that she will dearly miss the people at Darlington – many of whom she considers to be her extended family.

“I will miss the daily interactions the most,” Rudert said. “Seeing the students daily, you learn how to read how they are feeling and whether they are having a good day. Students can be so funny, too. They will blurt out anything. You want to laugh, but you have to stay composed. Once when I was teaching the Pythagorean Theorem, I asked my students if they knew who Pythagoras was. One of them said, ‘A Greek god?’ They made me smile every day.

“I will also miss not seeing my friends at Darlington on a daily basis. We had good times,” she continued. “In the past 40 years, I have worked with some really wonderful educators. It was always fun to tell stories about the ‘old days’ of Darlington during lunch. It has truly been an honor to serve this school, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity. It’s been a great ride.”

Sally (Dahlstrom) Rudert’s (’66T) favorite part of the school day is the time she spends teaching Geometry. Though she has taught everything from sixth-grade math to Pre-Calculus during her 40-year tenure at Darlington, Geometry has always been her favorite.

Sally Rudert (’66T)A new phase in life

R o a d t o R e t i r e m e n t


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Justin Kelly (’05), Cody Amos (’04), Tyler Barton (’07) and Luke Kelly (’07) join fellow alumni in the Yancey Suite for Halftime at the Huff.

Doug (’94), Elizabeth, Anna, Susan and Walter Matthews enjoy a snack during Halftime at the Huff.

Members of the Class of 1959 gather for a group photo during the Pre-Game Picnic.

More than 400 alumni and friends returned to the Lakeside in September for Darlington’s annual Alumni Weekend celebration. Event highlights included the presentation of the Distinguished Alumnus Award to John Hine (’53), a 23-20 win over Bowdon at the Homecoming game, and the special dedications of Charlie Davidson Athletic Field and Charlie Orr (’75) Trail. Reunion classes had high attendance, with 20 percent of alumni in classes celebrating their 50th reunion or less participating. The class parties were also a huge success, with the Class of 1999 boasting the largest number of returning alumni at 40 percent, and the Class of 1959 coming in at 35 percent. A special thanks goes out to our class agents, event hosts and all those involved in making this year’s celebration a great success. We hope to see you Oct. 15-17 for Alumni Weekend 2010!

Lee Watson (’75) and Randy Sumner (’75) catch up before the Nature Walk.

Summer 2010 29

Mary Kate (Vick) Fuller (’84), Karen (Muller) Fort (’84) and Laurel (Rose) Meyers (’84) pose for a quick photo during their class party.

Alex Ezell (’94), Alice Gill (’94) and Mark

Rogers (’94) have their photo made

in Morris Chapel.

After presenting the Distinguished Alumnus Award to John Hine (’53), alumni and students sing the Alma Mater.

Chad Warner (’94) and his daughter, Caroline, enjoy food and fun at the Pre-Game Picnic.

Michael Van Cise (’96) visits with Rick Buice at the Alumni Cookout.

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Joe Stukes (’44)

Henderson Stegall (’11) and Grover Birdsong (’57) pictured at the Washington, D.C., Alumni Gathering in April

Alumni graduating in the 1940s have lunch at Atlanta’s Blue Ridge Grill.

Class of 1944


C l a s s N o t e s

1929 next reunion 2014

Class Agent: Vacancy

Lawrence Lansdell was featured in the Rome News-Tribune when he celebrated his 99th birthday on Sept. 9, 2009.


Class Agent: Joe Stukes

Joe Stukes addressed Darlington’s student body in Chapel during Homecoming Week. He shared with students his Darlington memories, both as a student and former faculty member. Joe has also received the Governor’s Award in the Humanities for outstanding achievement in research, teaching and scholarship. This award was established in 1991 by The Humanities Council of South Carolina.



Tom Cousins, Atlanta real estate developer, received the 2010 Board Chair’s Award honoring business leaders whose philanthropic work has led to transformative change in their home communities. Tom is founder of CF Foundation Inc. and East Lake Foundation, and is co-founder of Purpose Built Communities.



Cooper Taylor and his wife, Lib, celebrated the 100th season of North Carolina Basketball in Chapel Hill, N.C., in February. Out of UNC’s 486 lettermen, 190 were in attendance. Cooper played for Coaches Tom Scott (1952) and Frank McGuire (1954).


Class Agent: Claude Booker

Biddy Braden was named 2009 Cattleman of the Year by the Floyd County Cattlemen. He is a founding member of the group, and has been a cattleman for 32 years.

1954 next reunion 2014)

Class Agent: Jim Ford

David Harvey of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network’s Callaway Black Group has been recognized as a financial professional with an expertise in long-term care insurance by achieving the Certified in Long-Term Care designation. As a senior financial representative with the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, David is part of a network

of specialists offering a wide array of insurance, investment products and services. He is associated with the Callaway Black Group of Atlanta. Neal Williams’ business, N.A. Williams Co. Inc., a manufacturers’ representative firm that specializes in the automotive aftermarket industry, has been named 2010 Georgia Family Business of the Year (mid-size category) by Georgia Trend. The magazine annually awards small, medium and large family companies with this distinction based on corporate culture, associate or employee longevity, business ethics, integrity, growth, involvement in the community, and other factors.


Class Agent: Brent Wells

Don Maddox will retire as Fifth Judicial District Judge for the State of New Mexico in July. He was appointed by Gov. Gary Johnson in 2000. Don served as assistant district attorney in the Fifth Judicial District from 1968 to 1971, and was in private law at the Maddox Law Firm in Hobbs from 1969 to 2000. He said: “I have enjoyed my time on the bench and I am honored to have been allowed to serve the people of Lea, Chaves and Eddy counties.” Billy Smith writes: “I married Sandi on Dec. 31, 1999, in Banner Elk, N.C. We bought a cabin in Todd, N.C., three years ago to become snow birds from our home in Deland, Fla., during the hot summer months. We recently attended my 50th reunion at Darlington, and we enjoyed it immensely. Looking forward to the 55th and seeing everyone again.”


Class Agents: Adeline (Wright) Hanks, John Shearer

John Kirkland Jr. has been installed as the 52nd president of the Frederick A. Coller Surgical Society. He has been a member of the society since 1980. John is a vascular surgeon for the Harbin Clinic in Rome. He received his M.D. degree from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and completed his residency at the University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, in 1978. He has been with Harbin Clinic for 31 years.


Class Agents: Honey Bee (Buskill) Dews, Bob Elkins

Tom Harbin published “Waking Up Blind – Lawsuits Over Eye Surgery” in December 2009. His book tells the story of an eye surgeon who caused an array of medical problems for his patients and how one of the nation’s

premier medical centers tried to conceal the growing scandal. Slowly, lawsuits and publicity shed some light on the situation. With the use of court documents, transcripts of tape-recorded conversations, interviews and personal observation, Tom presents this case from the very beginning, uncovering all levels of wrongdoing and secrecy. He currently works as an ophthalmologist in Atlanta.John Hutzler is a certified internal auditor and a certified government audit professional with 14 years of audit experience and more than 30 years of government experience. He lives in Washington County, Ore., with his wife, Teri Martin, and son, David. John earned his B.A. in Psychology and B.S. in Mathematics from Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He then graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1973. Sam Moss III, Darlington’s dean of college guidance, received the prestigious Margaret E. Addis Service to NACAC Award during the National Association of College Admission Counselors’ 65th Annual Conference in Baltimore, Md. Established in 1996, the award honors a longtime, respected leader of NACAC who has provided the association with unique and outstanding service and has been committed to ensuring ethical practices.


Class Agents: Villa (Sulzbacher) Hizer, Frank Virgin

Chris Verlander has been named to Jacksonville University’s Board of Trustees. Chris is senior vice president of corporate development for Associated Industries of Florida (AIF). He joined AIF after working many years with American Heritage Life Insurance Co. and American Heritage Life Investment Corp. in Jacksonville.


Class Agent: Lee Thuston

Dick Covington was published in Smithsonian Magazine in February 2010. The article, titled “Renoir’s Controversial Second Act,” talks about the French impressionist’s radical move toward tradition late in his professional career.

Elizabeth (Smith) Avery (’66T)

Alumni graduating in the 1950s have lunch at Atlanta’s Blue Ridge Grill.

Class of 1959

Summer 2010 31


“I heard a loud rumbling noise that grew in octaves,” she said. “Then, my china and glass started to break in the kitchen. My bedroom furniture started slowly moving from the walls, and the force of my moving bed hurled me into the air. After 35 seconds – but what seemed like an hour – the noise and movement stopped.”

From her bedroom window, Escarné heard people screaming and praying. She ran out of the house with her cell phone and Embassy-issued radio in hand. She immediately called her husband, Rudolph, who still lives in their Maryland home, and left a message saying Haiti had just had an earthquake but she was safe. After that, she was unable to make any outgoing calls until the following morning.

“When I walked out of my house, I could still feel the ground shaking,” Escarné said. “One of my neighbors’ houses had completely collapsed. By the grace of God, her maid was able to run out of the house before the roof collapsed, but my neighbor – a co-worker – lost her life. When the first responders came to attempt rescue, the pieces of rubble were almost impossible to move because they were so heavy.”

The earthquake reached a magnitude of 7.0 Mw, and at least 52 aftershocks measuring 4.5 or greater have been recorded since then. It is estimated that 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings have collapsed or are severely damaged.

While non-essential American personnel who worked for the American Embassy were evacuated from Haiti the morning after the initial earthquake, the consular officers remained to assist with evacuations and the recovery of American citizens.

“Consular officers are essential during crises such as this one,” Escarné said. “After the earthquake, we worked around the clock to help Americans and their families. The hardest thing was dealing with the aftermath – both mentally and physically. There is no training that prepares you to assist others during a natural disaster when you, too, are a victim. For four days, I had no change of clothes and slept on the floor of the Embassy with limited blankets. But I brushed my own issues aside. Initially, we worked about 20 hours a day until more consular officers came into the country to relieve us.

Eventually, we had enough assistance to provide services 24 hours a day on rotating schedules.”

Escarné said the most difficult thing was telling non-Americans that they could not receive evacuation services through the Embassy.

“In Haiti, there are many families in which some members were born in Haiti and others in the U.S.,” she explained. “As a result, some parents – mostly mothers with Haitian and American children – had to make the difficult choice of staying with all of the family in Haiti with no shelter or food, or evacuating to the U.S. with the American child. I saw some mothers give their Haitian-born children to family members and board planes with their American children. They left not knowing when they would return to Haiti or see their family members again.”

It took several months for the American Embassy to get back on a normal schedule, but life is still nowhere near normal for the people of Haiti. Before the earthquake, Haiti was already the poorest country in the Western world. Now, development has come to a halt so that all the country’s resources can be directed toward the rebuilding process.

“Major disasters like this one are crippling because Haiti lacks the resources to rebound without the assistance of foreign aid and support,” Escarné said. “When attention is put into rebuilding, resources must be taken away from developing the economy, creating jobs and educating children. As a result of the earthquake, a majority of the schools have been destroyed. No one knows how long things will be this way.”

Escarné said she did not enter her house again for weeks after the quake. Several interior walls had separated completely from the ceiling, and her secure perimeter had been destroyed. She counts herself lucky to have escaped before further damage was done. Now, she is one of many Embassy employees

Acquania (Gibbs) Escarné (’01)Learning to cope when disaster strikes

On Jan. 12, more than 217,000 Haitians were killed and 300,000 injured in a catastrophic earthquake that occurred approximately 16 miles west of Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince. Acquania (Gibbs) Escarné (’01), a consular officer in Port-au-Prince, had just arrived home from work and was about to call her husband when the earthquake struck.

A l u m n i P r o f i l e

Photo by Crystaline Kline Randazzo

Class of 1969

Summer 2010 33


Class Agent: David Muschamp

Bucky Dykes Jr. writes: “My son, Harrison, graduated from Lovett here in Atlanta in 2009. He achieved MVP status for the school’s soccer and cross country teams, and has since moved to Auburn. I retired from Deloitte after 35 years as a partner in the assurance and advisory services part of the firm. I spent my career in a number of different areas, from advising companies on acquisitions to assisting them with public offerings of securities. As a result, I have had the opportunity to travel internationally on behalf of my clients and experience a multitude of different cultures and business practices. Since my retirement, I have decided to work part time with a division of the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission. There is no question in my mind that my experience at Darlington was crucial to my preparation for college and for my career. I will always be appreciative for my wonderful teachers during my time at Darlington.” David Muschamp is president and CEO of Georgia Public Web Inc., a privately held Georgia technology solutions company offering internet and data transport via a statewide fiber-optic network. His company was named to the inaugural list of Best 100 Businesses by the University of Georgia Alumni Association. From over 400 nominees nationwide, GPW ranked No. 33.


Class Agents: Gray Morrison, Buster Wright

Tim Wallis, president of Wallis Printing Company in Rome, was named to the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Board of Directors.


Class Agent: Tom Barron

Doug Brinkley was elevated to Fellowship by the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects in January 2010. Election to fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of architects as individuals, but also their significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Doug received his award medal at the AIA National Convention in Miami in June.

C l a s s N o t e s

Bill Kelly (’71), Villa (Sulzbacher) Hizer (’66T), Harry Johnson (’68) and Gordon Hight (’94) pictured at the Alumni Council Kickoff in August.

living with a co-worker whose house was not damaged.

“Everything I own fits into one room when I used to have enough to fill a house,” she said. “I have adopted a new philosophy, though. Material things can be replaced, but you only get one life on this Earth, so you should live it to the fullest. This experience has also brought me and my colleagues closer. Since the earthquake, we have cried together, laughed together and found comfort in talking to one another about our different post-quake experiences. We take care of each other.”

Escarné is scheduled to leave Haiti in February 2011 to tentatively be relocated in London. But in the meantime, her work in Port-au-Prince is not finished.

“I will continue to contribute in any way possible to the country’s redevelopment. Haiti has become my second home since I arrived here in 2009, and I cry for this country and its people when I see the devastation,” she said. “But at the same time, I rejoice when I see how many wonderful organizations are here to provide medical care, shelter, food and other much-needed services. Despite what you may think, Haiti is still full of life. Commerce is up and running as everyone tries to move forward one day at a time. Aid organizations are thriving and hiring Haitians with vital communication and development skills. In the long run, this country will bounce back, but I hope the presence of aid will continue beyond the date when the media stops covering the earthquake aftermath.”

Acquania (Gibbs) Escarné (’01)Learning to cope when disaster strikes



Jon Hester writes: “After 10 years in the bar business, Brenda and I opened a True Value Hardware store in June 2005. Come to the island and see us. We’re between Charleston and Hilton Head.”Faylene Wright retired as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Most recently, she served as deputy director of logistics at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, located at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. She entered the air force in 1979 and has since organized and led a variety of deployments. She also played a key role in the Command’s response to 9/11. Faylene’s decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with oak leaf cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with oak leaf cluster and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with oak leaf cluster.


Class Agent: Steve Winkler

Claude Allen writes: “Kim and I moved to Marysville, Ohio, in September 2005. She serves as president of the commercial division of Butler Animal Health Supply. I am now retired and overseeing our 17-acre horse farm here, as well as tending to family interests down in the east Tennessee hills. Both kids are through college, armed with degrees. Heather married Carter Hopkins on Labor Day 2007 in Dallas. J.P. is in Florida, West Palm area.”

Carter and Heather Hopkins with Kim, Claude (’72) and J.P. Allen

Gray Tuttle Jr. has been elected president of the National Society of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants. Gray was president of two of the three predecessor organizations – the Society of Professional Business Consultants (1989-90) and the Institute of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants (1997-98). The NSCHBC is a national organization dedicated to serving the needs of consultants who provide ethical, confidential and professional advice to the healthcare industry.


Class Agent: Steve Wilhoite

Rocky Rockwell writes: “I can’t believe it has been over 35 years since attending Darlington! My wife, Gail, and I have two grandchildren. They are the children of our oldest son, Ben. He and his family live in Mobile, Ala., where he is an Episcopal priest at St. Paul’s Church. Our middle son, Hugh, is a flight attendant with Omni Air International, a charter airline based in Atlanta. Our youngest son, Stephen, is a senior at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville. So, that means Gail and I are empty-nesters, still living in Waynesboro , Ga. I hated missing the 35th reunion of our class, but I won’t miss the 40th!”


Class Agents: Joan Brock, Thom Young

Clay Doss is the director of planned giving at Darlington School.



Sue (Brock) Watters writes: “I am alive and well and loving life in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. My wonderful husband, Gary Lane, is a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic. I am starting my own interior staging and redesign business called Designers’ Lane.”


Rebekah (Barron) Montgomery (’78) and Rachel (Rice) Turner (’98) pictured at the Alumni Council Kickoff Party in August.

Class of 1974


Class Agent: Elizabeth (Johnson) Higbie

Bryan Freeman, founder of Habersham Funding LLC, was honored by Life Settlement Review magazine as one of The Top Ten Most Influential People in Life Settlements for 2009. Bryan is the former four-term president of the board of the Life Insurance Settlement Association. Erin Sullivan writes: “I finished my doctorate and am now teaching in the School of Nursing at the Medical College of Georgia – Athens. I’m still working with the uninsured as a nurse practitioner, focusing on diabetes management.”Scott Wheeler competed in the United States Masters Disc Golf tournament April 30 through May 2, 2010.


Class Agents: John Gilliland, Chris Peacock

Shelton (Cowan) Knoepfel writes: “I had such a great time seeing old friends and meeting new alumni at the 2008 reunion. Keep in touch!”


Class Agent: Tony Massing

Earl Gibson Jr. writes: “This year, I celebrated my 28th wedding anniversary with my beautiful wife, Mary. We spent this time working at Family Life’s ‘Weekend to Remember’ Marriage Conference. This was a time to let other couples know that you have to invest in your marriage in order for it to work. We are blessed to be examples for our married children, Earl III, LaToya and Joshua.”


Class Agent: Brad Skidmore

John Cordle was named commanding officer of the U.S.S. San Jacinto in March 2009. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a B.S. in Ocean Engineering.

John Cordle (’80)

Brad Skidmore and his wife, Stephanie, announce the birth of a daughter, Lily, in 2009. She joins big sisters, Rebecca and Rachel. The family lives in Atlanta.


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

Pat (Bauer) Hill and her husband, Mark, live outside Pensacola, Fla. She writes: “We would love to hear from you. Roll Tide!”

Chris Rutledge and his wife, Theone, have opened the first franchise of Doctors Express in the Southeast in Atlanta. Based in Maryland, Doctors Express is an urgent care center that treats acute illness, trauma and sports injuries, including minor surgical procedures. The center has diagnostic labs and X-ray equipment and also dispenses certain medications. The 2,400-square-foot Atlanta clinic is located at 1800 Howell Mill Rd.

Chris (’83) and Theone Rutledge

Christine (Todino) Erp (’83)

Summer 2010 35

Class of 1979


“I attended Darlington for seven years in grades 6-12; the school was smaller and it was a simpler time then,” he said. “I was exposed every school day to a group of outstanding teachers and administrators who had dedicated their lives to the education of young men. It was the collective influence of men like Dr. Wilcox, Dr. Wright, Mr. Judd, Mr. Bull Yankee, Mr. Dick Yankee, Mr. King, Mr. Ham, Mr. Moser, Mr. Cobb, Dr. Stukes, Mr. Lynn, Mr. Dorsey, Mr. Milligan, Mr. Sammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Mudd, Mr. Scott, Mr. McNaull, Mr. Cunningham and others that really shaped our lives.”

Last September, nearly six decades after his graduation from Darlington, Hine was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award for his significant contributions to both the school and the Rome community.

“It never occurred to me that I might be selected as a recipient of this award, and I shall always treasure the honor,” he said. “This school has been so important to me and my family. I did not recognize it at the time [I was a student], but I now know that the education I received and the culture of the school has had a profoundly positive influence upon my life.”

A native Roman, Hine graduated with honors from both Darlington School and the Georgia Institute of Technology. After college, he served two years of active duty as an officer in the United States Army. He then began working for Trend Industries, where he became senior vice president for manufacturing. In 1973, he left Trend to establish Pharr Yarns of Georgia, where he served as executive vice president and president for 23 years.

“After graduating from Darlington, I needed to find a way to finance my continued education,” Hine said. “Georgia Tech had a five-year cooperative education program where you work three months and go to school three months. The textile industry was strong in Rome and Burlington Industries offered me a co-op job opportunity. That was my initiation into the world of manufacturing.”

Professionally, Hine has served as director of the Georgia Textile Manufacturer’s Association, a director and member of the Executive Committee of the American Yarn Spinners Association, and as president of the Textile Education Foundation.

A model servant leader, his civic commitments have included membership to and service on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club, Coosa Valley Fair Association, the Exchange Club, the Exchange Club Family Resource Center, Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, the Open Door Children’s Home, Redmond Park Hospital and the United Way. He is also past chairman of the board of Citizen’s First Bank. In

addition, Hine is an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, where he has served as Sunday School teacher, chairman of the Stewardship and Property Committees, and as junior and senior warden.

“I have always had a desire to help less fortunate children and to give back some of what I have received in life, and I have tried to do that,” Hine said.

For his service and dedication, Hine has received the Boys & Girls Club’s Man and Boy Award, the Boys Club of America Medallion, the Bronze Keystone Award, the Service to Youth Award, the National Keystone Award and the National Service to Youth Award; the Heart of the Community’s Award of Honor and Board of Governors Award; the Exchange Club’s Exchangite of the Year Award and Katie Dempsey Star Volunteer Award; and was inducted into the Academy of Georgia Tech Distinguished Alumni.

He and his wife, the former Sylvia Street, have been married 52 years. They have three children, Judy Beecham (’77), Susie Duke (’79) and John Jr., and seven grandchildren.


According to John Hine (’53), success in school equals success in life, and he credits much of his own personal success to his experience at Darlington.

John Hine (’53)Distinguished Alumnus

Alumni Council President Tim Morgan (’87) and Headmaster Tom Whitworth present John Hine (’53) with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Summer 2010 37


Class Agent: Kathleen (Smith) Hughes

Gina (Scoggins) D’Urbano is the director of development at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Rome. Chris Jefts and his wife, Brook, announce the birth of a son, Holden Turner, on Feb. 2, 2010. The family lives in Atlanta. Chris’ company, Peachtree Planning Corp., was selected as one of the leading wealth managers of the Southeast United States for 2009, as published in Forbes magazine.


Class Agent: Wright Ledbetter

Laura (Culpepper) Genung writes: “I am very busy as a single mom and work as a manager in information technology at TSYS, a financial transaction processing firm. My daughter, two sons and I are active at St. Luke United Methodist Church, where they also attend school. My parents and the kids’ dad live nearby, and we all stay busy with their sports, drama and social lives.”Benjamin Goff writes: “I have moved to a seven-acre farm north of Bucyrus, Ohio. I’m still working in law enforcement and EMS for New Washington, Ohio. My daughter, Jessica, is now a teenager and I have a puppy named Luke.”Peter Hobert is vice president of customer technology services for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the nation’s largest and oldest publishing company. He and his family live in Rockledge, Fla.

C l a s s N o t e s

Class of 1984

Mary Kate (Vick) Fuller (’84)

“None of our grandchildren live in Rome; however, over the years, all have attended summer camps at Darlington,” Hine said. “All three of our children attended Darlington. I said in my Distinguished Alumnus address that I believe success in school equals success in life, meaning education is very important. If you live in Rome and want the best education for your children, if possible, you want them to attend Darlington.”

Hine continues to be an active member of the Darlington Community. He is a life trustee and a member of the J.J. Darlington Society and the J. Daniel Hanks Sr. Heritage Society. He also serves as co-class agent of the Class of 1953, which founded an annual lectureship series that has brought renowned speakers such as Roger Mudd, Tommy Smothers, Theodore Stebbins, Maj. Gen. Perry Smith, Furman Bisher, Bert Thornton and, most recently, Col. Jack Jacobs to Darlington’s campus each spring.

“My Darlington classmates and I created and endowed this lectureship series as our 50th reunion gift to Darlington,” Hine said. “We have worked hard to make it successful, and it has become a meaningful event for both Darlington and the Class of 1953. It has also served to renew old friendships and create a source of pride among our class in that it allows us the opportunity to express appreciation for each of our own Darlington experiences.”

Visit www.darlingtonschool.org/johnhine to see a video of Hine’s address during Alumni Weekend.

Enger McCartney-Smith visited the Darlington campus this fall to see her daughter, Aliya (’11), in “Actin’ Out,” a student-directed dramatic and musical performance.

Enger McCartney-Smith (’85) and her daughter, Aliya (’11)



Kim (Yencer) Mayfield writes: “Brent and I live in Nashville with our children, Ryan and Emily. I have a very rewarding job at Family Dynamics Institute, a Christian, non-profit marriage ministry.

I am a consultant for A New Beginning workshop, a three-day turnaround weekend for troubled marriages. For more information, visit savemymarriage.com or familydynamics.net.”


Class Agent: Kimberly (Murphy) Moseley

Mike Ceballos writes: “Sitting at a National Science Foundation review panel in Washington, D.C., I met Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves who told me that she knows Cathy Allen (’86), Crissy’s older sister, from Randolph-Macon College. Five years ago in Honduras, I also met an American guy working at a bilingual school that knew Bedell James (’87). Go figure!”Leah Claybrook-Vallely writes: “Hello from Huntsville, Ala., a great place to live and raise children. My husband and I have two, Ethan and Juli. I am working with elementary-age special needs children and am pursuing my Ed.S. in Psychometry. Hope that each of you from the Class of 1987 is doing well!”Alice (Harrison) Williams writes: “I left the school system as a school counselor in May 2009 and began private practice as a full-time therapist. I am located in downtown Rome at Psychological Associates of Northwest Georgia, and I love my new career!”


Class Agents: Ron Mixon, Jim Valentine

Mark Bethell is CEO of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Neapolis Health System in Paphos, Cyprus.Stacy (Smith) Cannon and her husband, Charles, announce the birth of a daughter, Alden Page, on Oct. 30, 2009. She joins her big brother, Chase.Merrimac (Locklear) Forsyth was named Teacher of the Year at Elm Street School in Rome City Schools. She is married to Marty Forsyth, a chef at Shorter College, and they have two children, Daniel and Hunter. Trey Lee III and his wife, Amy, live in Nashville with their two boys, Gardner and Camden. Trey is the president of Real Time Neuromonitoring Associates, which provides professional intraoperative monitoring services. He is also an assistant professor of neurology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the chairman of the Board for the Nashville Academy of Medicine.


C l a s s N o t e s

Justin Farmer (’87)

Class of 1989


Class Agent: Jill (Saltino) Graham

Beth (Bell) Clements writes: “Hello from Texas! I’m loving life in the Midwest. My children, Morgan, Brittney, Jordan and Samantha, are growing like weeds.”

Beth (Bell) Clements (’89) and her daughters

Coen Dahlhaus and his wife, Wendy, announce the birth of a daughter, Mila, on Sept. 9, 2009. The family lives in France.Alicia (Jordan) Haff writes: “I am a partner in a law firm specializing in civil litigation and a speaker on human resources and employment matters to whomever will listen. I have two kids and am enjoying life.”Scott Humphrey and his wife, Tracy, announce the birth of a daughter, Brooke Madison, on April 14, 2009. The family lives in Virginia Beach, Va.

Joel Shirasu-Hiza writes: “We have moved from Palo Alto, Calif., to New York. My wife took a faculty position at Columbia University. I have been working with a number of financial services software companies over the past 10 years, helping investment managers and others integrate and manage various technologies in their organizations. We have two boys, Arlo and Ansel.”Whit Wyatt III is a full-time high school teacher and coach at a private Christian school in Birmingham, Ala. He teaches math and science and coaches varsity football and baseball. Whit lives with his wife, Wendi, and children, Jack, Elly and Annalee.


Class Agents: Mary Margaret Johnson, Bill Temple

Web Bond III writes: “I live in San Francisco. I moved here in 1995 upon graduating from UGA. I lived here through the end of the 90s, and then moved to Arcata, Calif., where I lived from 2000-02 while completing my M.B.A. at Humboldt State University. I traveled in Europe in 2003; lived in Santa Cruz, Calif., for the latter part of that year; and then moved to St. Helena in Upper Napa Valley in January 2004. While there, I worked at Francis Ford Coppola’s winery, Niebaum-Coppola, which has since been renamed Rubicon Estate. I

Summer 2010 39

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worked my way up to operations supervisor for the Rutherford facility, and then decided to move into the wholesale side of the wine business in summer 2005, commencing employment with YMCO. I worked with their fine wine division from 2005 to 2009. Now I am the Northern California regional sales manager for Frederick Wildman & Sons out of New York. Other than keeping my nose in the books and glasses of wine, I enjoy traveling, fly fishing, wine education, wine and food pairing, exercise, and enjoying all that Northern California has to offer.”Will Muschamp, defensive coordinator and head coach-in-waiting for the University of Texas Longhorns, was featured in Sports Illustrated in January 2010. He also served as the keynote speaker for Darlington’s biannual Career Day event in February.DeAnn (Astin) Simon is a counselor at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Rome.Elizabeth (McWhorter) Smith and her husband, Montgomery, announce the birth of a daughter, Martha Jule, on Sept. 24, 2009. The family lives in Demopolis, Ala.Eric Strickland and his wife, Jennifer, announce the birth of their son, Eli Pressley, on June 18, 2009. He joins big brothers, Andrew (’16) and Ethan (’21). The family lives in Rome.



Sherry (Smith) Davidson writes: “I am still working as an instructor and doing administrative work in the science and technology dept at the University of Southern Mississippi. I am also proud to be an online instructor for both Kaplan University and the University of Phoenix. I am now married to Clifton Davidson, and we have a beautiful daughter named Violet Kathleen. Life is good!” Eri Taguchi lives in Tokyo with her husband and daughter, Yoshimi.


Class Agent: Alison Dunwoody

Mary Elizabeth (Gill) Bonds writes: “I’m now living in the Atlanta area with my husband, Scott. We were married Nov. 8, 2008.”Randolph (Miller) Hite and her husband, Glen, announce the birth of a daughter, Elizabeth “Tatum,” on Aug. 5, 2009. The family lives in Birmingham, Ala.Rachel (Martin) Lodwig married Chris Lodwig in 2002.


Class Agent: Meredith Harrison

Mandy (Ayer) Churchill and her husband, George, announce the birth of a son, Aidan Thomas, on April 5, 2010. The family lives in Atlanta.

Ben Levy manages a secure document shredding and recycling service in Rome.


Class Agents: Maurie Dugger, Jimmy Smith

Justin Miller writes: “We moved to Stuttgart, Germany, in January 2008. Uli has opened her own translation business. Nicholas is growing like a weed. I am now working as a network engineer for EDS, and I love every minute of it.”Frank Pratt III writes: “Olivia and I live in Cartersville, Ga. I earned my master’s in social work from UGA in 2006, and started working at Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital in Rome shortly thereafter. I am currently an administrative and clinical supervisor in adult mental health, and am preparing to take the exam to become a licensed clinical social worker. I have been involved with the Rome Task Force on Homelessness for the past year, and continue to be an active competitor and coach with the Rome Fencing Club.”

Maurie Dugger (’94)

Bryan Mullins (’95)

Mary Katherine (Husser) Simmons (’95) John Thompson (’95) Kelly Moore (’95)


C l a s s N o t e s

Brett Sloan married Dana Nicole Greeson on April 5, 2009. The couple lives in Calhoun, Ga.


Class Agent: Morgan Seigler

Anna (Lowden) Averyt and her husband, Mark, announce the birth of a son, Mark Wales Jr., on May 4, 2010. He joins big sisters Virginia and Marianna. The family lives in Birmingham, Ala. Kavitha Lakshmanan writes:”I am getting married in about two weeks and moving to Chicago! My husband to be is a kind, intelligent man who works in Investor Relations at Boeing. I’m excited and nervous...mostly excited right now. I had to share the news with all of you, since Darlington was such a huge part of my life and a great one at that. If any of you passes through Chicago, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ll still be practicing social work and keeping my last name...some things are hard to change! Best wishes!”Edgeley (Askew) Myers and her husband, Matthew, announce the birth of a son, Darden Cooper, on Jan. 15, 2010. The family lives in Macon, Ga.

Micah Smith and his wife, Amy, announce the birth of a daughter, Lydia Jane, on July 21, 2009. She joins siblings Ella and Jonah. The family lives in Oklahoma, where Micah is pursuing his master’s degree in psychological services.

Amy, Micah (’95) and Lydia Jane Smith

Chris Spalding lives in Melrose, Mass., with his wife and their dog, Buck.Steven Turner developed eccoWash Car Care Products for distribution to qualified distributors in the car wash services industry in 2007. In 2009, he founded Car Wash Outfitters, LLC, to supply chemistry, service, marketing, equipment and supplies to the car wash industry. For information, visit www.carwashoutfitters.com


Class Agent: Corie (Dempsey) Swan

Ballard Betz and his wife, Elizabeth (’95), announce the birth of a daughter, Samantha Claire, on Dec. 2, 2009. She joins big sisters, August and Catherine. The family lives in Rome. Laura (Forrester) Gelfand and her husband, Matt, announce the birth of a son, Christopher James, on April 16, 2010. He joins big brother Conner. The family lives in Brentwood, Tenn. Bret Peppard and his wife, Tara, have moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Bret works in oil exploration and production for Shell Oil Co.Shain Segars and his wife, Alicia (’96), announce the birth of a daughter, Ava Grace, on May 13, 2009. She joins big brother, Will. The family lives in Trussville, Ala. Corie (Dempsey) Swan married Andrew Patterson Swan on Oct. 24, 2009, at First United Methodist Church in Rome.


Class Agents: Julie (Wilson) Lucas Michael Van Cise

Shaune (Pierre) Bordere writes: “I am in law school at Loyola University in New Orleans, and I’m enjoying the way that my career options are blossoming. I’m sorry that I have not kept in touch with classmates,

Lindsey (Mann) Field (’99)

Class of 1994

Summer 2010 41


“Kayaking helped me develop responsibility, independence and self-confidence at an early age,” he said. “It has allowed me to explore and witness parts of the earth that can only be seen by river.”

Since then, MacLeod’s passion for the sport has inspired a great many opportunities in his life – including his successful career as an orthopaedic surgeon, world travel with three U.S. national teams and a recently published book.

“In college, I dislocated my shoulder kayaking and had to have it surgically repaired,” said MacLeod, a stellar athlete who also excelled in snowboarding, mountain biking and lacrosse, and would eventually become nationally ranked in freestyle kayaking. “I went through the rehab, did all the therapy and got back into paddling pretty quickly. Because of my love for sports and competition, I had already made up my mind in high school that I wanted to do orthopaedics, but it was this particular incident that really peaked my interest in the shoulder.”

MacLeod earned his undergraduate degree from Davidson College and taught Advanced Biology at Darlington for one year before going on to Emory University School of Medicine. There, he graduated at the top of his class and was asked to stay and complete his Orthopaedic Surgery residency. Five years later, he and his wife, Anne, moved to Park City, Utah, where he was accepted into the distinguished Utah Sports Medicine Fellowship. He completed a fellowship in sports

medicine and shoulder and knee surgery, focusing on innovative arthroscopic and reconstructive treatments. While there, he also served as a physician for University of Utah Athletics.

“Arthroscopy is a procedure during which we place a small camera into the joint through very small incisions and then place instruments through additional incisions to reconstruct soft tissue and cartilage,” MacLeod explained. “This decreases recovery time, post-operative pain and infection.”

MacLeod and his family moved back to Rome in 2008, and he began working at Rome Orthopaedic Clinic. His practice focuses on the injured athlete – particularly injuries of the shoulder, knee and hip. Since his return to Rome, he has performed a number of innovative procedures, including six arthroscopic procedures that had never been done previously in Rome and Floyd County.

“One of my patients had a rotator cuff tear that was so severe it could not be reconstructed using his natural tissue,” MacLeod said. “I arthroscopically reconstructed the rotator cuff using donated dermal tissue from a cadaver.

One year after surgery, he has full motion and strength.”

In addition, MacLeod is the first in the area to perform an arthroscopic labral repair in the hip, during which the ring of cartilage is sewn back to the socket, and the only surgeon in North Georgia to have performed an arthroscopic reshaping of the hip socket. Besides arthroscopy, MacLeod also performs total shoulder and total knee replacement as well as fracture care.

“Sports medicine is definitely not all about surgery, though. One of the latest innovations is platelet-rich plasma or PRP,” said MacLeod, the first surgeon to use PRP in Rome. “PRP, which is derived from one’s own blood, has growth factors that stimulate the recruitment of cells that heal damaged tendons, muscles and cartilage. Currently, the U.S. Anti-doping Agency (USADA) approves the use of PRP for joint and tendon damage in the Olympic athlete. Thanks to this, we have seen very dramatic improvements in patients with non-operative tendon disorders such as tennis elbow and impingement syndrome of the shoulder.”

MacLeod’s innovative techniques and unmatched enthusiasm for sports


You could say that Eric MacLeod (’92) grew up in the seat of a kayak. An open boat canoeist, his father got him interested in kayaking and other water sports at a very early age. By 15, MacLeod was kayaking some of the most difficult rapids on the East Coast.

Eric MacLeod (’92) arthroscopically reconstructs a patient’s ankle cartilage.

Eric MacLeod (’92)Lifelong passion inspires opportunity

Eric MacLeod

but I do miss you. I’m amazed at the way that Darlington is developing. It seems like just yesterday that the new library was dusting off construction dust. Now we have a state-of-the-art gym! I’m so proud of the way that our class is progressing and realizing our dreams. Darlington has truly made a difference!”Laura (Collier) Darnell married Gary Mark Darnell on July 18, 2009, at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta. Amelia (Richardson) Davis and her husband, Jeff, announce the birth of a son, Bentley West, on Oct. 3, 2009. He joins big sister, Georgia. The family lives in Duluth, Ga. Sara (Weeks) Dima and her husband, Stephen, announce the birth of a daughter, Elizabeth Jane, on Aug. 19, 2009. The family lives in New York City.Kendall (Collins) Duggan and her husband, Stewart, announce the birth of a son, Levi Maddox, on Aug. 13, 2009. The family lives in Rome. Rika (Tobe) Evans and her husband, Jason, visited Darlington’s campus with retired faculty members George and Betsy Awsumb. The family lives in San Diego, Calif.

George and Betsy Awsumb with Rika (Tobe ’97) and Jason Evans

Ashley (Rice) Gomez and her husband, Andre, announce the birth of a son, Andre Ryan, on Feb. 17, 2010. The family lives in Atlanta. Holly Hagge’s bed and breakfast, The Claremont House, which is located in Rome, was pictured in a “Saturday Night Live” sketch in May 2010. The episode was hosted by Betty White.Julie (Wilson) Lucas and her husband, Sam (’97), announce the birth of a son, Wilson Cofer, on April 8, 2010. The family lives in Rome, where Julie is a regional director for Darlington’s Second Century Campaign and Sam is an attorney at Brinson, Askew, Berry, Seigler, Richardson & Davis.Will Sargent married Jennifer Jane Wilde on April 18, 2009, at Tranquility Bay Resort in Marathon Key, Fla.


Class Agents: Brent Keene, Regan Maki-Walters

Ikue Aoyagi writes: “It’s been almost 10 years since I came back to Japan, and I have not visited Darlington since then. Now I am working at Toshiba in the technology planning and coordination department. I met three girls in Tokyo who also graduated from Darlington in 1998. We had a great time chatting, but I regret that I forgot to take pictures!”Jennifer (Brewster) Helbing and her husband, Brad, announce the birth of a son Maddox Ryan, on Nov. 5, 2009. Jennifer teaches second grade at Darlington, and the family lives in Rome.

Summer 2010Summer 2010

Julie (Wilson) Lucas (’97) and Ashley (Rice) Gomez (’97) join fellow alumni for cookies and cocoa during halftime of the state semifinal football game in December.

eventually led to his being named team physician for the U.S. Freestyle Kayaking team and the U.S. Ski and Snowboarding teams. Each year, he spends approximately one week with the skiers and snowboarders and up to three weeks with the kayaking team at events such as the U.S. team trials and the World Championships. He also works with the track and field team at Shorter College and with several local high schools.

“Working with U.S. national teams allows me the opportunity to travel and experience large-scale events with highly competitive athletes,” he said. “In these situations, I am treating injuries at the highest level and working with the athletes to get them back to their high level of competition as quickly as possible. I have gained a wealth of experience and am able to bring this knowledge back and transfer it locally in my work with college and high school athletes.”

MacLeod’s work with the U.S. Kayaking team also inspired him to publish his first book this spring, titled “Paddling Fitness: Injury Prevention and Performance Enhancement.” The book will be available at Outdoor Outfitters and Amazon.com, and a portion of the proceeds will actually go to support the team.

“The book started as a fitness program I created for the kayaking team,” he said. “I’ve been using the program with them for a while, and it was essentially written in book format already. I decided to flesh it out and turn it into a book so that everybody else in the kayaking community can take advantage.

“This is really exciting for me because I grew up kayaking. I guess you could say it was my first love. The fact that I can continue to be involved in something I have been passionate about my whole life – and find a way to incorporate it into my career as well – is just phenomenal.”

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Cline Jackson and his wife, Jessica, announce the birth of a daughter, Abby Kate, on Sept. 2, 2009. She joins big sister, Christa. The family lives in Rome, where Cline works as an emergency room physician at Floyd Medical Center. Regan Maki-Walters and her husband, Samuel, announce the birth of a son, Huntley Luke, in November 2009. The family lives in Duluth, Ga.Gillian (Fierer) O’Nan and her husband, Michael, announce of the birth of a son, Connor Samuel, on Jan. 1, 2010. The family lives in Atlanta.Berry (Lowden) Perkins married William David Perkins Jr. on Nov. 14, 2009, at Berry College’s Frost Chapel in Rome.Joe Smith writes: “I will begin practice as a partner in a hospitalist group in Orlando, Fla., on July 13, 2010. My wife begins her fellowship in Geriatrics July 1, also at Florida Hospital where we trained and where I will now be an attending on staff. I plan to continue my affiliation with the residency as adjunct faculty. Life is good, the weather is warm, and the sky’s the limit!”


Class Agent: David Swift

Lane (Adams) Applegate married Joseph West Applegate on June 13, 2009, at St. Simons United Methodist Church. Mandy (Dye) Arnold and her husband, Nicholas, announce the birth of a son, Ryan Andrew, on Nov. 13, 2009. The family lives in Roswell, Ga.Richard Bradford and his wife, Meredeth, announce the birth of a daughter, Lillian Jane, on Aug. 5, 2009. The family lives in Alpharetta, Ga. Bryan Evans married Alicia Marie Schumacher on Dec. 19, 2009, at Whitefield Chapel in Savannah, Ga. Both Bryan and Alicia are teachers at Calvary Day School in Savannah.Rebecca (Camp) Huskey and her husband, Matthew, announce the birth of a son, Zach Michael, on Aug. 11, 2009. The family lives in Taylorsville, Ga.Christie (Oh) Lo and her husband, Michael, announce the birth of a daughter, Evangeline Yingxin, on March 20, 2009. The family lives in Mableton, Ga.Bryan Lowe and his wife, Rebecca, announce the birth of a daughter, Lily Grace, on Nov. 3, 2009. She joins big sister, Lexie. The family lives in Rome.

Darlington Magazine

Save the date

Homecoming Game

D

arlington Celebration

C

lass Parties

Fine Arts Festival

Campus Tours

Class Photos

C l a s s N o t e s

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Class of 1999

Calling all alumni…

Alumni Council Nominations

The following individuals have been nominated to the Alumni Council for the 2010-2013 term. The Alumni Council is the governing body of the Alumni Association. Members are nominated by current Alumni Council members and the Association membership at large.

Julia Barton (’86), Rome, Ga.

Mark Berry (’68), Rome, Ga.

Carolyn (Seigler) Brearley (’99), Rome, Ga.

Lindsey (Mann) Field (’99), Charlotte, N.C.

Cline Jackson (’98), Rome, Ga.

Kim McConkey (’73), Atlanta, Ga.

John McElrath (’99), Birmingham, Ala.

Chason Mull (’78), Rome, Ga.

John Thompson (’95), Jacksonville, Fla.

Michael Van Cise (’97), Atlanta, Ga.

Please e-mail [email protected] by July 31, 2010, to nominate additional candidates.

Distinguished Alumnus Nominations

Send us your nominations for the 2011 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 [email protected] by July 31, 2010, and include the following information:

Name and class year of nominee

Reason(s) for nomination

Your name and class year

Summer 2010 45

Ivey Harrison (’99), Daniel Hanks (’99), Lina Hanks and Jonathan Sparks (’99) pictured at the Washington, D.C., Alumni Gathering in April.

Darlington Magazine

Academics Academic Acclimation and

Advancement Courses Boys and Girls grades K-12

ESLBoys and Girls grades 9-12

HealthDarlington students grade 9

Robotics and EngineeringBoys and Girls grades 5-8

SAT PrepBoys and Girls grades 8-12

Summer Reading ChallengeDarlington students grades 9-12

Athletics 7-on-7 Passing Camp

Boys grades 9-12

Athletic Training Mini-Camp Boys and Girls grades 9-12

BaseballBoys ages 6-12

BasketballBoys and Girls ages 6-14

Cheerleading CampGirls ages 5-12

Cross CountryBoys and Girls grades 8-12

Football CampBoys ages 6-14

GolfBoys and Girls ages 10-18 (beginner to advanced)

LacrosseBoys ages 8-18

Tennis CampBoys and Girls ages 10-15

SoccerBoys and Girls ages 8-17

WrestlingPee Wee Camp: Boys grades 2-5 Junior Camp: Boys grades 6-9

Arts Art Explosion

Creative Hands: Boys and Girls grades K-6 Young Picassos: Boys and Girls grades 7-12

Artistic ExpressionsBoys and Girls ages 7-12

PianoBoys and Girls all ages

Summer Strings Conservatory Boys and Girls grades 8-12 (high-intermediate to advanced)

SpecialInterests Cooking

Boys and Girls ages 8 and up Adults of all ages

KnittingBoys and Girls all ages

Traditional Camp Darlington

Boys and Girls ages 7-10

Camp DelightascopeBoys and Girls ages 2-6

Camp InventionBoys and Girls grades 1-6

Thereisstilltimetojoinusthissummer,ormakeyourplansnowfor2011!

For more information and online registration visitwww.darlingtonschool.org/summer

2 0 1 0 S u m m e r C a m p S

Through a broad range of activities and exceptional instruction, we encourage children to apply their talents, identify new interests, develop caring friendships and build confidence in their abilit y to succeed.

Camp Ad DARMAG_2010.indd 1 6/22/10 1:58 PM

Reagen (Lowrey) Lozar married Casey Winn Lozar on July 25, 2009, in an outdoor wedding at Rainbow Ranch in Big Sky, Mont.

Reagen (Lowrey ’99) and Casey Lozar

John McElrath married Stacey Kathleen Horton on Dec. 19, 2009, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Atlanta. Yeo-Jin (Namkoong) Pyen earned a B.A. from Emory University and is working as a catering sales manager at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia.


Class Agent: Skye Wellesley

Stewart Coxwell is working on her master’s in human resources management at Georgetown University.

Patrick Dollar married Katherine Ann Haney on May 9, 2009, at First Presbyterian Church in Eufaula, Ala.Barrett Fleming and his wife, Billie, announce the birth of a son, Beau Haskins, on Aug 21, 2009. The family lives in Warner Robins, Ga.Blake Rolan married Elizabeth Bennett Sumner on July 18, 2009, at The Briar Rose Estate in Shelbyville, Ky. Blake was also named the running backs coach at the University of West Georgia.


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

George Barron and his wife, Tammy, announce the birth of a daughter, Emma Leigh, on April 21, 2010. The family lives in Rome. Jennifer (Crews) Davis married Harrell Edward Davis Jr. on May 2, 2009, in Darlington School’s Morris Chapel.


Class Agent: Miles Wellesley

Bruna Alencar writes: “I miss all people that I met and all moments that I spent at Darlington. I hope everyone is doing well!”

Tripp Alexander III married Rosemary Joy Nations on Jan. 2, 2010, at Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, N.C. Georgia Harris is working on her Masters in Teaching at Mercer University in Atlanta. Ben McElrath married Sarah Belser Lamb on July 25, 2009, at Shandon Presbyterian Church in Columbia, S.C. Aaron Sumner and his wife, Brooke, announce the birth of a son, Hudson Bradford, on July 21, 2009. The family lives in Rome.


Class Agents: Lindsay Doss, William Krueger

David Huguenel Jr. owns a political consulting firm called DPH Strategies LLC based in New Orleans, La. The firm specializes in field consultation and demography pertaining to political campaigning, and serves several clients across the state of Louisiana. David’s research in demography post-Katrina has been cited by several news outlets. He is also the co-host of a political talk show based in Baton Rouge, La., and can be heard at kkay1590.com from 4 to 5 p.m. CST.

Summer 2010

Ryan (’08), Meredith (’12), Mary Pat and Ellen Gaffney pictured at the Washington, D.C., Alumni Gathering in April.

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Darlington Magazine

Event hosts Belinda and Mark MacKimm

Event host Rebekah (Barron) Montgomery (’78) with Rebecca Barron

Leigh and Mary Kate Watters (’05)

Frances Edwards and Harley Yancey (’07)

Will Edwards (’07), Christie Doss (’07), Ben McAbee (’07), Ben Butler (’07), Julia Douglas (’07), West Watters (’07)

U G A v s . A u b u r n

O l e M i s s v s . A l a b a m a

Darrell Lowrey, David Muschamp (’68), Karen Johnson

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F S U v s . G e o r g i a T e c h

Hundreds of alumni, parents and friends caught up with their Darlington buddies and cheered on their favorite college football teams during our Tiger Tailgates this fall. We want to give a special thanks to our event hosts, who went above and beyond to make Darlington’s tents the best on the block. This year’s Tiger Tailgates were held in Tallahassee, Fla.; Oxford, Miss.; and Athens, Ga. See our fall 2010 schedule below and make plans to attend. You won’t want to miss the party!

Wake Forest vs. FSU Sept. 25 in Tallahassee, Fla.

Florida vs. Alabama Oct. 2 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Auburn vs. Ole MissOct. 30 in Oxford, Miss.

UGA vs. Auburn Nov. 11 in Auburn, Ala.

Tiger Tailgates

Summer 2010

Terri (Huffman) Watters (’72T) and Linda (Grizzard) Owens (’79)

Event host Bob Smith (’78) with his children, Virginia and Warren

Trey Payne (’08), Steve Chumbler (’07), West Watters (’07) Whitney (Keene) Whittington (’01), Buddy Keene, Vicki Vincent

Frances Ann and John Graham (’59) with Bess Kelley (’09)

Anna Loveless (’09), Katie Stout (’09), Mary Beth Montgomery (’08), Chelsea Digsby (’07)

Kim McAbee (’09), Katie Brown (’09), Megan Ware (’09)

Event hosts Jack (’79) and Nancy Knight, Andy Davis, Lisa and Rhett Butler, Terry and Pam (Braden) McAbee (’76), Peter and Emily Hjort, and Janice Davis

Alumni and friends

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Stephanie (Corwin) Nichols married Drew William Nichols (’03) on June 27, 2009, at Darlington School’s Morris Chapel. The couple also announces the birth of a son, John Brady, on April 7, 2010. The family lives in Rome.Blair Stegall writes: “My trip to Nepal was beyond words. After going to India in 2005, I knew I wanted to return to that part of the world again. I spent four months in Katmandu serving with Mother Teresa’s sisters, ‘The Missionaries of Charity,’ at a poor, government-run home for abandoned elderly. I lived with a Nepali family and grew to love and appreciate the culture so much. I even got to trek the Himalayas a bit. My time in Nepal blessed me and stretched me tremendously. It was a gift!”


Class Agent: Whitney (Smith) Hsu

Cody Amos graduated from Georgia Southern University with a B.S. in Education. He majored in health and physical education with a minor in coaching.Katie Brindell graduated from Texas Christian University in 2008 with a degree in public relations. She now works in Washington, D.C., as a deputy press secretary for a member of Congress.Matt Gill earned an M.S. in Accountancy from Wake Forest University, passed the CPA exam, and is working in the assurance services practice for Ernst & Young LLP in Charlotte, N.C.David Hoyt married Heather Cassandra Smith on Sept. 5, 2009, at Darlington School’s Morris Chapel.Whitney (Smith) Hsu married Ryan Christopher Hsu on June 20, 2009, at Reynolda Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C.



Brittni Dulaney was one of only 11 Presbyterian College students to receive the Educational Testing Service Recognition of Excellence award for her scores on the national licensure tests. Her scores were the highest in Presbyterian College’s history. Brittni graduated this spring and currently serves as the first-ever women’s lacrosse coach at Shorter College in Rome. After several outstanding lacrosse seasons at

Presbyterian, she is ranked No. 27 in the nation for assists and No. 31 in the nation for assists per game.Bo Hammond III is a history major at American University in Washington, D.C., where he is also president of the College Democrats. He recently met Ted Sorensen, a speechwriter and adviser for President John F. Kennedy, after the College Democrats invited him to speak at the institution.Luke Hyder is starting safety for the Air Force Academy.

Ryan McMahon, center for the Florida State Seminoles, was one of two featured athletes on the cover of Game Time 2009, the Florida State football program. He is considered one of the top centers in the nation.


Class Agent: Brett Henson

Ben Pate received the 2009-10 Bruin Award for Student Leadership from Belmont University. The award is given in recognition of exceptional leadership, outstanding contribution to the campus experience, and exemplary representation of the

Norman Bonnyman (’07) with Gen. David Patraeus

Darlington Magazine

C l a s s N o t e s

Dottie Vincent (’07) with Melinda Childs (’17) and Blake Lowenberg (’17)

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university’s ideal of engaging and transforming the world. Ben is a junior Music Business and Entertainment major. Dottie Vincent spent her fall 2009 semester in Budapest, Hungary. Prior to her return to Mount Holyoke College, she stopped by Darlington’s Middle School campus to give master class clarinet lessons to two fifth-grade students.


Class Agent: Kelly O’Mara

Elliott Echols was named a Presidential Ambassador for Berry College in Rome. Jennifer Watford is a sophomore at Young Harris College, where she was named Mountain Lion of the Week in March 2010 for her performance in softball.

Jennifer Watford (’08)


Class Agents: Rachel Buckle, Shanarra Goode, Cleve Jackson

Alexandra Dodd will be an honors teaching assistant at the University of Georgia this fall. Honors teaching

assistants lead the Honors Freshman Seminars, which are required for all freshmen in the Honors Program.Harrison Douglas is a member of Kennesaw State University’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team, which recently competed in a national competition in Minneapolis, Minn. Working in partnership with business and higher education, SIFE mobilizes university students around the world to use the knowledge gained in the classroom to address real world business and economic issues in their communities. SIFE students form teams on their university campuses and perform community service projects that teach market economics, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, personal success skills, business ethics, and environmental sustainability. Harrison has been chosen as the internal marketing coordinator for KSU’s SIFE team this fall.Lauren Dulaney has accepted membership in The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She will be honored during an induction ceremony this fall at Kennesaw State University.Rick O’Neal has earned a scholarship to play lacrosse for Shorter College’s inaugural team in the fall.Syaweli Saputra writes: “It has already been several months since I left, but I really cannot forget everything I got from my experience. Thanks for the great year. Miss you all so much.”

Stephanie Schecter has released her first album, “Capturing a Moment.” She wrote all the songs and lyrics for the album, which was produced and recorded in Rome by Ben Mcree at The Temple Studio. “Capturing a Moment” is available for purchase on iTunes or CDbaby.com. Stephanie is currently attending the College of Charleston. Abby Vincent was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta freshman honor society at Valdosta State University.

Jessica Jackson, Cleve Jackson (’09) and Christine Frank cheer on the Tigers at the state semifinal football game.

Summer 2010 51

Darlington Magazine

“He also had a deep, abiding love for Darlington, as though he knew the man that he was to become was molded in his years there. And last but not least, he loved Georgia Tech. Mike was the biggest fan of all things Tech that I have ever known,” Shine continued. “Football, basketball, baseball, women’s volleyball, softball – any Tech sport, any time. You always knew that Mike was either at work, with his family or at a Tech game.”

The son of the late Eleanor Thornton and James William Page, Mike was born in Anderson, S.C., on Aug. 9, 1948. He attended the local public school until the end of his freshman year, at which time his parents decided to send him to boarding school to pursue a higher quality of education. Eleanor, who had spent her college years at Shorter College in Rome, always said if she ever

had a son that she would send him to Darlington. And so she did.

“Mike was a three-year boarding student,” said his wife, Mary. “He was always very smart, but he actually had to work a little bit to get caught up with everybody when he first arrived. He connected immediately and was able to focus his attention on and funnel his energy into academics. There is a plaque for the Debate Team in Wilcox Hall that has Mike’s name on it. He loved the Debate Team. He didn’t understand why our son, Davis (’13), always wants to discuss everything. I would just laugh and say, ‘I don’t know, Mr. Debater.’”

After Darlington, Mike went on to graduate with a degree in business from Davidson College. He later joined the U.S. Navy, earning his M.B.A. from The Citadel while he was stationed in Charleston, S.C. In 1977, he took a job at Spartanburg, S.C.-based Milliken & Co., one of the largest privately held textile and chemical manufacturers in the world. He moved up the ranks and held a number of management positions until his retirement in 2005.

“I graduated high school in Charleston a few years before Mike was stationed there,” Mary said. “It’s kind of ironic that we were both in the same town, just five years apart.”

The two would meet 15 years later in LaGrange, Ga., where Mike was a comptroller and Mary was a showroom contractor for Milliken & Co. The couple married and started a family, and when it came time for their oldest son, Bo (’94), to start high school, they agreed that he should follow in his father’s footsteps. So, they sent him to Darlington.

“When Bo was a resident student, we came up every Friday night for football games,” Mary said. “Bo didn’t play; Mike just thoroughly enjoyed being part of everything again. No matter how old he got, in his mind he could still remember Darlington and the good ol’ days. That’s one of the reasons he wanted our children to go there.”

Five years ago, the Page family moved from LaGrange to Rome so that their youngest son, Davis, could start

attending Darlington in fifth grade.“I always knew how much Mike loved

Darlington,” Mary said. “You know when you find that place where you just feel like you belong? Darlington was it for him. I don’t even remember the names of anyone I went to high school with, and here he was talking about Darlington more than he did Davidson. He would have done anything for the school.”

Mike’s tireless efforts as a parent volunteer prove just that. In addition to his involvement with his sons’ athletic teams, he also served as past-chairman of the Board of Visitors, member of the Heritage Society and loyal Annual Fund volunteer.

“Mike loved sports, especially if the boys were playing, and he loved helping Darlington’s coaches. I miss seeing him on the sidelines on Friday nights,” said Dan Pate, a friend and neighbor. “He truly loved his Darlington experience, and because of that he felt it was important to give back. He did this not only with his wallet, but through his countless hours of volunteer service. Mike could always be counted on to do his part.”

This was true for all the organizations Mike was passionate about, including the Ben Franklin Academy, First Presbyterian Church of Rome, the Georgia Tech Club, LaGrange Academy, the League of the South, Methodist Children’s Home, Rome Area History Museum, Rome Exchange Club, Rome Rotary Club, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Thornwell Home for Children and the United Way.

“The real measure of a man is in how much he is missed when he is gone, and Mike is sorely missed by many,” Schine said. “During my last conversation with him [before his death on Sept. 19, 2009], we made an agreement that whichever one of us made it to Heaven first would ensure that there was a Tech Club there, and would save a seat for the other. Well, Mike made it first, and I know he will be saving a seat for me.”

Anyone who knew Mike Page (’66) will tell you that he had three passions – his family, Darlington School and Georgia Tech.

“Mike loved his family. He loved to talk of them and their accomplishments with pride showing in his every word,” said Murray Schine, a close friend, colleague and fellow Tech enthusiast. “I must have received a thousand e-mails detailing each step in the children’s lives.

Mike Page (’66)Remembering a friend

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Mary and Mike Page (’66)

Summer 2010 53

John Knowlton died June 10, 2009

Dick Heaton died Jan. 20, 2010

Murphy Williams Jr. died Jan. 30, 2010

Jimmy Dick Maddox died Aug. 6, 2009

Bill Elfrink died Oct. 17, 2009

Tom Brock Jordan died March 5, 2010

Dennie Peteet Jr. died Sept. 22, 2009

Snow Holding died Aug. 29, 2009

Cody Smith died March 5, 2009

Sonny McCauley Jr. died Feb. 17, 2010

Sion McNair died April 15, 2010

Arnold Smith died Feb. 10, 2008

Joe Johnson III died April 19, 2010

Vernon Smith died Oct. 17, 2009

Bill Bryson III died Nov. 15, 2009

Bob Lynn died May 2, 2010

Harold McKenzie Jr. died July 8, 2009

Benson Wilcox died May 11, 2010

Hook Birdsong died May 19, 2010.

Terrell Wesley III died June 29, 2009

Henry Burroughs Jr. died July 26, 2009

Paul Story died April 1, 2010

John Hackett died Sept. 14, 2009

John Fleming Jr. died Oct. 18, 2009

Morgan Byars died May 1, 2010

Dent Sullivan died Feb. 1, 2010

Bill Sulzbacher died June 6, 2010

Karen (Jervis) Supon died Sept. 28, 2009

Patrick Montgomery died Nov. 16, 2009

John Douglas Jr. died Dec. 14, 2009

Jim Mitchell died April 16, 2010

Mike Page died Sept. 19, 2009

Tom Swift died Jan. 25, 2010

Robert Dunn died Jan. 25, 2010

Cliff Rogers died July 29, 2009

George McCoin Jr. died Feb. 18, 2010

Billy Ray Jr. died June 25, 2009

Lawrence Wood died June 1, 2009

Lindy Shook died July 29, 2009

Kaye (Beacham) Baggerly died March 18, 2010

Lola Bradshaw died June 8, 2010

1938

1955

1962

1939

1947

1963

1982

19501949

1967

2001 Faculty

1941 PHOTOGRAPH NOT AVAILABLE

1931

1945

1948

1955

1964

1969

1936 1937

1946

1953

1956 1958

1965 1966

1972

1941 Edward Hale

died Sept. 29, 2009

1942 Leon Borochoff

died Jan. 20, 2009

1943 Bud Darden Jr.

died Nov. 4, 2009

John Terrell died Aug. 6, 2009

1944 Bill Buck

died April 19, 2010

1945 John Moulton

died Aug. 23, 2009

1948 Martin Bradshaw Jr.

died Jan. 12, 2010

1951 Leon Houston Jr.

died July 4, 2009

1954 Art Dismukes Jr.

died May 27, 2010

1014 Cave Spring Road • Rome, Georgia 30161-4700

Non ProfitOrganization U.S.

PostagePAID

Rome GA 30161Permit No. 501

Documents

Darlington Magazine Summer 2010