Incoming freshmen Emily Edwards of Rome, Ga., and Sam Tackeberry of Matthews, N.C., are the 2014 recipients of the Darlington Honor Scholarship. This full scholarship is awarded to one freshman day applicant and one freshman boarding applicant each year.
“The Honor Scholarship is the most prestigious merit award offered by Darlington, and we are proud of Emily and Sam for the countless hours of hard work and dedication that earned them this achievement,” said Derek Perkins, director of admission. “I am confident that each of these students is a great fit for Darlington and will make long-lasting contributions to our school community. I look forward to welcoming them to campus this fall.”
Edwards comes to Darlington from Berry College Middle School, where she is an award-winning member of the forensics team. She also plays basketball and runs cross country, recently winning two local 5K races as the top female finisher (the Zombie-thon and the Smokin' Butt 5K). Before her family moved to Rome from Gwinnett County, Edwards was a member of her elementary school's gifted program as well as SwimAtlanta. In sixth grade, after having only lived in Rome for a few months, she participated in an exchange trip to Japan through the Rome International Association. Edwards also enjoys reading, writing and hiking.
"I think that Darlington will be the best place for me to learn," Edwards said. "At Darlington, I will be offered opportunities that I can’t get anywhere else. I know that I will be able to grow as a student and an athlete."
Tackeberry, who comes from Weddington Middle School, is the third child in his family to be awarded one of Darlington's prestigious merit scholarships. His brother, Kyle ('16) is a Cornwell Scholar, as was his sister, Madeline ('13). Tackeberry plays basketball, tennis and golf. A Duke TIP honoree, he is also a member of the Junior Beta Club and enjoys servant leadership.
"I feel that Darlington will bring out the most potential in myself," Tackeberry said. "I also trust that Darlington will set me up for my future and prepare me for college. Darlington seems to be the most
reliable option to put me in the best possible learning environment and give me a taste of the responsibilities of being independent."
Established in 2011 as a result of Darlington’s Second Century Campaign, the Honor Scholarship is a full-tuition award that also covers room and board, books, and any other materials and fees. It also provides for an internship the summer before the student’s senior year; a Mastery Award, which is set aside to help the student develop in an area of his or her choice; and a leadership retreat. The multistage selection process involves alumni interviews and a required campus visit and interview.
For more information about the Darlington Honor Scholarship, click here or contact admission@darlingtonschool.org.
