Elizabeth Wilhoite is a day student from Cartersville, Ga., who has attended Darlington since pre-K. She is president of Darlington Concert Choir, co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and an active member of the fine arts program.
As a Dar Baby and the daughter of a former Darlington boarding student, could you imagine yourself sending your child(ren) to Darlington?
I would definitely consider sending my kids to Darlington. Darlington offers a comfortable learning environment that I think is integral to achieving young adulthood. I would sacrifice all my time and money to provide my kids with that type of environment to mature and learn in.
After three years in Concert Choir, you are its current president. How do you think the fine arts program has affected your Darlington experience?
The fine arts program at Darlington has astronomically enhanced my Darlington experience. Not only does singing and acting take skill, it also takes confidence. Darlington's fine arts program has given me the opportunity to blossom into a mature, self-assured young adult and have an unforgettably fun time in the process. I would recommend everyone to get involved in fine arts.
What Darlington student, current or former, do you think has impacted you the most in high school?
My brother, John Wilhoite ('12), had the biggest impact on me in high school. Although he didn't know it, his hard work and involvement in school-sanctioned events influenced me to do the same. He is a wonderful person and his leadership and academic excellence at Darlington will never be forgotten. I challenge everyone else at Darlington to be that role model for someone else.
You've been involved in a lot of activities in your high school career. How do you think participating in these extracurriculars have shaped you as a person?
During my Darlington career, I've participated in football cheerleading, competition cheerleading, volleyball, soccer, and the school musical. I've loved all of them equally. Each one of them has individual spunk to it, but they all have taught me dedication and teamwork. Extracurriculars require hard work, and from this I've learned to push through the tough times so that my team can be successful in the end. And how could I get through the tough times without the support of my friends? That is where the teamwork came in. Extracurriculars have also enhanced my experience at Darlington.
Is there anyone you want to thank for helping you with all of your high school success?
I would like to thank all of my teachers for their support and persistent demand for excellence. Without them, I would not be the person I have grown to. I would especially like to thank my advisor Mrs. Ellis. She is without a doubt the most hard-driven and caring person I know. She was there for me every step of the way of my high school career and I am forever thankful for her.
Before this interview ends, is there anything you want to say?
I love Darlington and the person it has helped me to become. It is my second home and its community is my extended family. A Darlington education extends beyond intellect. Darlington expects academic excellence, but requires character. That is what separates my school from others.
