Darlington School honored the eighth-grade class on Thursday, May 12, at the Final Assembly in Morris Chapel.
Eighth-graders Caroline Dingler of Cedartown, Ga., and Dawson Williams of Rome received the James Ross McCain Award, the most prestigious award given in the middle grades. Recipients have demonstrated outstanding leadership ability in all areas of school life, but most importantly in the areas of academic, social, physical and spiritual leadership. These students best exemplify the characteristics of honor, independence and integrity, which are fundamentally essential qualities of leadership.
Eighth-graders Jalyn Massey of Cave Spring, Ga., and Chandler Pittman of Rome received the M. Hugh Merson Memorial Award, given to two students whose pursuit of excellence in all areas of school life best serves as an example to his or her fellow students, and who best represents the virtues of character, which Mr. Hugh Merson sought to instill in his pupils.
Chloe Duck of Cave Spring, Ga. received the Robert Walther Jr. Memorial Award, given to a student who has exhibited the strongest degree of concern and respect for his fellow students, and has rendered unselfish service to the school.
Grace Watters of Rome received the George A. Dorsey Memorial Award, given to a student who is distinguished by his or her own quest for knowledge and love of living things. In Mr. Dorsey’s own words: “That’ll do, little Bud.”
Caleb Baldwin of Rome received the Mary Alice Babcock Memorial Award, given to a student who has demonstrated a compassionate and caring attitude to fellow students, who is helpful, friendly, and thoughtful, and who generally places the welfare of others above his/her own.
Frances Fields of Kingston, Ga. received the Huffman Family Scholarship, established by William M. Huffman Jr. (’67) in honor of William M. Huffman Sr. (’40) and awarded to a rising ninth-grade student who exemplifies academic excellence, character and devotion to the school.
Hampton Watkins of Rome received the Raymond Nora Memorial Award, given to football player who best exemplifies leadership, spirit and cooperation.
Frank Manning of Rome received the DAR Good Citizenship Medal, given to a student who has exhibited honor, service, leadership, courage and patriotism.
Eighth-graders Maggie Hawkins of Cedartown, Ga., and Tate Ratledge of Rome received the John W. Maddox Athletic Achievement Award, given to the best all-round athlete.
Sophie Stepp of Calhoun, Ga. received the 8th Grade Citizenship Award, sponsored by Tiger PRIDE and given by grade level to students who have proved to be an overall friend to the school and its students by loyalty, kindness, attendance, allegiance and other good citizen attitudes.
