Rising sixth-grader Dillon Weeks received the Teresa Huffman Watters Award May 23 during Lower School Commencement.
“For 23 years, Terri Watters was a teacher at the Lower School, and during this time, she affected the lives of many students by shaping their intellectual and emotional views of themselves and their surroundings,” said Diane Lumpkin, Lower School assistant principal. “Terri has shaped the futures of not only these children, but of those people who will later touch their lives.”
Watters’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Huffman, chose to honor her years of service to the Lower School by endowing an award in her name. The award will be presented each year at Commencement to a fifth-grade student who has exhibited the following characteristics:
Growth in character which distinguishes him or her from others;
Growth in developing self-discipline by being responsible in all areas;
Growth in the desire for learning by working beyond expectations;
Growth in morals by discerning right from wrong;
Growth in friendships by being considerate of all, regardless of their differences;
Growth in becoming a solid person and student who should be proud of him or herself.
"When they called my name, I thought I was one of the luckiest kids on Earth," said Weeks. "When I got a standing ovation, I thought I must have won something really important. I also felt special to be winning the very first of these awards, and for being one of Mrs. Watters' third-grade students."
Weeks was a natural choice, according to his teachers. With a 97 overall average, Weeks still manages to be a dedicated swimmer and pianist, a member of the band, and a school safety patrol.
“Dillon is kind to everyone around him, and he works extremely hard at his academics,” said BeBe Cline, fifth-grade teacher. “Darlington has provided him with an environment in which he feels comfortable, and his position as a safety patrol has put him in a leadership role. I am so proud of Dillon’s accomplishments, and I know he has the drive to succeed.”
Weeks is the son of Derek and Mary Weeks of Rome.
