Lola Bradshaw came to Darlington in the fall of 1978, and in her 29-year tenure she has learned that you can catch more flies with sugar than you can with vinegar.
“If someone loves teaching a subject, just as I love teaching science, the students will pick up on that dedication and work harder to achieve,” she explained.
And over the years, Bradshaw’s students have done just that. Her ability to balance empathy and sense of humor with inspiration and academic adventure has made Bradshaw a legend among Darlington’s faculty. That is why it is so difficult for her students and colleagues to see her go.
Headmaster Tom Whitworth announced today that Bradshaw would not be returning to the classroom next year, due to health reasons.
“I feel certain that Mrs. Bradshaw will continue to have a lasting impact on the alumni she taught during her early years at the Middle School in the 1970’s, as well as on her most recent students and colleagues at the Lower School,” said Whitworth in his announcement. “In her 29 years here, Mrs. Bradshaw has become one of Darlington’s legendary teachers, one who will always be remembered for her bright smile and her compassion. She will be missed by many, but we all support her decision to focus on rest and recovery.”
When Bradshaw came to Darlington in 1978, she was hired by Jim Van Es as a part-time teacher at the Middle School.
“Darlington was already such a big part of my life even before I started teaching here,” said Bradshaw. “My husband is a graduate of Darlington, my mother-in-law was president of the Darlington Mother’s Club for the four years my husband attended the Upper School, my son was already a student at the Lower School, and I had served on a committee to help get the Lower School started.”
She remembers the Middle School as an exciting place where relationships were built, where students were held accountable, and where everyone laughed and worked hard together. After seven years of teaching science, American history and English to students in grades 7-8, Bradshaw moved to the Lower School in 1985.
For the past 22 years, she has made it her mission to provide love and direction to her young students so that they, too, can become life-long learners.
“I decided early on in my teaching career that my personal mission statement would be simple – to follow and teach the Golden Rule and to instill a love of learning in each of my students,” said Bradshaw. “I hope my students have learned to enjoy learning, and that they realize it is both a lifetime responsibility and an adventure.”
Bradshaw listed a litany of things she would miss about Darlington, and specifically the Lower School, including the close-knit faculty and staff – which she refers to as her family – and hearing success stories from former students. But the children are what she will miss most.
“I have learned from my students to laugh more, relax more, and keep a sense of humor. They keep me young at heart,” she said. “To the faculty, staff, administrators and students, I would like to say thank you for making me feel so special during the 29 years I worked for Darlington. You welcomed me, were so kind and helpful to me, and you taught, advised, and directed my son, Tripp, from first grade to graduation. I will miss everyone so much.”
And it is certain that Bradshaw will be missed just as much – if not more – by the Darlington community.
“Lola has had a tremendous impact on so many students who have been under her care. In many instances, she has taught the children of her former students,” said Steve Bartholomew, director of Lower School. “She leaves us with a legacy of kindness, compassion, and a wonderful sense of humor. Her faithful dedication to her students and the teaching profession for the past 29 years at Darlington will never be forgotten. Lola will be missed not only as a teacher, friend, and colleague, but as a special human being.”
Bradshaw will be replaced by Cindy Stinson, who has served as second-grade aide since July 2005 and knows the Lower School curriculum well.
“While I could never begin to fill Miss Lola’s shoes, I do hope to maintain the high standards she has set for students and faculty alike here at Darlington,” said Stinson, who has taught school for a total of 14 years, 12 of which were spent in the Floyd County School System. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, a teaching certificate from Berry College, and two master’s degrees from the University of West Georgia.
“We are very fortunate to have a qualified staff member to step into this position,” said Whitworth, “and I have the utmost confidence that Mrs. Stinson and Mrs. Anthony will make a fantastic team for next year’s fourth-grade students.”
Lola Bradshaw
