A celebrated educator and friend to many, Lola Bradshaw’s legacy will live on thanks to the Lola C. Bradshaw Spirit of Life Award, established by her son, Martin H. “Tripp” Bradshaw III (’85), and endowed through gifts made to Darlington in memory and in honor of Lola’s years of unselfish service by her family, friends and former students.
The longtime Darlington teacher died June 8 at the age of 71 after a long battle with cancer.
“I know Mrs. Bradshaw will continue to have a lasting impact on the alumni she taught during her early years at the Middle School in the 1970s, as well as on her most recent students and colleagues at the Lower School,” said Headmaster Tom Whitworth. “In her 29 years here, Mrs. Bradshaw became 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.”
The daughter of the late Wilbur Fred and Sara Carter Caldwell, Lola Bradshaw was born in Macon, Ga. She was a graduate of Jackson High School and the University of Georgia, where she earned a B.S. and was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. She earned her teacher certification at Georgia State College and also attended Berry College. She taught math and science in Cobb County for several years before marrying the late Martin Horace Bradshaw Jr. in 1965 and moving to Rome.
When Bradshaw began working at Darlington in 1978, she was hired as a part-time teacher at the Middle School. After seven years of teaching science, American history and English to students in grades 7-8, she moved to the Lower School in 1985. For the next 22 years, Bradshaw made it her mission to provide love and direction to her young students so that they, too, could become life-long learners. She retired in the spring of 2007 due to her health.
“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.”
During her tenure at Darlington, Bradshaw was recognized numerous times for her work with students. She received the first Edward N. Beachum Master Teacher Award, the James Brown Teacher Award, the District Science Teacher of the Year Award, the Georgia Teach Math and Science Recognition Award and the Georgia Independent School Association Award for 25 years of service.
The Lola C. Bradshaw Spirit of Life Award will be awarded annually to the Lower School student who best exemplifies through attitude and actions both inside and outside the classroom, the highest spirit for life, love for learning, and unselfishness toward others. Memorial contributions to this award fund may be sent to the Lola C. Bradshaw Spirit of Life Award, Darlington School, 1014 Cave Spring Rd., Rome, GA 30161.
