Since his tenure began in 2005, recently retired Headmaster Tom Whitworth said he has been most inspired by the members of this tight-knight school community who make Darlington the very special place that it is. In his words, Darlington’s charm lies in its people and in the sense of community you feel when you enter the campus gates. And any alumnus/na, teacher, student or parent knows that he’s absolutely right.
Whitworth came on board as headmaster during the Centennial Celebration and led the school through the completion of a $90 million Second Century Campaign, which included the addition of Thatcher Hall, renovations to the boys’ residence halls, and increased endowment for faculty support and financial aid, among other things. He was the driving force behind many initiatives that have strengthened Darlington’s student-centered programming, including the establishment of the Teaching and Learning Center and the transition to a unified ELA-8 program. Under Whitworth’s leadership, Darlington has integrated 21st Century skills in all facets of its curriculum through initiatives such as the 1:1 program in grades 4-11 and a focus on project-based learning in all grade levels.
But perhaps most important, he was purposeful in his effort to build a “one school” atmosphere that would strengthen the Darlington Community at its very core. His vision became a reality when ELA-4 settled into its new home on the main campus last school year. Almost immediately, the walls that seemed to separate the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools for decades seemed to crumble.
Now, our youngest Tigers interact, collaborate and build relationships with older students on a regular basis; entire families take part in athletic, fine arts and student life opportunities; the diversity of our student body is not only embraced, but has become a great resource teachers; and Darlington has become a community in the truest sense of the word.
Whitworth retired as Darlington’s headmaster at the end of June, handing over the reins to new Head of School Brent Bell. But he and his wife, Margo, will always be invested in the future of Darlington, their home for the past nine years.
