Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia Darlington Connects: Camille Temples ('13)
Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Rome, GA
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Darlington Connects: Camille Temples (’13)

Blake Cescutti | March 30, 2023 | 945 views

We’re excited to highlight the Young Alumni Council through a series of Darlington Connects blogs written by members of the Alumni Council. Today, Blake Cescutti ('00, LD '19) shares a spotlight on Camille Temples (’13).

Darlington’s impact on Camille Temples (’13) started in 2001, as a first-grade student on the former Thornwood campus. Once she made her way to the Upper School, she was extremely active on and off campus by volunteering on the Servant Leadership Committee, Tiger Experts, and the Y-Cabinet. She also accompanied Mr. Moss on a trip to England and was a part of the student panel presentation during the Leadership Darlington program. Somehow, Camille was able to find time to earn letters in both volleyball and swimming, while also starring in the on-campus productions of "Grease" and "Beauty & the Beast." Still, nothing compares to dominating lip-sync battles during RUMPUS as a member of Thornwood.  

Whether it was learning important life skills such as time management and efficiency, or interacting with our diverse student body, Darlington laid the groundwork for Camille’s success. She is very thankful for the experiences and connections that Darlington provided, saying, “I know no matter where I am, I will find a familiar face because of Darlington.” She also emphasized learning that there was always more than one way to solve a problem, to which she credited numerous teachers. When asked to pick one, she recalled Mrs. Lola Bradshaw, who had the funniest stories and was such a kind lady. “She made learning fun and always made everyone feel special,” said Camille.  

After leaving The Lakeside, she enrolled at Auburn University (War Eagle), graduating in 2019 with a degree in interior design. She quickly moved to Palm Beach, Fla., where she began her career working as a junior designer. “It was an incredible experience, and I learned so much from the other designers in my firm," she said. Once COVID hit, she moved back to Rome and went to work as a project manager for an interior design firm in Buckhead. Today, you will find her diligently working for her clients as an account manager with Surya, decorating and designing spaces across the country. “I enjoy helping designers with selections for their projects and helping retailers build their product offerings," she said.

To many, Darlington is a gift that keeps on giving, and Camille is no exception! In May of this year, Camille will marry fellow alumnus Wright Abney (’10), adding to the growing list of Darlington couples. When she was a freshman, he was a senior who would occasionally hold the door for her between classes, but she noted that was their only interaction. Fast forward 10 years, and their paths cross again, this time in downtown Rome instead of The Cove. Although they were not high school sweethearts, their Darlington connection (and COVID) is what brought them together.

Camille is very aware of the opportunities bestowed upon her because of Darlington, and that is why she chooses to give back when and where she can. She currently serves as a founding member of the Young Alumni Council, where she participates in the Social Engagement Committee. This is a perfect landing spot for Camille, a place where she can use her talents and skills. She looks forward to participating in the senior panels and serving Darlington in a new way.  

Are you a member of the Darlington Community (or do you know one) with an interesting career or community involvement? We'd love to spotlight you in a future blog! Please email connect@darlingtonschool.org if you are interested in being featured.