When Mitchell Kelly Thurston (’14) first arrived on Darlington’s campus on the evening of Jan. 4, 2012, he had never seen the school in person. By 8:30 p.m., he was settling into a dorm room in Georgia, far from his home in Nassau, Bahamas. By the next morning, he was officially a Tiger.
What began as a leap of faith would ultimately shape the course of his life.
Kelly transferred to Darlington during the second semester of his sophomore year after being inspired by a visit from Darlington’s Soccer Academy to his school in Nassau. A talented soccer and track athlete with strong academics, Kelly had heard stories of alumni success and felt drawn to the opportunities Darlington offered. Motivated by those possibilities, he applied independently before even telling his parents.
While his mother immediately supported the idea, his father was hesitant about sending his son to a boarding school so far from home. It was Kelly’s grandfather who ultimately became his strongest advocate, recognizing Darlington as a place where Kelly could grow and make a lasting impact. With his encouragement, Kelly’s father agreed, and just months later Kelly began his Darlington journey. Six months after his arrival, his grandfather passed away, making the opportunity he had helped secure all the more meaningful.
“I didn’t even take a tour of Darlington before I came,” Kelly recalled. “My first time on campus was that night in January, and the very next day was my first day of class. I had faith that God gave me this opportunity and faith that I had made the right decision.”
The transition was not easy at first. The academic rigor at Darlington far exceeded what Kelly had previously experienced, and homesickness quickly set in. But it was in those early challenges that Kelly found his determination.
A turning point came in Ancient World History with teacher Mike Pope after Kelly struggled on one of his daily quizzes. Rather than becoming discouraged, he made a personal commitment not to let the opportunity slip away. With the guidance of dedicated teachers like Mr. Pope and math instructor Mrs. Cox, who consistently went above and beyond to provide support, Kelly learned how to truly challenge himself academically.
As his confidence grew in the classroom, so did his sense of belonging within the Darlington Community.
As a boarding student in Summerbell and Neville Houses, Kelly formed friendships that would become lifelong family. He fondly remembers Italian dinners cooked by Mr. and Mrs. Z, the care Mrs. Barnes showed when he fell ill, and the way dorm leaders stepped in whenever homesickness crept in.
“The dorms were my favorite place on campus,” Kelly said. “That’s where friends became family. Darlington creates family. Even though I wasn’t home, they made me feel like I was.”
He laughs while recalling inside jokes like “Purple Cows” and unforgettable moments such as his dorm’s RUMPUS Lip Sync performance to Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison.”
During his time at Darlington, Kelly was deeply involved in campus life. He played varsity soccer, sang in Concert Choir and the Random Notes acappella group, and served as what is now known as an Advancement Ambassador, giving tours to prospective international students. One of those tours was even given to future Head of School Brent Bell.
Following graduation, Kelly went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Tampa and, later, a master’s degree in Applied Economics from the University of Maryland. After a brief period teaching, he returned to the Bahamas in 2020 to work with the Central Bank of the Bahamas.
It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Kelly noticed a growing demand for building materials across the islands. Recognizing an opportunity to meet a critical need, he launched a building supply company in Freeport. That venture evolved into what is now Bahamas Mineral & Manufacturing Corp., where Kelly serves as president and CEO.
In addition to his entrepreneurial success, Kelly is actively engaged in the political landscape of the Bahamas as an executive member of the Bahamas Opposition Party, continuing his commitment to leadership and service.
Kelly credits Darlington as a foundational force behind both his personal growth and professional success.
“The relationships I built at Darlington changed my life,” he said. “One of my best friends’ fathers later became instrumental in helping launch Bahamas Mineral & Manufacturing Corp. His guidance helped us save millions of dollars. That’s the power of the Darlington network.”
Today, Kelly remains closely connected to Darlington through his involvement with the Young Alumni Council, where he works to help students and recent graduates understand the lasting value of the Darlington Community. He continues to stay in touch with many of the teachers who played pivotal roles in his development.
From a young student arriving on campus sight unseen to a business leader shaping industry and policy in the Bahamas, Kelly Thurston’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of opportunity, perseverance, and community. Darlington didn’t just prepare Kelly for college. It helped prepare him for life.
To connect with Kelly and other alumni, join Darlington Connects on LinkedIn today!
