A Busy Weekend

My adrenaline is still pumping from the flurry of activity that took place on Darlington’s campus last week! We certainly have a lot to celebrate with 100 percent attendance by our trustees at their fall board meetings, a visit by international dignitaries in the Consulate Corps, a special event to recognize those who funded our new Middle School, the naming of this new building in memory of Samuel E. and Mary W. Thatcher, the presentation of this year’s Distinguished Alumnus Award to John Hine (’53), Homecoming, an exciting win against Bowdon on the football field, Alumni Weekend in its entirety, and the third annual Many Voices Concert.

The events that took place last week touch every member of our school family. We at Darlington are so fortunate to have the support of thousands of people who truly love this place, and to have our trustees, alumni, students and parents come together for one weekend to share that love is both powerful and exciting.

I am so thankful to the faculty, staff, parents and alumni who made sure that everything ran so smoothly. Even the rain on Saturday afternoon didn’t stop hundreds of visitors from gathering under the tent on the Morris Chapel Lawn to enjoy food, fun and friends at Alumni Cookout before touring the old and new buildings on campus. And though the Homecoming Dance had to be moved indoors, our Upper School students made the best of it. Speaking of our students, I just have to say that our entertainment throughout the weekend was absolutely phenomenal! From our instrumental ensembles, to our Concert Choir and Middle School Chorus, to our Pep Band, I continue to be impressed by the talented students we have here at Darlington, and I know I am not the only one.

But I am also impressed by our students’ compassion and commitment to “Service beyond Self.” Early last week, several counties in our state were hit hard by torrential rain, which caused severe flooding and a great deal of damage. Gov. Sonny Perdue declared a State of Emergency in 17 counties, and our neighbors in Chattooga County were hit particularly hard. Our students immediately initiated a school-wide effort to collect donations to help flood victims. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we will be delivering over $500 worth of supplies to Trion, Ga. A group will also be volunteering in the distribution center. I am so proud of our students for always stepping up and reaching out to others in their time of need. They are outstanding examples of servant leadership.

I am also very excited to share that the Georgia Department of Community Affairs has approved a low-income housing tax credit application intended to fund a senior housing development on Etowah Terrace in our neighboring community of South Rome. This project was recognized as the highest scoring application in the state, and if approved, it will bring a $10.2 million development to our area. The revitalization of South Rome is important to us here at Darlington because we are beneficiaries as well as a participants in making Rome a great place to live.

As usual, great things are happening at Darlington and in our community, and it is my pleasure to share them with all of you! Have a wonderful weekend.

Tom