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Barnes receives Parents’ Choice Award
Mar 29, 2005 12:19 PM
By Reba (Hall) Barnes - FF/S
For many Darlington boys, hers was the first smile they saw when they stepped onto the campus, and over the years, they have come to know as her their second mother, their confidante and their friend.
On Tuesday, March 29, the Darlington Parents Association presented Head of House Reba Barnes with the 2005 Parents’ Choice Award for her outstanding commitment to Darlington School.
As one parent put it, “Reba truly possesses the traits highlighted in the Darlington motto: Wisdom More Than Knowledge; Service Beyond Self; Honor Above Everything,” and she has often been credited with making the Darlington experience “close to perfect” for the Barnes boys.
“From the time we called to inquire about the School, [Reba] has been incredible. She has provided a constant environment of trust, love, faith and security for my son. I could not ask for more … This year has been quite an adjustment for my entire family, and Reba has been there for every question, emotion and step of the way. The love and commitment she has to her boys and to Darlington is contagious and infectious,” wrote the mother of a first-year boarding student in her nomination letter.
Another parent called Barnes the connection to her son and his joys, frustrations and successes. “From the day we first left our son, in the hands of strangers, in a foreign country, to deal with a new culture, new friends and his new ‘family,’ I have never doubted to leave him at Darlington in the capable and loving arms of Reba Barnes. She will always be a part of our family,” she wrote.
With more than 30 students in her house, Barnes is praised by parents for her caring attitude and the individual attention she gives to her boys in their “home away from home” as well as to their families.
“I can only imagine how challenging it is to manage a house full of teenage boys, and yet she seems to handle it with just the right balance … We have been truly blessed to have her in our lives this year and plan to be back again next year, in large part due to her involvement,” wrote the mother of a junior boarding student.
Other parents said Barnes makes them feel as if their sons are the only one in her care. “She is wonderful. There are really no words to express our gratitude,” wrote the parents of a senior boarding student.
The mother of a second-year boarder added that it is evident in all Barnes does that she truly cares about the boys and their futures. “She sets the example for all faculty to follow at Darlington.”
Each year, the Darlington Parents Association seeks nominations from parents and alumni for this award, which is in its fourth year of existence. The recipient is a member of the Upper or Middle School faculty – teaching, coaching and residential life, or administrative staff – who has worked at Darlington for at least five years and who has shown significant commitment to the School, its mission and students. He or she should be a faithful member of the Darlington community who epitomizes its cooperative spirit and possesses great skill and leadership ability as well as a commitment to the Darlington motto: Wisdom More than Knowledge; Service Beyond Self; Honor Above Everything.
Past winners include Diane Ogletree (’68T), Middle School administrative assistant; Bill King, Upper, Middle and Lower School band director; and Sam Moss, associate headmaster and dean of college guidance.
On Tuesday, March 29, the Darlington Parents Association presented Head of House Reba Barnes with the 2005 Parents’ Choice Award for her outstanding commitment to Darlington School.
As one parent put it, “Reba truly possesses the traits highlighted in the Darlington motto: Wisdom More Than Knowledge; Service Beyond Self; Honor Above Everything,” and she has often been credited with making the Darlington experience “close to perfect” for the Barnes boys.
“From the time we called to inquire about the School, [Reba] has been incredible. She has provided a constant environment of trust, love, faith and security for my son. I could not ask for more … This year has been quite an adjustment for my entire family, and Reba has been there for every question, emotion and step of the way. The love and commitment she has to her boys and to Darlington is contagious and infectious,” wrote the mother of a first-year boarding student in her nomination letter.
Another parent called Barnes the connection to her son and his joys, frustrations and successes. “From the day we first left our son, in the hands of strangers, in a foreign country, to deal with a new culture, new friends and his new ‘family,’ I have never doubted to leave him at Darlington in the capable and loving arms of Reba Barnes. She will always be a part of our family,” she wrote.
With more than 30 students in her house, Barnes is praised by parents for her caring attitude and the individual attention she gives to her boys in their “home away from home” as well as to their families.
“I can only imagine how challenging it is to manage a house full of teenage boys, and yet she seems to handle it with just the right balance … We have been truly blessed to have her in our lives this year and plan to be back again next year, in large part due to her involvement,” wrote the mother of a junior boarding student.
Other parents said Barnes makes them feel as if their sons are the only one in her care. “She is wonderful. There are really no words to express our gratitude,” wrote the parents of a senior boarding student.
The mother of a second-year boarder added that it is evident in all Barnes does that she truly cares about the boys and their futures. “She sets the example for all faculty to follow at Darlington.”
Each year, the Darlington Parents Association seeks nominations from parents and alumni for this award, which is in its fourth year of existence. The recipient is a member of the Upper or Middle School faculty – teaching, coaching and residential life, or administrative staff – who has worked at Darlington for at least five years and who has shown significant commitment to the School, its mission and students. He or she should be a faithful member of the Darlington community who epitomizes its cooperative spirit and possesses great skill and leadership ability as well as a commitment to the Darlington motto: Wisdom More than Knowledge; Service Beyond Self; Honor Above Everything.
Past winners include Diane Ogletree (’68T), Middle School administrative assistant; Bill King, Upper, Middle and Lower School band director; and Sam Moss, associate headmaster and dean of college guidance.
