Senior Spotlight: Abraham Johnson ('15)

Abraham Johnson is a day student from Rome, Ga., who has attended Darlington School since pre-kindergarten. He is head day prefect of Moser House and president of the Darlington Players. He has also been involved in numerous other campus organizations during his time at Darlington. Abraham is the brother of alumni Hiram ('12) and O'Keefe ('13) as well as current sophomore Mamie ('17).

I can say with complete honesty, you are one of the most involved students I've seen at Darlington, especially involving leadership. What have you taken from these experiences?

First of all, that’s very flattering so thank you for the compliment, honestly. I think as a whole, what I’ve learned from being as involved as I have been at Darlington is this: whatever you do, find stuff that you’re passionate about. During my freshman and sophomore years, I was in way too many clubs and positions.

During my junior year I zoned in and started taking theater seriously. Because of finding this passion, it made me realize that the involvement and leadership I had could be directed towards specific passions of mine rather than a blind-fire of clubs and leadership positions. As much as I wish I had that focus on theater during my freshman and sophomore years, there were still some great benefits from being in clubs that I wouldn’t necessarily have been interested in without that carrot of “involvement” (aka application fillers). Ultimately what I learned from my involvement is to try as many new things as you can, but always have a center of gravity to know which ones you’re legitimately passionate about.

What has been your favorite part of being president of the Darlington Players, and the fine arts department in general?

Undoubtedly, writing/directing my shows at Darlington has been an invaluable experience. I hesitate a little to write about the process of “Don Flough” and “9 Mile” mainly because sometimes I think it comes off as “look at me doing this great thing” rather than “look at this great thing we’re doing.” Essentially (and this will sound cliché so brace yourself) but everyone in the cast makes these shows happen.

As dramatic and quirky as theater kids can be, there really isn’t a place for egos in the theater. That’s why you have the comedic archetype of the “drama queen”—in reality, Rachel Berry wouldn’t be as good of an actress because she has a hard time respecting her fellow actors. Everything she does is to showcase her talent onstage. The best shows are about the group, not that one person who thinks they’re more talented than everyone.

What I have most enjoyed as president of the Darlington Players is the playfulness that my shows have been met with. Specifically with the show we’re working on right now, “9 Mile,” I have a ridiculously inventive and excited cast. Seeing them work as a group to choreograph slow-motion brawl scenes (coming to a theater near you on May 1) and figure out various other theater problems really distills down what I love about theater: the community over the individual.

Can you see yourself sending your future children to Darlington if you have any?

If by the miracles of modern science (and therapy?) I have children in the future, I would definitely want to send them to Darlington. My parents have made massive sacrifices to send my brother, sisters and myself here, and that’s because they realize how important it is to us. Darlington is a place where I’ve been able to grow some pretty strong roots and I would love to see it foster more people that I love.

I think if I did send my kids here, I would send them as boarding students because it truly is a big difference than just going as a day student, as I have found through my own time in the dorm and from the friends I have made. Plus, that’s just such a better literary genesis, isn’t it? It’s hard to name books about day students at boarding schools. You always hear about the boarding students: Harry Potters, Holden Caulfields, etc. I digress.

Which Darlington student do you think has contributed to your personal growth?

When I was a freshman, there was a senior named Lili Arnsdorff ('12) who truly changed the course of my life. I never really got to mention to her what an impact she had on me, but I’ve always kept the idea of what she meant to me as a model for how I want to be remembered.

Her confidence and unapologetic passion was something that really inspired me. When I was 14 she wasn’t the loudest voice, but she said what I needed to hear. I really, really hope I can be that for some people once I graduate. Also, someone send this to her and let her know how cool I thought she was. That would be chill.

Is there anything you want to say to the student body?

Make a lot of mistakes.
Stay up all night in the dorm and watch the sunrise with a friend.
Stay up all night in the dorm and watch the sunrise alone.
Don’t you dare let people tell you high school will be the best four years of your life.
Don’t you dare let people tell you that college will be the best four years of your life.
Read the book “Looking For Alaska” by John Green. Reading it while you attend Darlington is an experience not-to-be-missed—there’s even a Mr. Schmidt character!