Senior Week Day 5: Dear Class of 2020 from the Golden Tigers

Senior Week has been a great experience focusing on the Class of 2020 who are officially now Darlington's newest members of the Alumni Association. I saved these messages from some of our Golden Tigers (those who have celebrated their 50th reunions) for last because I think it's amazing that as time moves on in life's journey our alumni feel an even deeper affection for their time at the Lakeside. I invite you to take a few moments and read these messages from some of our "seasoned" Tigers!

From: Frank Barron ’48 

My name is Frank Barron. I graduated from Darlington in 1948. I know you are disappointed that you will not have an ordinary ceremony due to the Virus. Take heart. Your diploma will still be proof of an extraordinary and fantastic accomplishment. Two words of advice: As you go through life never forget the Honor code. It may be the most important thing you will take from your Darlington experience. Secondly, always stay in touch with as many of your classmates as you can. They will be your best friends in life. And Good Luck!

From: Jeff Goddard (’58)

Dear 2020 Senior class members of Darlington School,

As a Darlington student you have been prepared for the future of university and college life. Walk proudly because you have been with Darlington’s head, staff and professors who are above other comparable learning institutions.

Due to their experience and effort, you are ahead of all and prepared for future events and you are a successful candidate for whatever path you choose. Due to Darlington’s distinction you bring value to wherever you choose to attend college or whatever you choose to do with your life. 

As you gain life's treasures remember Darlington, and those who will follow you at this great institution.  Help bring opportunities through the donations you share so that they may benefit from your leadership.  

Prayers, joy, and success to you seniors, enjoy.

I am Jefferson (Jeff) David Godard Jr., Class Agent and graduate 1958

From: Fred Couch (’59)  

Unlike my fellow students in 1959, I did not graduate because I failed the last semester of English.  However, because I had taken extra courses I had 19 credits when only 16 were needed to enter college. I was very good then in track and tennis; yet constantly criticized due to being very lanky. My attitude was to slough it off; to use it as inspiration to be better Darlington embrued in me a good work ethic towards life mainly via a man that’s still a good friend, Virginian Moultrie Lanier, whose family is well recognized there 

Because I did not have a good understanding of what is taught in English, I flunked out my first college  year. While out, my Father paid a tutor to teach me all I had missed in English. Then, on a lark, I took a summer course in speed reading which moved me from 300 to 1,200 WPM. 

Those two courses changed my grades from C-D-F’s to A-B-and a few C’s. In the midst of all that I joined the U S Navy Reserves, which after my B.S. in Marketing Management, Minors in Home Economics and Political Science, and almost a Minor in Geography took me to Davisville, RI; Tampa, FL; Yuma,AZ; Prado, Spain; Christchurch NZ Antarctica, & a few more places.  I later back packed/ visited  45 more countries 

After active duty I spent 6 more years in the reserves. In retrospect I should have served 11 more to achieve 20 years. While I was in Rhode Island I Started the first University of Alabama Alumni association which then had 600 members and met my first bride; our marriage lasted 7 good years!

Upon coming home from the Service, I entered my family business where my college degree helped me excel. 

In addition to it growing by leaps and bounds, I enjoyed doing civic work for the benefit of others. That result was a six story apartment complex for disadvantaged seniors; two skateboard parks for young people; a military/ historical museum; nominee as an outstanding young man; 175 buildings in the National Register of Historic Places; instigating a MainStreet project that brought over 6 million dollars of investment; many other projects; awards by three state Governors; VP of Alabama JayCees; Boy Scouts of America lifetime achievement Spirit of an Eagle award ; and I founded the Alabama Scenic River Trail Association. I also met my bride now of 39 years- best sales pitch I ever did. 

Looking back, that one and a half years at Darlington taught me to be humble and encouraged me to be great. Back then we thumbed to town to go to church- be sure you are close to God in all you achieve 

About 50 years back I got into whitewater canoeing, becoming an advanced expert; teaching beginners for 25 years in my spare time. Many of my 100’s of Paddle trips take me by Darlington. Usually I will come off the 4 lane to drive in front of the lake - a nostalgia Force that still inspires me!

My hope is you will grab all you’ve been exposed to there - people, sports, academics- and use it to achieve for others. That achievement will in turn reward you incredibly. 

Cordially, 

Fred Couch, Jr ’59

Founder, Operations Manager, Alabama Scenic River Trail  -  www.ASRT.me