A Darlington student is made up of many things. None of which is average. We help our students develop their interests, passions and pursuits, because we believe every individual has something to contribute. We also believe that only when you're 100% you, are you 100% Darlington.
Here at Darlington, every student’s path is different. We think that's a good thing.
In this #SeniorSpotlight, get to know Chinelo Okafor, a two-year boarding student from Lagos, Nigeria, who loves singing and running.
When you think of Darlington, what three words come to mind first?
Discipline, kindness, hard work
When you think of high school, what song comes to mind?
“Believe That” by The Lodge
What's your favorite show to binge watch?
“The Originals”
What house are you a member of?
Regester House
What are you involved in at Darlington?
Track and field, cross country, Student Council, Student Activities Committee, Black Student Union, Finnish-learning iPeriod, German-learning iPeriod, Concert Choir
If you are involved in fine arts, what is your favorite activity?
Concert Choir. My favorite teacher is Mrs. Johnson because she loves what she does and she is very calm and kind. She helps me when I struggle and does not get upset even when I don't get it right on the first try. Instead, she helps me and assists me with my work. Also, she is very nice and brings food :)
What's your favorite place on campus and why?
The Growl because that is where my friends and I go to talk and have fun. We also go there for warmth and it's always a nice and amazing time hanging out with them. Something for me to always remember :)
Who's your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teachers are Mr. Leezer and Mrs. Sukhanath. When I first came to Darlington, I was put in Physics 1 and I told Mr. Leezer I had never done it before and I was nervous. He was so kind to me and offered to help me whenever he could. I always remember him smiling in class and cracking jokes. He really loved the subject he taught and that made me like physics more. I also really like Mrs. Sukhanath because she always took her time to explain things to me. She was never harsh with me and always helped me with my assignments and classwork.
What's your favorite thing about Darlington?
They discipline their students and they are very kind at the same time. I really like how they take sports seriously because it helps me as I want to become an athlete in the future.
Describe an experience that you've had at Darlington that you couldn't have had anywhere else.
When I started cross country, I had a time of 29 minutes. Later in the year, I became better and had a time of 24:07. With the help of my brilliant coaches, they helped me succeed. I do not think another coach or another school would have done that for me. Special thanks to Mr. Evans and Ms. McDurmon for always supporting me and shouting my name during races.
What are some of the ways you've grown since you first came to Darlington?
Again, I have improved as an athlete and I have become more disciplined. Darlington has taught me how to prioritize my studying schedules and helped me improve my grades. I do not sulk anytime something does not go right; instead, I try and look for ways to improve.
Where do you want to go to college and what is your dream job?
I am still deciding where I want to go and what my dream job is, but I really like money so anything that works.
Click here to see more #SeniorSpotlights from the Class of 2022!
Find out how you can be 100% Darlington, too, by requesting a personal campus tour at www.darlingtonschool.org/visit or contacting admission@darlingtonschool.org.
