The Darlington Podcast

Welcome to Episode 130 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, third grade teacher Steve McConnell talks with fourth grade teacher Carrie Watterson, middle grades math teacher Chris Eberhart, Assistant Athletic Director Nathan West and third-graders Addi Nolin and Sawyer West about after-school clubs for students in grades 3-5 and how they contribute to the student experience at Dar...

Welcome to Episode 129 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Director of the Teaching and Learning Center Jess Laliberte talks with the leaders of the newly-formed Tiger Tutor team: Orafiri Koko ('24), Brecken Laliberte ('25), Charlie May ('24), Isla McLaughlin ('24), Angeline Myrie ('25), Anthony Natarella ('24) and Seidy Pichardo ('24). They talk about the tutoring program, thei...

Welcome to Episode 128 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Director of Events and Engagement Becca Wood talks with Jeff Snider ('92, LD '18) about his boarding experience at Darlington, his current experience as a boarding parent and more as Darlington celebrates 100 Years of Boarding.  Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 127 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs Stefan Eady talks with new faculty members Betina Fuentes, Upper School English; Travis Gaug, Upper School history; Keegan Hinsley, middle grades English; and Celeste Rivers, Pre-K to 8 learning specialist. They discuss their career backgrounds, what drew them to Da...

Welcome to Episode 126 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Upper School Learning Specialist and faculty advisor to the Honor Council Justin Bruce talks with fifth-grader Adelyn Fine and senior Maddox Pyle, who serves as president of the Honor Council. They talk about the history and role of the Honor Council and reflect on how Darlington students embody Honor Above Everything. C...

Welcome to Episode 125 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Dean of College Guidance Ivy Brewer talks with college advisors Jaclyn Haynes and Mike Hudson and seniors Jack Bell and Isla McLaughlin about the value of the College Guidance Program at Darlington and the recent College Fair.  Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 124 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Terar Everhart ('13, LD '23), Upper School administrative assistant, talks with head day prefect of Cooper House Jennifer Hughes ('24), Summerbell day leader Anthony Natarella ('24), head dorm prefect of Regester House Eva Mosley ('24) and Student Body President Oliver Liu ('24). Together, they talk about student leaders...

Welcome to Episode 123 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Director of Alumni Relations Vicki Vincent chats with Barry Hurley ('83, LD '20), local attorney, current parent and parent of three alumni. They talk about Hurley's Darlington experience, his career path and how he stays connected with members of his class as he prepares for his milestone 40th class reunion this fall at...

Welcome to Episode 122 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs Stefan Eady talks with Upper School Counselor Chris Allen, Learning Specialist Jennifer Luitwieler and Dean of Students Brant Evans. Together, they share back-to-school tips for students and families from grades pre-K through 12 as the new school year appr...

In this episode, Head of School Brent Bell talks with Head Football Coach Wayne Groves and seniors Jack Chandler, Connor Ellison and Mackay Rush about the Darlington Tigers' upcoming football season. They discuss Coach Groves' coaching philosophy, how the team has been preparing, their goals for the season and what they're most excited about. This episode was recorded on July 20. Click here f...

Welcome to Episode 120 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Professional Development Coordinator Rebekah Kinney talks with second-grade teacher Courtney Cescutti, Director of Pre-K to 8 Hope Jones, Director of the Teaching and Learning Center Jessica Laliberte and pre-K teacher Beth Smith about their summer professional development activities. They share about each of the wo...

Welcome to Episode 119 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Becca Wood, Director of Events and Engagement in the Advancement Office, chats with Darlington parent, Purple Tie volunteer and local physician Dr. Sonbol Shahid-Salles about her involvement in the Darlington Community, with a special preview of the upcoming Purple Tie Tiger Tailgate event.  Clic...

Welcome to Episode 118 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs Stefan Eady chats with Director of Library Services Dawn Brock, Pre-K to 8 Librarian Mary Kate Fowee and Upper School Librarian Jordan West about library services at Darlington, their summer professional development, the changes coming to our library spaces next year and...

Welcome to Episode 117 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Becca Wood, Director of Events and Engagement in the Advancement Office, chats with Lou Dempsey ('87, LD '17) about his involvement in the Darlington Community as a parent and local business owner, with a special preview of his role in the upcoming Purple Tie Tiger Tailgate live auction. Click here for complete...

Welcome to Episode 116 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Content Manager Maddie Chastain talks with faculty summer program directors Eddie Guth, Paige Rogers, and Melissa Smyly about their upcoming camps and the benefits of summer programs for students. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 115 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Director of Alumni Relations Vicki Vincent chats with Young Alumni Council President Hanna Jon Lewis ('16) about her career path, her plans as the newly-elected president of the Young Alumni Council and why she is passionate about staying connected to the Darlington Community. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 114 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Content Manager Maddie Chastain talks with Emma Adams ('23) and Upper School English teacher Jennifer Kelley about the work they have done to create a new Writing Center for Darlington Upper School students through Adams' Senior Ventures project. They discuss how the Writing Center will benefit students, the develop...

Welcome to Episode 113 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Director of Alumni Relations Vicki Vincent chats with esteemed former faculty members Rick Buice, Nancy Ivester and Jack Summerbell. Together, they share memories of their time at Darlington, including their mentors, the lessons they learned as educators and their advice for young teachers.  Click here for...

Welcome to Episode 112 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this special Commencement episode, listen to  Dr. Ryland Scott , local bariatric and general surgeon and father of Kate, Parker and Ryland Scott ('23), give his Commencement address on May 13. Scott reflects on the Class of 2023's journey and the many supporters who have helped them reach this point. He encourages graduates...

Welcome to Episode 111 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this special episode, listen to Jaclyn Haynes, Upper School science teacher, give her Baccalaureate address on May 12. Haynes was selected by the senior class to serve as the Baccalaureate speaker. In her address, she shares wisdom for the class as they prepared to graduate, encouraging them to focus on their stren...

In this episode, Ryland Scott ('23) talks with varsity coaches Reid Owens (tennis), Justin Bruce (girls' golf), Jared Willerson (boys' golf), Kevin Hunt (track and field), Matt Larry (baseball), Mallory Collier (girls' lacrosse) and Sam Clark (boys' lacrosse) about the spring athletic season at Darlington. You'll hear a little bit about each team and their highlights of the spring season...

Welcome to Episode 109 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Head of School Brent Bell reflects on the Class of 2023 with Upper School Director Chad Woods, Dean of College Guidance Ivy Brewer, Student Body President Collin Rego ('23) and Honor Council President Anaya Desai ('23). They discuss the senior class's academic, athletic and artistic achievements, as well as some of...

Welcome to Episode 108 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Head of Summerbell House Randy Smith talks with seniors Thomas Bethel, Summerbell head dorm prefect, and Connor Brown, Summerbell head day prefect. They talk about Summerbell House culture, dorm activities, favorite memories and more. This is the final episode in a series high...

Welcome to Episode 107 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Professional Development Coordinator and head of Senior Ventures Rebekah Kinney talks with seniors Ndiana Akpan, Noah Kinney, Noah Morris and Elizabeth Richie about their year-long Senior Ventures projects and the valuable skills they’ve gained through this program as they prepare to graduate. Click here for complet...

Welcome to Episode 106 of The Darlington Podcast!  In this episode, Director of Alumni Relations Vicki Vincent chats with Deana Perry ('02) about her Darlington experience, her career and educational journey and her recent appointment as the first Black judge in Floyd County.  Click here for complete show notes >>