The Darlington Podcast

Welcome to Episode 191 of The Darlington Podcast! In this special episode, listen to Kevin Hunt, assistant athletic director and senior parent, give his Baccalaureate address on May 16. Hunt was selected by the senior class to serve as the Baccalaureate speaker. Following an introduction from his daughter Emma Hunt ('25), Hunt reflects on the accomplishments of the class and reminds seniors to stay humble, face adversity head on, lean on one another, and live a life of service.Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 190 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Murray Ellington ('26) talks with varsity coaches Justin Bruce (girls' golf), Mallory Collier (girls' lacrosse), Betina Fuentes (tennis), Anna Harris (track and field), Kevin Ivester (boys' soccer), Matt Larry (baseball), Brendan Leezer (boys' lacrosse), Stephani Perkins (track and field), Al Shorey (girls' soccer) and Jared Willerson (boy's golf) about the spring athletic season at Darlington. You'll hear a little bit about each team and their highlights of the season, from the pre-season to team bonding to their accomplishments and more. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 189 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Head of School Brent Bell reflects on the Class of 2025 with Upper School Director Chad Woods, Student Body President Atlas Kosedag ('25), Honor Council President Anna Nguyen ('25) and Discipline Committee President Angeline Myrie ('25). They discuss the senior class's academic, athletic and artistic achievements, as well as some of their most memorable moments as Darlington students.Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 188 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Director of Alumni Relations Vicki Vincent talks with Alumni Council member Chris Jefts ('84, LD '15) about his Darlington experience, his career path and how he stays involved at Darlington. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 187 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Jordan West, Upper School librarian and Senior Ventures program coordinator, talks with seniors Ansel Enverga, Atlas Kosedag and Brecken Laliberte about year-long Senior Ventures projects and the valuable skills they've gained through this program as they prepare to graduate. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 186 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Head of School Brent Bell talks with David Harvey ('88) and Van Willis ('88) about their Darlington experience, their entrepreneurial career journeys and their current venture, Veo Health, a personalized, physician-led holistic health program focused on preventive care, early disease detection, and continuous health.Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 185 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Jordan West, Upper School librarian and Senior Ventures program coordinator, talks with seniors Atlas Kosedag and Charlie Patel, along with Sarah Husser of the Floyd Healthcare Foundation and Cancer Navigators, and William James of Summit Quest. Together, they discuss Darlington's upcoming event, Light the Lake, a special evening that unites the Darlington Community to honor those who are fighting or have fought cancer. Light the Lake will take place by the Lakeside on Friday, April 4, from 6 to 9 p.m., with an Honor Walk at 8 p.m. Learn more about the event here.Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 180 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Director of Alumni Relations Vicki Vincent talks with Tripp Bagby ('91, LD '23) about his favorite Darlington memories as a student and current parent and why he stays involved as a volunteer. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 183 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Murray Ellington ('26) talks with varsity coaches Garvin Edwards (wrestling), Andrea Frazier (swim/dive), Betina Fuentes (basketball cheerleading), Samantha Rush (girls' basketball) and Nathan West (boys' basketball) about the winter athletic season at Darlington. You'll hear a little bit about each team and their highlights of the season, from the pre-season to team bonding to their accomplishments and more. This episode was recorded on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 182 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Theatre Director Shelley Daniel talks with seniors Julia Beauchump and Moa Berglund, junior Harrison Inman, fourth-grader Jack Stone and Upper School learning specialist Justin Bruce about the Darlington Player's upcoming winter musical production of “Newsies.” Together, they give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the production process so far, share their hopes for the show and more. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 181 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Dean of Students Terar Everhart ('13, LD '23) is joined by Upper School students Bo Brooks, Murray Ellington, Nicky Lawrence, Angeline Myrie, Sophie Piller and Meritt Reed about their involvement in dorm life at Darlington and how important RUMPUS is to the Darlington Community as we look forward to this exciting weekend. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 180 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Director of Alumni Relations Vicki Vincent talks with Lauren Bowling ('05, LD '17) about her experience as a Darlington student, her unique career path and how she stays involved with Darlington as an alumni volunteer. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 179 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Dean of Community Life Tara Inman talks with senior boarding students Arike Akinbolagbe, Linda Pan, Natalia Sands and Eddie Ye about their holiday traditions from around the world in celebration of the holiday season in the United States. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 178 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Director of IT Derek Fine talks with Technology Integration Coordinator Leah Lynn, second grade teacher Courtney Cescutti, middle grades science teacher Reilly Thomas and Upper School history teacher John Hintermaier about their use of artificial intelligence, also known as AI, in their classrooms to assist with teaching and enhance the learning experience of their students. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 177 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Chief Advancement Officer Julie Lucas ('97) talks with Darlington volunteers Tashia and Chris Twyman, parents of Christa ('23) and Myles ('26) Twyman. The Twymans have been active volunteers since coming to Darlington 11 years ago and currently serve as co-presidents of the Athletic Booster Club. They talk about their family's experience at Darlington, share how other parents can get involved and more. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 176 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Content Manager Maddie Chastain talks with varsity coaches Sam Clark (volleyball), Brant Evans (boys' and girls' cross country), Betina Fuentes (football cheerleading), Wayne Groves (football), Anna Harris (softball) and Melissa Smyly (competition cheerleading) about the fall athletic season at Darlington. You'll hear a little bit about each team and their highlights of the spring season, from the pre-season to team bonding to their accomplishments and more. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 175 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Director of Fine Arts Kim Tunnell talks with senior Mily James, sixth-grader Andrew Herren, and Lee (Taylor) Morris ('07, LD '24) about the fine arts department's season of discovery this fall, including our recent Discover Days, concerts, and the fall play. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 174 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Student Body President Atlas Kosedag talks with Upper School Learning Specialist Justin Bruce, Upper School science teacher Jaclyn Haynes, and senior Honor Council President Anna Nguyen about honor at Darlington, from our motto that says "Honor Above Everything," to how students and faculty strive to exhibit honor in everything they do, from the classroom to the athletic fields to the arts and more. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 173 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Director of Alumni Relations Vicki Vincent talks with Doug Hendrickson ('74), member of the Darlington Board of Trustees. He shares his favorite memories from his time as a boarding student and reflects on why he chooses to give back to Darlington. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 172 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Student Body President Atlas Kosedag talks with pre-K teacher Beth Smith ('87, LD '12), eighth-grader Jesse Meredith and senior Whit Molnar about service at Darlington, from our motto that says "Service Beyond Self," to how we encourage our students and faculty to live a life of service, both at Darlington and beyond.Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 171 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Director of IT Derek Fine talks with kindergarten teacher Jody Deaton, fourth-grade teacher Dr. Mike Natarella, middle grades math teacher Chris Eberhart and Upper School English teacher Mallory Collier about Darlington's recent distinction as a four-time Apple Distinguished School and how we inspire, imagine and create a lasting impact on our students using technology. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 170 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Student Body President Atlas Kosedag talks with Upper School history teacher Brian Inman, sophomore Cora Fannin and eighth-grader Madison Paxten about about wisdom at Darlington, from our motto that says “Wisdom More Than Knowledge” to how wisdom is fostered in academics, athletics, the arts and more. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 169 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs Stefan Eady talks with Upper School Learning Specialist Justin Bruce, Technology Integration Coordinator Leah Lynn, Moser House Head Day Prefect Murray Ellington ('26) and Thornwood House Head Day Prefect Ava Ann Woods ('26). Together, they share tips for students and parents as the Darlington Community prepares to head back to school. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 169 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Director of Alumni Relations Vicki Vincent talks with Jim Dent ('77, LD '19) about the impact Darlington has had on his life, his winding career path and his current work in medical missions with Mercy Ships. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 167 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Smyly talks with Technology Integration Coordinator Leah Lynn and Upper School Librarian Jordan West about the conferences and trainings they've attended this summer for their professional development. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 166 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Chief Advancement Officer Julie Lucas ('97) chats with Sara Weeks Dima ('97) about her experience as a boarding student at Darlington, her career small business owner in the food industry and more. This episode was recorded on May 10, 2024. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 165 of The Darlington Podcast! In this special Commencement episode, listen to Gordon Smith ('71), chairman of the Board of Trustees and retired executive director and chief operating officer of the United States Tennis Association, give his Commencement address on May 18. Smith reminds graduates that the tools they've received at Darlington enable them to change the world and become the people they most want to be, noting that his own Darlington story didn't end when he graduated, but that it had only just begun.Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 164 of The Darlington Podcast! In this special episode, listen to Heather Shores, Upper School history teacher, give her Baccalaureate address on May 17. Shores was selected by the senior class to serve as the Baccalaureate speaker. In her address, she gives the Class of 2024 six pieces of wisdom that she wishes she knew as a high school graduate. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 163 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs Stefan Eady talks with History Department Head Brian Inman about his career as an educator, his passion for history education and more. This is the final episode in a series highlighting each of Darlington's department heads. Click for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 162 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Head of School Brent Bell reflects on the Class of 2024 with Upper School Director Chad Woods, Student Body President Oliver Liu ('24), Honor Council President Maddox Andrews ('24) and Discipline Committee President Jennifer Hughes ('24). They discuss the senior class's academic, athletic and artistic achievements, as well as some of their most memorable moments as Darlington students.Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 161 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, senior boarding student Mary Covington talks with varsity coaches Sam Clark (boys' lacrosse), Mallory Collier (girls' lacrosse), Betina Fuentes (boys' and girls' tennis), Kevin Hunt (boys' and girls' track and field), Matt Larry (baseball), Al Shorey (boys' and girls' soccer) and Jared Willerson (boys' and girls' golf) about the spring athletic season at Darlington. You'll hear a little bit about each team and their highlights of the spring season, from the pre-season to team bonding to their accomplishments and more. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 160 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Science Department Head Owen Kinney talks with juniors Ansel Enverga, Linda Pan and Javin Pandya about the Darlington robotics team, including their recent trip to the World Championship, the life-skills they're gaining from their involvement on the team and more. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 159 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Director of Fine Arts Kim Tunnell talks with Ethan Pender ('16), communication arts teacher, and Jabberwokk yearbook Editor-in-Chief Aiden Parsa ('24), Photo Editor Kaya Nadu ('26) and Design Editor Murray Ellington ('26). They discuss the production of this year's Jabberwokk, the communication arts program and more. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 158 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Chief Advancement Officer Julie Lucas ('97) chats with Britta (Stern) Graf ('94) about her "life-changing" experience as a one-year boarding exchange student at Darlington, her favorite memories and what she's doing now. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 157 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Dean of Students for Global Education Tara Inman talks with sophomore day student Gabrielle Culberson and her mom, Rayan Hart-Culberson, about Gabrielle's journey with kidney disease and the upcoming One Kid! One Kidney! 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run in her honor. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 156 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs Stefan Eady talks with Fine Arts Department Head Kim Tunnell about her love for the arts, what fine arts education looks like at Darlington and more. This is the fifth in a series highlighting each of Darlington's department heads. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 155 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Professional Development Coordinator and head of Senior Ventures Rebekah Kinney talks with seniors David Edwards, Ava Belle Holcombe, Charlie May, and Isabella Spears 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 complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 154 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Director of Annual Giving Julia Thomas ('07, LD '15) talks with boarding alumnus David Sewell ('75) and his step-daughter Laura Guth ('19) about their family legacy at Darlington, their experiences as boarding students over four decades apart and more.Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 153 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Director of Pre-K to 8 Hope Jones talks with sixth-grader Finley Laliberte, seventh-grader Walker Kines and eighth-grader Sterling Pollard about their week-long grade-level trips in February. The students share their favorite moments and excursions, while making connections between their experiences and Darlington's curriculum.Click for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 152 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Head of School Brent Bell talks with English Department Head Melissa Smyly about what English education looks like at Darlington, her career journey and her extracurricular involvement on campus. This is the fourth in a series highlighting each of Darlington's department heads. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 151 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Content Manager Maddie Chastain talks with seniors Noelle Adams and Ivan Horvat, junior Kathleen Hwang, and sophomore Ava Ann Woods about iPeriods at Darlington, why they're an important part of the daily schedule, and how they have helped them develop their interests and passions.Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 150 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, senior boarding student Mary Covington talks with varsity coaches Garvin Edwards (wrestling), Andrea Frazier (swim/dive), Melissa Smyly (basketball cheerleading), Mark Tunnell (girls basketball) and Nathan West (boys basketball) about the winter athletic season at Darlington. You'll hear a little bit about each team and their highlights of the winter season, from the pre-season to team bonding to their accomplishments and more. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 149 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Chief Advancement Officer Julie Lucas ('97) talks with Banks Mattingly ('11) about his boarding experience at Darlington, his involvement in the arts both by the Lakeside and beyond, and how Darlington has impacted his life and career journey.Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 148 of The Darlington Podcast! In this special Career Day episode, listen to Dwight Hutchins ('82), senior partner and managing director at The Boston Consulting Group, give his Career Day keynote address on Jan. 29. In it, he shares how his Darlington experience shaped the person and professional he has become.Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 147 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Theatre Director Shelley Daniel talks with seniors J.R. Johnson, Seidy Pichardo, Kathryn Wilson, Kimberly Johnston and Xiya Burton about the Darlington Players' upcoming winter musical production of "Chicago: Teen Edition." They give a behind-the-scenes look at the production process and what audiences can expect from the show. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 146 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Director of Annual Giving Julia Thomas talks with boarding alumnus Bill Gilliland ('76) about his Darlington story, from his favorite memories to his family's boarding legacy. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 145 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Upper School administrative assistant Terar Everhart ('13) talks with dorm students Aden Davis, Michael Kearns, Meritt Reed, Phoebe Wilson, and day students Jack Bell and Ava Belle Holcombe about their involvement in dorm life at Darlington and how important RUMPUS is to the Darlington Community. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 144 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Upper School history teacher Heather Shores talks with seniors Noelle Adams, Jennifer Hughes, Eva Mosley, Seidy Pichardo, Taylor Zhang, and sophomore Rayna Lee about Service Beyond Self, the community service program, and their involvement. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 143 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs Stefan Eady talks with Math Department Head Al Shorey about his transition from serving as a lieutenant colonel in the military to the teaching profession, his passion for math education and more. This is the third in a new series highlighting each of Darlington's department heads. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 142 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Head of School Brent Bell talks with Dean of Student Life Brant Evans, Director of Athletics Eddie Guth and Director of Fine Arts Kim Tunnell. Together, they recap the 2023 calendar year, sharing accomplishments within their departments, noteworthy moments and favorite memories from the year at Darlington. Click here for complete show notes >>

Welcome to Episode 141 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Dean of Students for Global Education Tara Inman talks with Elika Lamtar Mohammadi ('24), Moa Berglund ('25), Kathleen Hwang ('25) and Sammy Lewis ('26) to talk about their holiday traditions from around the world in celebration of the holiday season.Click here for complete show notes >>