Opening Convocation 2015
Freshman Amelia Allen walked into the Van Es Arena with second-grader Shyann Wardlaw holding up the Guatemalan Flag Wednesday morning at convocation. Both Amelia and Shyann were adopted from Guatemala at around the same time when they were younger.
“Shyann is exactly how I was as a little girl. It was cool that we got to do that together,” Amelia said.
Darlington’s community is represented by 25 states and 30 countries.
“Many members of the Darlington Community carried a flag and the diversity of Darlington is something very special and meaningful, and it is amazing to be able to be a part of a family with many unique cultures,” Ms. Yensen Lambert said. “It was a privilege to carry my country’s flag during convocation this morning. The fact that Darlington celebrates diversity in one of its most important celebrations says a lot about the values of the school. Convocation makes the international students feel welcomed and celebrated. I am honored that the school takes the time to recognize the many faces of our school and displays our flags in our school’s library.”
“Darlington’s students, faculty, friends, and family heard some very touching and amazing speeches that really brought about the feeling of pride and a strong sense of unity within the crowd,” eighth-grader Grace Watters said. “When I graduate in 2020, if all goes as planned, I will be the 14th Watters to graduate from Darlington School… There is a quote that my parents have shared with me, by Frank Outlaw, that reminds us the importance of all that we think and do. ‘Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.'”
“I thought convocation was good this year and I am glad it was the 100-year anniversary of the honor code,” said sophomore Philip Woford.
“The audience was also treated with a wonderful performance by the concert choir,” junior Fifi Tran said. “I thought the concert choir’s singing was impressive, especially Julia and Eleanor’s solo.”
During the procession, the seniors walked in with the children from the Early Learning Academy, grades Pre-K-2, a symbolic part of the convocation.
“The seniors walking with people who were just starting out as far as school was really interesting,” said freshman Madison Andrew, “and the fact that they rang the actual bell from 100 years ago was amazing.” Mr. Peer later confirmed that age of the bell, to the knowledge of the school, is the original one that belonged to Shem Thomas.
Seniors Jake Walker, Jay Shadday, and Tanner Berry began a standing ovation at the mention of the appreciation towards our dedicated facilities staff. “I think this is a good omen for the senior class this year,” said Student Body President Will Crawford.