Class of 2021

The month of May was a busy one for graduating seniors as they prepared to say farewell to Darlington. End-of-the-year events like Prom, Senior Picnic, Honors Day, Baccalaureate and Commencement became rites of passage, inspiring lifelong memories that will live in the hearts of each individual. Forever bonded as a group, our 116 newest alumni have created their own legacy at Darlington – for no other class in school history will have the same complexion as the Class of 2021.

Among them are a National Merit Finalist, two award-winning film directors, a member of the Bahamian Men’s National Soccer Team, two sets of twins, and a beekeeper, to name a few. They hail from 15 countries and 11 states. Seventeen are four-year boarding students, and 18 are Dar Babies (having attended since pre-K or kindergarten). Thirty-one have siblings who also attended Darlington, 12 are second-generation graduates, and four are third generation. Collectively, they gave more than 5,500 hours of service to their community. They also earned over $6 million in merit scholarships and will attend 75 different colleges in 24 states, the District of Columbia, England, Spain, Mexico, China, Italy, Turkey, and Hong Kong.

But the Class of 2021 is special for countless other reasons, and the memories they made here will never be forgotten. Best of luck, graduates, as you move on to the next phase of your lives, and remember that your Darlington family is always here for you!

Graduates celebrate their newfound alumni status by tossing their Commencement programs into the air.

Jenna Harrison (’21) and her classmates line up for the Commencement procession. Student Body President Tyler Watkins (’21) prepares to ring the bell to begin Commencement.

Siji Soetan (’21) leads the Alma Mater at Commencement.

Maddie Bradshaw (’21) introduces biology teacher Mike Hudson (’94, LD ’18), who was selected by the class to speak at Baccalaureate. Lawson Goodwin (’21) and Jackson Brewster (’21) escort Lauren Alden, the sister of their late classmate Tyler Studstill, in the Prom Senior Lead Out. Tiger PRIDE President Leigh Ann Lundy presents Class Citizenship Awards to Grace Lyons (’21), Son Le (’21) and Katie Carlton (’21) at Honors Day.

Members of the Class of 2021 who have been learning virtually from China gather in Shanghai for an informal Commencement ceremony.

Athletic Director Eddie Guth presents Ivy Watters (’21) and Eli Baldwin (’21) with D.M. McNaull Awards, given to the seniors who typify the best qualities of a scholar-athlete, at Honors Day. Cameron Ellison (’21) and Brinson Sumner (’21) dance the night away “Under the Stars” at Prom. Caroline McRay (’21) takes a selfie with friends as they line up for the Baccalaureate processional.

Head of School Brent Bell awards a diploma to Ashlyn Woods (’21). The Alumni Council welcomes the Class of 2021 into the Darlington Alumni Association with a Senior Picnic at North River Farm Pavilion.