Darlingon's Board of Trustees has named a new president to head the school, Thomas Whitworth III, who will assume his duties in July 2005.

“I am truly honored to be a part of the Darlington family as well as the Rome community, and I look forward to spending many years here,” Whitworth said.

“One of the things that pleases me most about the campus community is the openness and the caring attitude that students bring to the table. They are sincere, forthright and focused on what I consider to be the right things. No matter where they are – lunch, dorms, classrooms or playing fields – they are engaged. Darlington also has a great group of professionals both in its faculty and staff who lead, guide, coach and serve the students."

With 25 years of administrative experience, Whitworth has served as founding headmaster of Flint Hill School in Oakton, Va., since 1989.

In addition to his administrative duties, Whitworth has taught journalism, American literature and English and has served as college counselor and athletic director. He and his wife, Margo, an elementary school teacher, have three children: Thomas Coke Whitworth IV of Boone, N.C.; Tyler Matthias Whitworth of Black Mountain, N.C.; and Shannon O’Riley Whitworth of Asheville, N.C. The Whitworths also have three grandchildren.

“I have known and admired Tom Whitworth for 15 years,” Jim Hendrix, interim president, said. “His warmth, wisdom, character, work ethic and love for children make him a wonderful match for Darlington School.”

See Thursday's Rome News-Tribune for complete story