Seniors Tylon Garrett and Martha Tucker were named Noon Optimist Club Students of the Year this week. Garrett was named winner in the Athletics category, and Tucker in Academics.
“The primary goal of the program is to publically recognize the best of the best seniors in our community for their accomplishments during their high school tenure,” said Ivy Brewer, associate dean of college guidance.
To qualify, students must have a B average or higher. First, individual area schools nominate one student for each of the six categories; then, three finalists are selected for each category. These finalists, their parents and their school representatives are invited to attend an awards banquet, where the winners are announced.
Garrett is an “A” student and a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. This year, he was named an Outstanding Participant in the National Achievement Scholarship Program after scoring in the top three percent of more than 160,000 black Americans who took the PSAT. He is also a Wofford Scholar, a Furman Scholar, and has received the Dartmouth College Book Award, the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit and the Parents Association Award. As a member of Darlington’s varsity football team, Garrett helped lead the Tigers to the state semifinals and earned a spot on the Rome News-Tribune All-Area Football Team. He also plays basketball and runs track. He is the son of Tim and Rosalyn Garrett of Rome and Courtney Ferguson, also of Rome.
Tucker is an “A” student and a member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Club, Science Club, House Senate, “Y” Cabinet, S.O.A.R. the Admissions Committee and the Student Support Team. After school, she often tutors or mentors Upper and Middle School students and/or participates in servant leadership opportunities at the local Boys & Girls Club, McHenry Primary and the Open Door Children’s Home. Tucker is also a Furman Scholar, a Wofford Scholar, a Centre Fellow, and has received the Harvard Club Award, the Rhodes Book Award, the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit and the E.L. Wright Award in Biology. Outside of school, she is a member of Trinity United Methodist Youth Choir and High School Leadership Rome. She is the daughter of Dr. Larry and Karen Tucker of Rome.
Both students were recognized on Jan. 25, along with individual winners from other local schools. Other finalists from Darlington included Chelsea Lawrence in the Service category and A.J. White for All Around.
