Stephanie Fleming, a member of Darlington's admission team, will retire in May after 20 years of service to Darlington School.
"Stephanie's years of service, both as a staff member and as a parent, reflect a love for and a commitment to our school," said Brent Bell, head of school. "Please join me in wishing her all the best in her retirement."
Fleming's first connection with Darlington was as a parent. She and her husband, Frank, are the parents of alumni Drew ('97) and Barrett ('00).
"Darlington has been a part of my life for over 30 years," she said. "Our sons both began kindergarten at the Lower School and I was an active parent volunteer for many years. Opportunities to serve on the Lower School Tiger Pride board as well as the Upper School Parents Association were true gifts to me."
In 1996, Fleming began working in the Admission Office and -- for the past 20 years -- she has been among the very first smiling faces that prospective families see when they arrive on campus for their visit. During her tenure, she has served as a receptionist and been responsible for database entry. She also leads the Admission Office's Tiger Expert program, which incorporates student-leaders into the admission process in various ways, including as student tour guides, community speakers, and more.
"One of the most rewarding hats I've worn here has been as our Tiger Expert program coordinator," Fleming said. "In this role, I have worked with hundreds of incredible students. Our campus is beautiful but our amazing students are the story. From the moment they introduce themselves to others, our visitors discover the Darlington difference.
"Year after year, I have had the pleasure of not only watching students grow and learn but being an active part of their lives," she continued. "What an amazing blessing it has been for me to know and love so many students, teachers, coworkers and parents through my years here at Darlington. It just takes my breath away to have shared life with so many different wonderful people. Darlington will always be in my heart."
Charlotte Boyd ('15), a four-year Tiger Expert who is now a freshman at the University of Georgia, is one of many current and former students who reached out to Fleming upon hearing news of her retirement.
"Mrs. Fleming has changed my life for the better," said Boyd. "She is near and dear to my heart and always will be. I am thankful to Mrs. Fleming that she gave me the opportunity to share my love for my school with others through our Tiger Expert program. Not a day has passed that I haven't missed Darlington. It is such an amazing place!"
Kent Harrison ('01), a former colleague in the Admission Office who now serves as athletic director at Mount Pisgah Christian School in Johns Creek. Ga., considers Fleming one of Darlington's legends.
"Stephanie's 20 years of service is a testament to her care and love for children and for Darlington," he said. "During my first campus visit in 1996 as a prospective student, Stephanie was the first person we met. Is it possible to feel love and care from the first steps on campus? I believe so. There are countless other families that have shared this same experience. Stephanie truly has loved every family that has walked through those Sydenham Hall doors. We felt it that day back in 1996 and have felt it every day since.
"As a co-worker, Stephanie was always quick with a smile or a funny story," Harrison continued. "She reminded us all of how special Darlington was and why we were working so hard each day. She was always there to listen and encourage. I am extremely grateful for the time we shared, so that I could learn from her. "
A graduate of boarding school herself, Fleming holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Brenau University and taught third and fourth grade in the public school system for eight years.
In her retirement, she looks forward to traveling, volunteering in the community, and spending more time with her children and grandchildren.
