Volunteer Spotlight is an ongoing blog series that features interviews with a variety of Darlington alumni about their careers, the impact their Darlington experience had on their lives, and how and why they serve the school as a volunteer. I am excited to share this Q&A with Brooke Brinson ('88, LD '14).
Brooke lives and works here in Rome, Ga., as a real estate agent with Hardy Realty. After graduating from Darlington in 1988, he obtained his degree in business administration from Shorter University and his real estate license from Barney Fletcher School of Real Estate in Atlanta. Before moving back to Rome with his family, he spent several years in Athens, Ga., as a realtor.
Brooke is a member of First Baptist Church of Rome, a member of the Rome Exchange Club, and a member of Seven Hills Rotary Club. He also coaches little league soccer for the Rome YMCA and is a graduate of the Leadership Rome Class of 2007-2008. He was a member of the Million Dollar Club at the Athens Area Association of Realtors and was the recipient of the Sterling Award for Caldwell Banker UpChurch Realty. He has also been the recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award for 2006-2010 and has been the Agent of the Year for 2011 and 2012. Brooke is married to Jessica and their two children, Vaughn ('22) and Ruthie ('26), attend Darlington.
Hear directly from Brooke below.
What ways have you volunteered for Darlington?
I have served on the Alumni Council for two years and am currently chairman of The Darlington Fund. I also serve as a parent representative, phonathon caller and event host. I graduated from Leadership Darlington Class of 2014.
Why do you enjoy serving as a volunteer?
I enjoy volunteering for Darlington because I want to see Darlington succeed going forward. It is very rewarding to give back to what was given to me. All alumni and parents should volunteer because we have a great time while putting Darlington first because Darlington puts our kids FIRST!
Which teacher(s) had a positive influence on your life?
Jim Van Es had the biggest impact on my middle school life. He knew what us boys needed in the middle school. With a lot of direction from his love for us was what I got!!! Mark Tayloe had the biggest impact on my high school life. He was always there, always deeply cared, always had my best interest at heart and was a great teacher.
How did your time at Darlington prepare you for college and the professional world? What impact has Darlington had on your career success?
While I wasn't the best student at Darlington, I was very well prepared for my college career. Now, in the professional world, it is my connections, integrity, passion and perseverance that I gained at Darlington that propel me in my work. My career in real estate is fueled by the passion, integrity and fortitude that I gained at Darlington.
Why do you give back to Darlington?
After joining the Alumni Council in 2015, my passion for giving back has grown. I have learned how much it takes to run the school, hire incredible teachers, hire great staff, and keeping us at the forefront in education in the 21st Century.
Darlington shaped my being as a whole. It is an invaluable part of my and my family's life. My wife and I don't just drop our kids off and pick them up from Darlington. We are a part of a much bigger thing - the Darlington Family! We all love and care for the school, the teachers, the students and the staff. What an institution!
