A Darlington student is made up of many things. None of which is average. We help our students develop their interests, passions and pursuits, because we believe every individual has something to contribute. We also believe that only when you're 100% you, are you 100% Darlington.
Here at Darlington, every student’s path is different. We think that's a good thing.
Let’s get to know Sophie Piller, a four-year day student from Rome and 2025 Homecoming Queen who says her favorite thing about Darlington is how she always feels supported by those around her.
When you think of Darlington, what three words come to mind first?
Friendship, Growth, and Support
What song reminds you of high school?
"We Are the People” - Empire of the Sun
What's your favorite show to binge watch?
“Stranger Things”
What's your favorite restaurant in Rome?
Blue Fin
What house are you a member of?
Regester House
What are you involved in?
Volleyball, tennis, Regester House head prefect, yearbook, “Y” Cabinet, Advancement Ambassadors, Senior Ventures
If you play sports, who is your favorite coach and why?
My favorite coach has been Mr. Tunnell. He has been a tennis coach for me for four years and has become someone I look up to and go to for advice. He always knows what to say to me during a match to help me and is always the coach I want at my court.
If you are involved in fine arts, what is your favorite activity and why?
I really like the day we pass out the yearbooks and everyone goes around and signs their friends'. It's a really rewarding day for everyone on the yearbook staff because you get to see everyone having fun and their reactions.
What's your favorite place on campus and why?
The Student Center is my favorite place because I can always find a friend. It's a really fun environment and I can do my work or just hang out and talk with my friends from all grades.
Who's your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teacher has been Ms. Shores! I loved her class and she always made everything easy for me to understand. Every office hours or free period before a test we would make a timeline together and her taking her time to help me with it got me to understand the material a lot better. She's the best!
What’s your favorite thing about Darlington?
My favorite thing about Darlington is how I always feel supported by those around me. Darlington makes it so easy to make connections with students and faculty who turn into friends and even family. Darlington has given me a place where I know I can rely on so many people around me.
Describe an experience that you've had at Darlington that you couldn't have had anywhere else.
I think that being part of choreographing a Lip Sync is definitely something that I did this year that is pretty unique to Darlington. Being a head prefect is something you might see at other schools, but the preparation that the prefects and leaders put into RUMPUS is something unique that I don't think you really see anywhere else. The preparation is an experience itself that I think teaches everyone involved the value of collaboration, creativity, and determination.
What are some of the ways you've grown since you first came to Darlington?
I've definitely become a more confident and outgoing person. Freshman year, I definitely just kind of stuck to what and who I knew, but over the years I've gotten less scared to reach out and have conversations with more people outside of who I know best. Having these conversations and becoming more confident in myself has allowed me to make friendships that I truly value with people I wouldn't have originally imagined.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to work on the business side of an interior design or furniture company like Restoration Hardware or Frontgate!
If you have already committed to a college, please let us know which one you will be attending.
I am attending University of Virginia!
Click here to see more #SeniorSpotlights from the Class of 2026!
Find out how you can be 100% Darlington, too, by requesting a personal campus tour at www.darlingtonschool.org/visit or contacting admission@darlingtonschool.org.
