For over a decade, McCallie Upper School Awards at the end of the year have been given out over the course of two days in the Chapel. The change was made in the hopes of paying greater respect to all the boys recognized for their outstanding efforts. The first day is generally reserved for outstanding academic achievement, and the second is for awards recognizing extracurricular, community service, or character-based excellence.
The second day culminates with the highest honors McCallie offers. The Keo-Kio Distinguished Teacher award is given to the teacher voted most revered by the members of the senior leadership organization. The Grayson Medal is given to the student voted, by the students, the Senate and the faculty, as the senior whose character and actions most embody the heart of McCallie’s mission, and the Campbell Award is given to the always-deserving runner-up in that voting process.
Ramsay Ritchie, a boarding student from San Francisco, received a standing ovation from his fellow students as he accepted the Grayson Medal. The faculty stood to honor their colleague, Jason Jones, as he received the Distinguished Teacher Award.
The students also stood for a special honor, as Keo-Kio recognized Headmaster Kirk Walker '69 for his 15 years of leadership, giving him a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Walker will retire at the end of this year.
For a complete listing of the boys who were honored for their efforts and achievement in academics, extracurriculars, athletics and leadership, visit the Awards Days Page. You can view a collection of pictures from the event below or at photos.mccallie.org.