2018 Walker Casey Award winner Chris Duncan and McCallie School Headmaster Lee Burns '87
McCallie Headmaster Lee Burns ’87 presented the 2018 Walker Casey Award to senior Chris Duncan during Chapel.
The award is named in memory of Walker Casey '47 and is one of the most prestigious honors McCallie bestows to a senior student. Voted upon by the school’s faculty and student members of Keo-Kio, the Student Council and the Senate, the award recognizes the senior who most profoundly exhibits the strong Christian beliefs and standards exemplified by Walker Casey.
“While there are other important awards at McCallie, the Walker Casey Award clearly speaks to the very soul of McCallie,” Headmaster Burns said. “This award seeks to recognize strength of character and the power of positive influence.”
As a student at McCallie, Duncan has lived up to the legacy of Walker Casey. He has been a member of Keo-Kio, the National Honor Society, Cum Laude, TEPs, the Athletic Council, Student Council, Missionary Committee, Happiness Club and Future Business Leaders of America. He has been an active athlete on the cross country and track teams as well. In nominating him for the 2018 Walker Casey Award, faculty members described Duncan as an intelligent, delightful and positive young man.
“I often use him as a moral compass,” one McCallie teacher said. “It is clear that the other students respect his leadership and his values, so I don’t hesitate to ask him to weigh in on tough issues.”
Another faculty member said of Duncan, “He is a recognized leader, not just for his intellect, but also his take-charge approach and warm personality. I wish I had 40 more just like him. He is a teacher’s dream.”
Walker Casey died from a brain tumor in 1947, six weeks before his scheduled graduation date at McCallie. He was inducted into Keo-Kio, the senior leadership organization, before his passing. The award, established by his parents and the school, is presented each year around Walker Casey’s birthday.