McCallie Assistant Head Kenny Sholl (far left) and Headmaster Lee Burns (far right) stand with award recipients Michael Brown '16 (Campbell Award), Dr. Duke Richey '86 (Keo-Kio Distinguished Teacher) and Duncan Moore '16 (Grayson Medal) after Awards Day on Friday.
Duncan Moore has left his mark on McCallie, and as his senior year comes to an end he was honored -- twice.
The four-year boarding student from Albany, Ga. was named valedictorian for the Class of 2016 for his academic record and followed that the next day by being presented with the Grayson Medal, the highest honor bestowed on a member of the graduating class. His classmates gave him standing ovations twice during the two-day awards presentation, showing their respect for the young man who will attend Yale in the fall.
For a student to win the Grayson Medal while also maintaining the academic standard to be valedictorian is a rare feat. The last senior to earn both honors was Wilson McCrory in 2003.
Also bringing the Upper School to its feet was Dr. Duke Richey ’86, recipient of the Keo-Kio Distinguished Teacher award, who was given the award by senior day student Michael Brown. Michael praised Dr. Richey for his devotion to his students and love for history and teaching history… and then shortly thereafter was named the winner of the Campbell Memorial Award, recognizing the second most-esteemed member of his graduating class.
Duncan’s accomplishments at McCallie are truly impressive. He has been a member of the crew team since his freshman year, serving as captain as a senior, is president of the Student Council, a member of the Student Senate, Keo-Kio, a resident advisor in Pressly Dorm, participated in Candlelight and competed in National History Day. He is a member of Cum Laude and the National Honor Society, and will be a member of the freshman crew team at Yale in the fall.
“I had to wait until Duncan's final semester to teach him, and I am envious of those who had him as a student for the entire year,” said one of Duncan’s teachers from his senior year. “His work ethic is without peer -- but that is something I knew before he entered my room. What I didn't know about was his gracious spirit, his quick wit, and his easy-going style that disarms and encourages his classmates.
“Duncan is not only an outstanding student who earns high marks; he is a student who improves the work of those around him.”
Dozens of other students were recognized during the two-day awards presentations, from superior academic accomplishments to outstanding effort in athletics and extracurriculars, from character recognition awards for leadership to awards for service.
In addition, teachers and coaches were also recognized for the influence they have had on the lives of students. T.J. Bass was honored with the Houston Patterson Award, recognizing the dormitory advisor who has most positively influenced the residential community over the year. And coaches Tom Adams '90 and Ken Henry were named recipients of the Coaching for Character Award.
Another highlight came as College Guidance Director Jeff Kurtzman read through the names of the more than 60 percent of the Class of 2016 who have accepted merit scholarships to the college of their choice.