Stories from the Ridge, The McCallie Podcast
By McCallie School
Stories from the Ridge, The McCallie PodcastDec 16, 2021
2024 Spring Sports Preview
There’s excitement on the Ridge as several of the spring athletic teams are aiming their sights at state championships. In this edition of Stories from the Ridge, Kenny Sholl, Executive Director of Athletics, sits down with head coaches of five of the spring teams to discuss their perspective on the upcoming season. This podcast was recorded on March 20, 2024, just as the season was beginning. Here’s the timeline breakdown: Track and Field, Coach Rodney Stoker, 7:38; Baseball, Coach Tim Costo, 14:25; Tennis, Coach Jeff Clark, 21:53; Soccer, Chris Cushenbery, 31:47; Lacrosse, Coach Eamon Thornton, 41:58.
The Emmett Till Story: The Rev. Wheeler Parker Visits McCallie School
The Emmett Till Story Part II: Elder Parker Visits McCallie School
The Rev. Wheeler Parker, the last surviving member of the family of Emmett Till, who was with Emmett when he was lynched in Mississippi in 1955, visited McCallie School on March 13, 2024 to share his story as a first-hand witness to history. He came to campus as a guest speaker as part of the Mandela Fellow Endowed Fund, a fund established by alumni to enhance students’ understanding of what it means to be an agent of hope, reconciliation, and social justice. In this edition of Stories from the Ridge, the Rev. Parker – or Elder Parker as he is known – is joined by his relative, Jason Walker, class of 1991, and a member of McCallie’s Board of Trustees, as well as history teacher Casey Cook class of 2013, and student Max Hood, class of 2027.
The earlier podcast about Emmett Till and McCallie School that is mentioned in this podcast can be found by searching for “The Emmett Till Story: American History and McCallie Connections” on McCallie’s web site: www.mccallie.org/podcast or on most major podcast platforms.
Michaels-Dickson Scholars Program Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The Michaels-Dickson Scholars Program, which has transformed McCallie School’s boarding programs into one of the top such programs in the nation, celebrated its 25th anniversary in late February, 2024. In this edition of Stories from the Ridge, Head of School Lee Burns ’87 is joined by other top administrators – including two who were involved at the very beginning of the program -- and by a Trustee who was one of the two the first Michaels-Dickson Scholars. They reflect on the success and growth of the program over the past quarter century, and share their thoughts about the future. A full story on the Michaels-Dickson Scholars program can be found on McCallie’s web site: www.mccallie.org/news.
Wrestlers Celebrate a Championship Season
For the first time in 31 years, McCallie’s Wrestling team has won both the traditional State of Tennessee title, plus the State duals. And on top of that, the team under Head Coach Jake Yost beat cross-town rival and defending State champion Baylor for the first time in 19 years. In this edition of Stories from the Ridge, Head of School Lee Burns sits down with Coach Yost and two of the senior wrestlers, Carson Gentle and James Cross to discuss the exciting wins and the hard work and mental discipline behind them. And they look forward to the upcoming National Preps to be held in Pennsylvania. The full story of the team’s championship season can be found at: www.mccallie.org/news .
The Changing Landscape of College Admissions
The college admissions process is in the midst of perhaps the most profound and impactful series of changes in several decades, and navigating these changes is becoming more challenging for students, parents, and counselors, according to Abbie Roberts, who in August assumed the role of Director of College Counseling at McCallie. In this episode of Stories from the Ridge, Ms. Roberts is joined by Head of School Lee Burns ’87, in discussing the changing and complicated college admissions landscape and how it affects McCallie students.
McCallie At Carnegie Hall
A dozen members of McCallie’s Men’s
Chorus will perform on what many consider to be the world’s most important stage – Carnegie Hall in New York on February 18, 2024. In this edition of Stories from the Ridge, Head of School Lee Burns ’87 talks with Dr. James Harr '92, Director of Choral Programs, about the upcoming concert, which will feature choral groups from several schools and universities in the U.S. and abroad (including from McCallie’s sister school, GPS). The two also discuss
McCallie’s choral music program as well as the whole fine arts program at McCallie.
Tickets to the Feb. 18 concert can be purchased at https://www.carnegiehall.org/calendar/2024/02/18/dciny-and-bluegrass-0200pm
T-Term – A Venture In How Boys Learn
McCallie’s Tornado Term – T-Term for short – has become a special part of the school’s culture and an important way McCallie boys expand their learning experience beyond the traditional classroom. In this edition of Stories from the Ridge, Head of School Lee Burns ’87 is joined by Upper School Principal Hank Hopping and Dean of Faculty and Curriculum Sumner McCallie in a discussion of T-Term, its role and purpose in the school’s curriculum, and its growing popularity among students. Stories from faculty and students about two of the T-Term offerings also are included (note: the recordings of the students and teachers are from the 2023 T-Term). More details about T-Term can be found in the News section of McCallie’s website at www.mccallie.org/news.
Christmas Message from the Head of School
Head of School Christmas Talk, Candlelight Chorus, and Kemmer Anderson Christmas Poem
In this special edition of Stories from the Ridge, Head of School Lee Burns ’87 shares the Christmas talk he gave on Dec. 6, 2023, to the student body, and we hear the McCallie/GPS chorus sing O Holy Night from the 2023 Candlelight concert. Finally, Martha Anderson, wife of longtime English teacher and poet Kemmer Anderson, who died earlier this year, reads one of Kemmer’s popular Christmas poems. We hope you enjoy this special Christmas podcast, and may your Christmas be merry and holy.
The text of Mr. Burns’ talk can be found here and the 2023 Christmas video can be viewed here.
2023-24 Winter Sports Preview
Winter Sports Preview
The winter athletic season is already underway and head coaches of the teams -- Basketball, Bowling, Climbing, Squash, Swimming and Diving, and Wrestling -- are looking at one of the best seasons in McCallie's storied history of great seasons. In this episode of Stories from the Ridge, the coaches are joined by Kenny Sholl, Executive Director of Athletics and Special Assistant to the Head of School, and Mark Wiedmer of Communications Staff, and talk about their teams and their approaches to coaching.
Coach Ralph Potter -- Championship Preview
Ralph Potter and Lee Burns Discuss State Championship Game
For the first time in history, McCallie will face cross-town rival Baylor School for the State of Tennessee Division II-AAA football championship on Thursday, Nov. 30, at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga. As the excitement builds along the Ridge, Head Coach Ralph Potter ’81, sat down with Head of School Lee Burns ’87 on Monday, Nov. 27, in the Podcast Studio to talk about the game and Coach Potter’s coaching style, philosophy, and his perspective on competing for his fifth state title. For more details about Thursday’s game can be found on McCallie’s web site, www.mccallie.org.
Theater Program Off To Roaring Start
McCallie’s Theater/Musical program is off to a great start for the 2023-24 school year, with its fallplays in both the Upper School and Middle School attracting record numbers of participants and stand-room-only crowds. In this edition of Stories from the Ridge, Head of School Lee Burns ’87, talks with Chelsea Padro, Director of Theater and Musicals, and Jared Eddy, Middle School Theater Instructor. Both are new to McCallie this year and they talk about their teaching/directing styles, their impressions of the talent in the student body, the enhanced McCallie/GPS partnership, and their plans for the remainder of the school year.
Summer Travel -- Beyond The Ridge
International Travel As Part of the McCallie Experience
International travel, especially mission and cultural trips during the summer, has long been an important part of McCallie’s curriculum. In this edition of Stories From the Ridge, Head of School Lee Burns ’87, and Dean of Faculty and Curriculum Sumner McCallie discuss the purpose of the travel program and hear from students and faculty who participated in several trips last summer.
Varsity Sports Offerings Increase
New Varsity Sports – Ultimate and Mountain Biking
McCallie’s varsity sports offerings have expanded by two. For the 2023-24 school year, Mountain Biking and Ultimate (formerly referred to as Ultimate Frisbee) have joined the list of 17 varsity sports. In this podcast, Kenny Sholl, Executive Director of Athletics, Special Assistant to the Head of School, talks to Jake Altemus, coach of the Ultimate team, and Jesse Teague ’00, coach of the Mountain Biking team.
The Coach and the Bear
The Coach and the Bear
For more than 40 years, Gordon Connell, McCallie’s longtime head wrestling coach and Middle School science teacher, has regaled students with the story of how he, as a young man, once wrestled a bear. Now, with all the legendary embellishments and humor – and with some good-natured ribbing from Head of School Lee Burns ’87, Coach Connell shares the story on this podcast.
Two Prominent Alumni Share Stories of McCallie -- and Life
Two Alumni Share their Stories -- Two prominent McCallie alumni -- Sam Balloff '41 -- who just turned 100 -- and Don Welch '58, share wonderful stories about their lives and their days on the Ridge. For more expanded versions of these interviews, visit McCallie's podcast page: www.mccallie.org/podcast
2023 Fall Sports Preview
The 2023 fall sports season at McCallie is already underway and will get in full swing in early September with several of the varsity teams setting their sights on championship trophies. In this episode of Stories From theRidge, Mark Wiedmer '76 of the Communications Department is joined by Kenny Sholl in his new position of Executive Director of Athletics and Special Assistant to the Head of School, as they talk with Football Coach Ralph Potter, Cross Country Coach Mike Wood, Golf Coach Rob Riddle, and Crew Coach Sean McCourt as they share their expectations and some of their coaching philosophies.
Head of School Opening Talk August 16 2023
Head of School Lee Burns ’87 welcomes 977 students to the 119th school year at McCallie School.
Audrey Smith discusses her two decades of fun at McCallie
Audrey Smith, who, as Director of Events – or as she calls it, Director of Fun – has worked with hundreds of alumni and friends of McCallie on events such as Reunion Weekends and class gatherings, has retired. Her last day at McCallie was June 30, but before leaving campus, she sat down in the podcast studio and talked about her career on the Ridge. Joined by Steve Hearn '74, Vice President of Advancement, Smith shares stories and her perspective on her job.
In the podcast, Smith and Hearn are joined by Chair of the Board of Trustees Gary Welch '87 and Nick Wilkinson '96 who have worked closely with Smith on special events.
Two Top Administrators Discuss McCallie Careers and Their Upcoming Moves to Other Positions
Two of McCallie’s most prominent and respected administrators have announced that they will be transitioning to other posts for the 2023-24 school year. Kenny Sholl, who presently serves as Assistant to the Head of School, and Steve Hearn ‘74, Vice President for Advancement, have announced that they will step down from those positions at the end of this school year. Mr. Sholl will become Executive Director of Athletics and Special Assistant to the Head of School, and Mr. Hearn will become a traveling ambassador for McCallie, visiting alumni and friends of the school, keeping them informed and connected to McCallie.
Although the two will still have important administrative roles, their transitions from their present jobs have given them – and Head of School Lee Burns ’87 – an opportunity to reflect on their storied careers at McCallie and to look ahead at the future they have set for themselves and their school.
That’s the theme of an uplifting conversation among the three – the latest edition of McCallie’s Stories from the Ridge podcast series.
The podcast features a lot of genuine reflection on the character and soul of McCallie students and alumni, plus a fair amount of good-natured ribbing among the three colleagues, showing their friendship and comradery.
McCallie administrators discuss the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence
As access to new artificial intelligence (AI) programs, such as ChatGPT, make their way into the academic arena, many educators, especially those in middle and high schools, are becoming concerned about AI’s dangers to student learning and the threat of plagiarism. But McCallie School sees many positive benefits to the program for both students and teachers. That’s one of the many insights on the rise of AI programs that the school’s administrators discuss in the latest edition of Stories from the Ridge, McCallie’s podcast series.
In this podcast, Head of School Lee Burns '87, Upper School Principal Hank Hopping and Dean of Faculty and Curriculum Sumner McCallie each offer their views on how AI can be a valuable resource for students and faculty, helping them expand and refine the learning experience. However, they also make it clear that lines must be drawn so that students and parents understand the appropriate uses of AI.
Spring Sports Preview – Coaches of Spring Varsity Sports Discuss The Upcoming Season
With a legacy of state and regional championships to live up to, McCallie’s 2023 spring athletic season is promising to be one of the best in many years. That’s the predictions of the coaches who will lead six varsity teams this season.
In this episode of Stories from the Ridge, the coaches – Mike Wood of Track and Field, Tim Costo of Baseball, Sean McCourt of Crew (Rowing), Eamon Thornton ’02, Lacrosse, Chris Cushenbery of Soccer, and Jeff Clark ’91, Tennis – discuss their upcoming seasons, their coaching philosophies, and share some thoughts on championship rings, after-game meals, and other insider details. The discussions are hosted by Mark Weidmer ’76, of McCallie’s Marketing and Communications Office.
For those seeking specific sports, the following is a rough timeline:
Mike Wood, Track and Field: 2:22
Jeff Clark, Tennis: 11:32
Tim Costo, Baseball: 20:22
Eamon Thornton, Lacrosse: 29:42
Chris Cushenbery, Soccer: 42:28
Sean McCourt, Rowing: 57:06
Boomerang Boarders – A Discussion Among Boarding Alumni Who Live in Chattanooga
In the 1990s, at the 90th birthday party for Chalmers MacIllwaine ’21, a group of McCallie boarding alumni who had returned to Chattanooga as graduates to live and raise their families, started an informal gathering, which they called Boomerang Boarders. The group has grown to more than 100, and continues to gather on campus to catch up with each other, renew friendships, and welcome new Boomerangers.
In this edition of Stories from the Ridge, four of those Boomerang Boarders, Henry Hennegar ’57, Drew Read ’89, John Ashe ’91, and Peterson Hostetler ’02, share their stories about the Boomerangers and recall life as boarders in their various decades. They are joined by Steve Hearn ‘74, Vice President for Advancement.
The storied history of McCallie's Dr Pepper Classic
McCallie's Dr Pepper Classic, now in its eighth year, has quickly become a wintertime tradition on campus and part of the school’s unique culture. In this podcast, former Head Basketball coach John Shulman discusses the history of the showcase and shares some of his favorite stories. He is joined by Audrey Smith, Director of Events, who has helped bring all the hundreds of pieces of the event together into a fun-filled weekend for players and spectators alike, and Mark Wiedmer, a member of McCallie’s Communications Department, who as a sports columnist for the Chattanooga Times Free Press has written extensively about the event and the participants who have now moved on to NBA and elite college careers. More information about the Classic can be found here.
The Role of Men in Today's Culture
The changing role of men in today’s culture and how boys and men adjust to the challenges it presents is the topic of the latest edition of McCallie School’s podcast, Stories From The Ridge.
In this informative discussion, Head of School Lee Burns ’87, is joined by David Thomas, Director of Family Counseling at Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, and Glenn Breazeale, Director of Alpine Camp for Boys in Mentone, Alabama, to discuss the issues boys and men are facing in the post-COVID world. They continue the conversation begun in a December 2022, podcast with Richard Reeves of the Brookings Institute, discussing his new book, “Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why it Matters, and What to do About it.”
As Mr. Burns explains, the discussion with Dr. Reeves was the “30,000-foot view” of issues facing boys and men, and this latest discussion is from the ground-level. “These gentlemen have daily experiences dealing with boys and how they are struggling with – and yes, overcoming – the challenges of today’s world."
Winter Sports Update: Championships In Sight
The winter sports season at McCallie is already underway and will get in full swing in early January with several of the six varsity teams setting their sights on championship trophies. In this episode of Stories From the Ridge, Mark Wiedmer '76 of the Communications Department talks with the six varsity coaches about the winter season. They share their expectations and some of their coaching philosophies.
The Emmitt Till Story: American History And McCallie “Connections”
When McCallie student Jonathan Manta ’23 began working on a history project on the 1954 murder of Emmitt Till last spring, he discovered how McCallie School “connections” can literally bring history to life. That’s the topic of this moving podcast discussion of how McCallie alumnus Jason Walker ’92, arranged an interview for Jonathan with Mr. Walker’s father-in-law, who was Emmitt Till’s cousin, neighbor and close friend. The podcast features Jonathan, Mr. Walker, and McCallie History teacher Dr. Duke Richey ’86 discussing details of the tragic murder of 14-year-old Emmitt Till, as well as details of how Jonathan’s award-winning history project was developed.
Honor, Truth, Duty ... And a Touch of Grace: Dr. Jay Wellons ’87, Discusses His New Book and His Job As a Neurosurgeon
Not only is he the Chief of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and is recognized as one of the nation’s top neurologists, Dr. Jay Wellons, a 1987 graduate of McCallie, is now a best-selling author.
His book, All that Moves Us: A Pediatric Neurosurgeon, His Young Patients, And Their Stories of Grace and Resilience, was released to positive reviews and strong sales this fall.
In November, Dr. Wellons visited McCallie for the first time in several years, meeting students in English and Science classes as well as speaking in Chapel. He also took time to record a podcast with his fellow ’87 classmate, Head of School Lee Burns. The two talk about Dr. Wellons’ two careers as a surgeon and a writer and about how much Christian Grace has played in those careers.
The podcast is the latest episode of McCallie’s Stories from the Ridge podcast series.
Also, Dr. Wellons’ Chapel talk can be viewed here and a news story on his visit to campus can be read here.
Dr. Wellons’ book, All that Moves Us: A Pediatric Neurosurgeon, His Young Patients, And Their Stories of Grace and Resilience, published by Random House, is available from all major booksellers.
Of Boys and Men: A Podcast Discussion With Dr. Richard Reeves
Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What To Do About It, by Dr. Richard Reeves, was released earlier this fall to strong positive reviews. New York Times Columnist David Brooks said the book “is a landmark, one of the most important books of the year, not only because it is a comprehensive look at the male crisis, but also because it searches for the roots of that crisis and offers solutions.”
Dr. Brooks, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute, discusses the book and some of his recommendations in the latest edition of McCallie’s “Stories from the Ridge” podcast series.
Head of School Lee Burns '87 is joined by former McCallie administrator, Troy Kemp, who is now an administrator at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, in discussing issues facing boys and men in today’s world. The informative discussion ranges from how boys learn and how their minds develop to questions of “toxic masculinity,” the changing role of fatherhood, and why there is a dearth of academic research into issues of males and maleness.
Dear William Author David Magee Discusses Addiction, Recovery, and Healing
David Magee, author of the national bestseller memoir Dear William, a nationally recognized motivational speaker and parent of two McCallie alumni, returned to campus in late October to speak to students and parents. His presentations recounted the death of William, class of 2008, to drugs, his other son, Hudson’s (class of 2010) struggles and recovery, and his family’s establishment of the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing at the University of Mississippi.
During his visit to McCallie and GPS, Mr. Magee sat down in McCallie’s podcast studio with Head of School Lee Burns ’87 and Director of Counseling Joel Coffman to discuss the death of his son and his family’s steps toward recovery and helping others who are struggling with addiction. His powerful story is now available as the latest edition of McCallie’s Stories from the Ridge podcast series.
Social Media And McCallie's Counseling Program with Trey Tucker '98
Trey Tucker '98, Associate Director of Counseling and English Teacher, recently surpassed one million followers on his TikTok account in which he provides short inspirational guidance on improving one's mental health and well-being.
In the latest edition of our Stories From the Ridge podcast, Mr. Tucker discusses with Upper School Principal Hank Hopping how he has used a social media site that often is criticized as a platform for well-being and growth. He also has branched out into Instagram and YouTube. In this discussion, Mr. Tucker and Mr. Hopping also discuss McCallie's counseling program and how students are coping with the stresses of the post-COVID school experience.
The podcast can be heard below or by searching for "McCallie Stories from the Ridge" on most podcast platforms.
Links for Mr. Tucker's social media accounts are:
Three Teachers Share Their 2022 Faculty Enrichment Travel Stories
In this podcast, Sumner McCallie, Dean of Faculty and Curriculum, who administers the summer travel grant program, talks with three faculty members about their travel experiences last summer. Adam Tolar '96, Michael McCallie, and Will Givens share some wonderful stories, but more importantly, they share how the summer travel grants enabled them to return to the classroom this fall with new ideas and new inspirations.
Golf, Rowing, Cross Country and Football Coaches Discuss This Fall’s Season
The fall sports season is already shaping up as a strong one as two teams, football and cross country, are trying for record four-in-a-row state championships, and the other two, golf and rowing are promising strong, competitive seasons.
Coaches from the four fall sports recently sat down with Mark Wiedmer ’76, a new member of McCallie’s Communications staff, to discuss the upcoming season. Head Football Coach Ralph Potter '81, Cross Country Coach Mike Wood, Golf Coach Rob Riddle, and Assistant Rowing Coach Paul Marrion, share their perspectives on the season, which is already underway, and recall some past teams as well. And they share their coaching philosophies, as well as which restaurants the students like to visit after a victory.
McCallie Motorsports: Building a Race Car, McCallie Style
Recent graduates David Dalton '22 and Rowdy Stephens '22 talk with Skip Brock '68 about their shared passion for cars and racing. The discussion is hosted by the Director of Digital Communications Deanna Luna, of McCallie's Communications and Marketing Department.
In August 2021, David and Rowdy expressed an interest in re-restarting a car club at McCallie, and serendipitously, alumnus and Board of Trustees member Skip Brock had expressed an interest in working with students on building a race car. Thus began a year-long collaboration. In the episode, the students discuss their process for building the car, including meticulously documenting each step, as well as their first foray into taking the car for a spin on a track.
Chet LeSourd and Bob Bires: On Teaching, McCallie and Retirement
In this edition of Stories from the Ridge, Head of School Lee Burns ’87, talks with two of McCallie’s most respected teachers, Chet LeSourd ’72 and Bob Bires. Mr. LeSourd will retire at the end of May after 43 years on the Ridge, and Mr. Bires retired two years during the first phase of the COVID pandemic when the school was in lockdown and it was impossible to give him a proper send-off.
Prior to recording the podcast on May 16, 2022, Mr. LeSourd gave his final Upper School Chapel talk as a member of the faculty, an event attended by many former teachers who worked with Mr. LeSourd over the years. A video of that Chapel talk can be viewed here.
Meet Megan Cover, GPS Head of School
The latest edition of Stories from the Ridge features the new Head of School at GPS, Megan Cover, in a conversation with McCallie’s Head of School Lee Burns ’87. The two discuss the special relationship of McCallie and GPS and share ideas for enhancing some coordinate programs in the future. And Ms. Cover shares with the McCallie community the story of her professional career, from a French/German teacher in Philadelphia to the head of one of the nation’s top girls’ schools.
Baseball Talk – Three McCallie ‘Titans’ Share Stories, Laughs
With the varsity baseball stadium being named the Kenny Sholl Stadium, and the dugouts being named for Hank Hopping and Bill Eiselstein, the three titans of McCallie baseball sat down on a recent spring afternoon as the baseball team was practicing and shared their thoughts and stories about baseball at McCallie. Steve Hearn ’74, Vice President of Advancement, hosts the discussion, which is full of laughs and wonderful memories.
Number One in Nation: A Discussion With Varsity Tennis Coach Jeff Clark '91
Ranked as the top high school team in the nation, McCallie’s Blue Tornado Tennis Team is off to a great start this year. Head of School Lee Burns ’87 and Varsity Tennis Coach Jeff Clark ’91 recently sat down to discuss the number one ranking and the team’s prospects, and that lively, informative discussion is available in the latest edition of McCallie’s Stories from the Ridge podcast series. The two, who were both top-level tennis players at McCallie to discuss the 2022 team, its season so far and the prospects for the remainder of the season, and they recall other great McCallie tennis teams (such as the top-ranked 1977 team) as well as their own tennis careers.
The podcast was recorded on March 23, 2022.
Academics at McCallie: An Administrative Perspective
McCallie School is a place in which boys are comfortable, and one of the duties of teachers is to make them uncomfortable. That is what creates learning and growth, and it is something done with care and intention. That’s one of the many observations about McCallie’s academic program made on a podcast featuring three top administrators – Head of School Lee Burns ’87, Assistant Head of School Kenny Sholl, and Dean of Faculty and Curriculum Sumner McCallie – that discusses the school’s faculty and academic program.
The informative and entertaining discussion of the academic program is the conclusion of a series of podcasts that examine McCallie’s eight academic departments. (Those podcasts can be found below.) Mr. Burns, Mr. Sholl, and Mr. McCallie discuss the departmental podcasts, play short clips, and tie them into the objectives and practices of teachers on the Ridge. They discuss how the curriculum and the teaching styles of faculty members are balanced between the strong traditions of McCallie and the changing global environment in which McCallie boys will enter as adults.
Here are the 14 Habits of Mind, as discussed in the podcast.
Tornado Term: From Cybersecurity to Horsemanship
McCallie’s innovative Tornado Term, which allows Upper School students to take a deep dive into special interests or topics over a two-week period every January, has become one of the most popular parts of the school’s curriculum. In the latest episode of McCallie’s Stories from the Ridge podcast series, that topic is discussed, especially the most recent T-Term (as it is informally called).
In the podcast, Chris Carpenter ’96, Dean of Student Academics, who oversees the T-Term program, discusses the concept and implementation of T-Term with Spanish Teacher Chip Arnold ’90, who leads a T-Term course on Southern rock music, and students Joseph Mason ’22, who served an internship in cybersecurity, and Harry Carter ’24, who participated in the Horsemanship class.
Teacher Stevie Ray Dallimore Heads to Broadway
Stevie Ray Dallimore, Director of Theater at McCallie, will head to New York in the next few days where he will be the understudy for actor Daniel Craig in the upcoming Broadway production of Macbeth, directed by Sam Gold.
In this episode of Stories from the Ridge, Mr. Dallimore discusses his role as understudy, what it entails, and how he got the offer. He also reflects on his nine years leading McCallie’s theater department and how that experience has helped him as an actor. He plans to return to the Ridge once the show ends its 15-week run.
From Pep Band to Handbells: The Many Parts of McCallie’s Music Program
The many and varied music offerings, from the pep band to private vocal lessons, is the topic of the latest in a series of podcasts examining McCallie’s academic departments. Michael Ake, Chair of the Music Department sits down with Sumner McCallie, Dean of Faculty and Curriculum, to discuss the various offerings and objectives of the department. Mr. Ake uses the annual Christmas performance known as Candlelight to highlight the many aspects of the Music Department, and how practice, practice, practice, results in outstanding performances by groups as varied as handbells, the McCallie/GPS Chorus, and classical guitars.
History: A way of understanding oneself
Classes that are fun, flexible and filled with humility is the objective of McCallie’s History Department, say three of the school’s history teachers in the latest podcast series that examines McCallie’s academic disciplines. The podcast is part of McCallie’s Stories from the Ridge growing podcast series and can be found by searching for “McCallie Stories from the Ridge” on major podcast platforms. In the podcast, the teachers let us in on some of their professional secrets they use to keep students engaged. Joining Dean of Faculty and Curriculum Sumner McCallie for the timely discussion are Department Chair Randy Odle, Dr. Duke Richey '86, and Bart Wallin '99.
Fine Arts At McCallie: A Way To Self-Discovery
McCallie’s Stories from the Ridge podcast series that has focused on the academic disciplines continues with a look at the Fine Arts Department. Three of the school’s arts teachers discuss how arts are taught at McCallie, how creativity is nurtured, and how arts are used as a springboard for self-discovery and problem solving for McCallie boys.
The podcast, featuring Department Chair Paul Merrion and teachers Suzanne Mortimer and Will Givens, is hosted by Dean of Faculty and Curriculum Sumner McCallie.
Math: A (Fun!) Problem Solving Process
Math at McCallie is not an exercise in learning numbers and equations, but instead, it is “a philosophy, a practice of logic” and a “way to think.” And it is fun. That’s the message of four of McCallie’s math teachers as they discuss their academic discipline in the latest edition of McCallie’s podcast series examining the various academic departments at the school.
Hosted by Dean of Faculty and Curriculum Sumner McCallie, this podcast features Department Chair Rob Lyons and teachers Cary Hubbard, Andrea Odle and Byron McCague.
Championship Week: A Conversation With Lee Burns and Ralph Potter
As the McCallie community prepares for the Blue Tornado football team’s game Thursday, December 2, for the state championship, Head of School Lee Burns ’87 sits down with Coach Ralph Potter ’81 to discuss the upcoming game, the legacy of football at McCallie, and the prospects for the game against Montgomery Bell Academy. Coach Potter shares his coaching philosophy, and the two stress the importance of the McCallie community cheering the team on as they play for the championship in Chattanooga’s Finley stadium.
Bible Department: A Discussion With Dr. David Eastman
A new book (his fourth) by Dr. David Eastman, the Sherril Chair of Bible and head of the Bible Department, is the topic of the latest in a series of podcasts examining the various academic departments of McCallie. In this episode, Dr. Eastman is joined by Dr. Sal Musumeci, one of McCallie’s history teachers, as well as Sumner McCallie, Dean of Faculty and Curriculum, in a discussion of the book, North African Christianity, Turning Points in the Development of the Church. They also talk about the Bible Department, how McCallie teaches Biblical subjects to students of many different faiths, and why teaching about religion, faith, and ethics is an important part of McCallie’s pedagogical philosophy.
This is the fourth in a series of podcasts examining the academic departments at McCallie. Other podcasts in this series will be posted throughout the remainder of 2021.
Languages: More than Immersion
McCallie’s goal is for students to not simply “learn” a second or third language, but to “acquire” it, and by doing so to understand the cultures and personal perspectives of people in other parts of the world. That’s one of the themes touched on in a podcast discussion among four language teachers at McCallie. The discussion is part of McCallie’s Stories from the Ridge podcast series on academic departments.
The latest podcast features Dean of Faculty and Curriculum Sumner McCallie talking with the language teachers about their teaching methods and the importance of language proficiency in today’s global world. Joining Mr. McCallie are Frank Watkins, Spanish teacher and chair of the department, Paul Cudd, German teacher, Jason Jones, Latin teacher, and Carson Murphy, Chinese teacher.
English Department: Grammar and Literature Reexamined
The way in which McCallie students learn to write and to appreciate and understand literature has changed over the years, but the objectives remain the same. That’s the message of three of McCallie’s English teachers in this wide-ranging discussion of many themes related to how English is taught.
The discussion is hosted by Sumner McCallie, Dean of Faculty and Curriculum, and features Sam Currin ’03, Chair of the Department who is in his 11th year at McCallie, Erin Tocknell, in her 14th year and who teaches sophomore-level courses, and legendary teacher Bill Jamieson, in his 40th year teaching eighth graders.
An earlier a podcast featuring the science Department can be found here. Over the next two months, all other academic departments will be featured in this series.
A New Way of Teaching Science
Collaboration, moving around, not expecting teachers to know all the answers, even learning to appreciate failure ... those are some of the characteristics of new methods of teaching science that members of McCallie’s Science Department are using to educate a new generation of scientists and citizens. And they are topics that are discussed in this edition of McCallie’s Stories From the Ridge podcast series.
The Science Department podcast is hosted by Sumner McCallie, Dean of Faculty and Curriculum, and features Michael Lowry, in his 28th year on the Ridge, and who serves as department chair, Dr. Karah Nazor, in her 10th year, and Matt Allen, in his third year. It includes lively discussions of how and why science is taught in both the Upper and Middle Schools and conveys the passion that the teachers bring to their profession.
This is the first of several podcasts featuring the academic departments at McCallie. Other podcasts will be released throughout the fall of 2021.
Squash: What It Is, How It is Played, and Its Role in McCallie’s Varsity Athletic Offerings
Squash, McCallie’s newest varsity sport, is the topic of this edition of Stories from the Ridge. Head of School Lee Burns ’87 introduces the new head varsity squash coach, Dan Sharplin, who discusses his reasons for coming to Chattanooga to lead this growing part of the school’s athletic offerings. Mr. Sharplin, who comes to the Ridge via his native New Zealand and Boston, shares his vision for McCallie’s squash program and how he sees it as a way to introduce squash to other high schools in the Southeast. He and Mr. Burns also share their vision for a squash facility on McCallie’s campus (the squash currently uses a club squash facility in Downtown Chattanooga).
For the many McCallie alumni and friends who are unfamiliar with squash, Mr. Sharplin gives a brief explanation on how it is played.