Stories from the Ridge, The McCallie Podcast

How does McCallie encourage boys to read fiction in a timein which boys nationally are reading less and less? Dean of Faculty and Curriculum Sumner McCallie hosts this lively discussion with three stalwarts of the English Department – Department Head Sam Currin ’03, longtime literature teacher Bill Jamieson, and teacher and dorm Head Stuart King ’10. They discuss how McCallie boys are taught and encouraged to make reading a lifelong pursuit. And follow this to the end where the teachers all give their recommendations for summer reading.

A program that is “transformational for McCallie boys andthe broader McCallie community,” is slowly being rolled out to students and alumni on the high plains of Montana. In this episode of Stories from the Ridge, Carter Newbold, Director of Board Relations and Strategy, talks with teachers Duke Richey and Bart Wallin, as well as students William McDowell andElijah Cooper, about their experiences in McCallie’s newest offering – McCallie in Montana.

In this edition of Stories from the Ridge, Head of School Lee Burns ’87, talks with new Head Basketball Coach Kenneth White ’97 about his “Mantra of Mayhem” approach to play by this year’s varsity team. Mr. White discusses this year’s team, its prospects, and his coaching style and philosophy. This interview was recorded on December 11, prior to the start of divisional play, but after a strong series of non-divisional contest openers. For more information on this year’s basketball program, a news report can be found here.

McCallie School’s annual Christmas musical performance known as Candlelight will celebrate its 40th year on the Ridge on Dec. 6 and 7, 2024. In this episode of Stories from the Ridge, Dr. James Harr, Director of Choral Programs and Director of Candlelight, sits down with Dr. Lew Cisto, retired Music Director who started Candlelight in 1985 when he first arrived on campus to teach music, and with Ben Sanders ’99, who performed in six Candlelights, to discuss the history of Candlelight, reflect on its importance in the culture and traditions of McCallie, and share a lot of heartwarming stories. Hank Hopping, Principal of the Upper School, hosts the three in this uplifting conversation about Candlelight.

In early October, 2024, George Hazard Jr., Class of 1964, was named McCallie School’s 2024 Distinguished Alumnus, the highest award. McCallie bestows. In this episode of Stories from the Ridge, Mr. Hazard talks about his days as a McCallie student, teacher, and administrator – and about writing When We Came to the Ridge, the history of McCallie’s founding and early days. And he reflects on what makes McCallie so special and the teachers, administrators, and alumni who have contributed to its success over the years.

One of the most pressing and vexing issues facing McCallie administrators – and administrators of all schools – is the question of the usage and role of smart phones among students. In this episode of Stories from the Ridge, Head of School Lee Burns is joined by Upper School Principal Hank Hopping and Middle School Principal Scotty Jones as they discuss this challenging issue. They share personal and professional insights as well as discuss some ideas that McCallie administrators are considering for the spring 2025 semester.

In this episode of Stories From the Ridge, Mark Wiedmer '76 of the Communications Department is joined by Kenny Sholl, Executive Director of Athletics and Special Assistant to the Head of School, as they talk with Football Coach Joel Bradford, Cross Country Coach Rodney Stoker, Golf Coach Rob Riddle, Crew Coach Sean McCourt, and Mountain Biking Coach Jesse Teague. The coaches share their expectations for the coming season and some of their coaching philosophies as well as how they work to build their teams. The discussion was recorded August 8.

History was brought to life this spring when McCallie sixth graders participated in the school’s first “Human Library” day. The brainchild of Middle School English teacher Weesie Cook and Middle School Learning Center Director Kelcey Watson, the “Human Library” brought community leaders in medicine, education, law, and race relations to campus to share their life stories with the students. In this episode of Stories From the Ridge, which was recorded in mid-May 2024, Head of School Lee Burns ’87 talks with Ms. Cook and Mr. Watson about the program, its impact on students, and plans for future “Human Library” events. A news story about the “Human Library” can be read here.