Stories from the Ridge, The McCallie Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Smart Phones and McCallie Boys Sep 13, 2024

Show notes

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.

2024 Opening Convocation Talk By Lee Burns Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Head of School Lee Burns ’87, welcomed 999 students to the 120th school year of McCallie School. This episode of Stories From the Ridge features that talk, which was delivered in the Spencer McCallie III Quadrangle. A news story as well as a full video of the event can be found here: https://www.mccallie.org/news/news-details/~board/news-from-the-ridge/post/mccallie-convocation-2024 .

Fall 2024 Sports Review Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

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.

The Gold Medal Way of Making Friends: Charles Battle ’60 and the Atlanta Olympics Jul 20, 2024

Show notes

While the attention of the nation and the world is turning to Paris and the 2024 Olympics, we step back in time for some Gold Medal winning stories of the 1996 Olympics which were held in Atlanta, just down the road from McCallie’s Chattanooga campus. In this episode of Stories From the Ridge, Charles Battle ’60 shares insider stories – and some long-held secrets – about his critical role in Atlanta’s bid for the Olympics and the ensuing successful games, which placed Atlanta on the map as a leading international city. Charles’ tells stories about how he, as a member of the famous Atlanta Nine who led the Olympic effort, traveled around the world, meeting royalty and world leaders, befriending them, and gaining their votes for Atlanta . . . and later more wonderful stories about how the games were carried out so successfully. It’s all about making friends and being a friend, he says. We encourage you to listen all the way to the end to hear Charles read a poem from one of his 1960 McCallie classmates.

Human Library Connects Sixth Graders With History Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

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.

Dr. Cleve Latham Discusses Retirement After 50 Years on the Ridge May 25, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Cleve Latham, one of McCallie’s most popular, beloved, and effective teachers and administrators, has retired after 50 years in the classroom. Head of School Lee Burns ‘87, who was one of Dr. Latham’s students, shares a heartfelt and moving godsend to Dr. Latham in this uplifting edition of Stories From tThe Ridge. A news story about Dr. Latham’s retirement celebration dinner can be found here,.

2024 Spring Sports Preview Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

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 Mar 22, 2024

Show notes

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 Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

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 Feb 23, 2024

Show notes

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 .

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