McCallie School’s student body and faculty gathered on the Spencer J. McCallie III Quadrangle to begin the 2017-18 school year.
Headmaster Lee Burns ’87 opened the Convocation ceremony by reminding the student body of the value of McCallie and the importance of shared values. He encouraged the boys to take risks during the coming school year and stretch themselves academically, physically, socially, and spiritually while supporting and accepting the differences and diversity that make McCallie special.
"A community is built on relationships, and those relationships at McCallie are especially strong and deep,” Mr. Burns said. “There is a brotherhood here. We support and love one another. We cheer each other on and laugh with each other. We hold each other accountable, including sometimes saying difficult things to each other. We provide shoulders to lean upon or cry upon. We are loyal to each other. We are loyal to McCallie. We are family.”
The school opens the year with 934 students from 22 states and 11 countries. McCallie’s newest class of sixth-graders — the Class of 2024 — is assembled of boys from 31 elementary schools.
Mr. Burns remarks were followed by remarks by Assistant Headmaster Kenny Sholl, who discussed the importance and meaning of the McCallie motto: Man’s Chief End is to Glorify God and Enjoy Him Forever.
Seniors Alec Earp, Graham Hartness and Will Klein spoke to their classmates on the meaning of Honor, Truth and Duty and its importance in the lives of themselves and their fellow students.
Convocation concluded with the singing of the Alma Mater led by Music Department Chair James Harr and a prayer by Chaplain Josh Deitrick, and with that McCallie opened a new school year and a new chapter in the school’s history.
More photos from Tuesday's Convocation are available in an online photo gallery.