Alumni Awards
The Summit Alumni Awards recognizes alumni who demonstrate the mission of The Summit: To develop spiritually, academically, physically socially and artistically, and to become leaders of character who value and improve the world they inherit.
McKenzie-Sargent Distinguished Alumni Award
The McKenzie-Sargent Distinguished Alumni Award honors The Summit’s first alumnae and recognizes graduates for exceptional achievements in career and community service. Allison (Hiltz) Kropp ‘93 exemplifies this award through her extensive leadership and contributions.
As a dedicated alumna, Allison has significantly impacted The Summit and the Cincinnati community. She has held key leadership roles, including Board Chair for the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and Vice Chair for the Cincinnati Museum Center and CISE Fund. Her involvement with numerous boards demonstrates her commitment to service.
At The Summit, Allison co-chaired the successful Leading the Way Campaign, raising over $21 million, and contributed to the Upper School Resources Program. She guided the community through challenges like COVID-19 and continues to be active on several Board Committees.
As a Summit parent of three (Finn ‘25, Paige ‘26 and Piper ‘31) Allison volunteers extensively, supporting students and faculty, especially during difficult times. Her engagement fosters strong connections within the community, shifting the focus from “The Summit” to “Our Summit,” and emphasizing relationship-building.
Allison’s vibrant presence, gratitude, and dedication inspire others and strengthen the community. The Summit is immensely grateful for her servant leadership.
Allison Kropp '93
2024 Special Awards
The Athletic Hall of Fame Awards recognize outstanding athletic accomplishments by alumni “on the field” during their years as Summit students. The Awards are presented each year in partnership between the Athletics Department and the Alumni Office.
The Summit Country Day School inaugurated three special awards at the 2024 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Farrell Ackley Award: Jeffrey Stayton, Summit social studies teacher, is the 2024 Farrell Ackley award recipient. This award recognizes individuals who not only demonstrate exceptional athletic success but also embody the values that Coach Ackley held dear: honesty, character, discipline, and loyalty. Jeff Stayton has demonstrated these values and has been influenced by Farrell Ackley, who made him the football receivers coach for a year at the start of his tenure at The Summit. Stayton came to Summit in 1983, teaching and coaching thousands of students, most notably in baseball. He started as a part-time teacher and part-time trainer for the Summit football team. Under Stayton’s leadership, the Summit boy's baseball team, who were projected to place 4th in the MVC, took home the state championship in 1995 after finishing with a record of 23-3. He has dedicated 38 years of his life to The Summit, instilling core values of discipline and integrity in his students and athletes.
Silver Knights Victory Award: Nick Ragland IV BMS ‘83 is the 2024 Silver Knights victory award recipient, which honors an athletics benefactor who has generously supported the Silver Knights athletes through a spirit of service, unwavering loyalty, dedicated time, and valuable resources. He came to The Summit in 1983, starting and graduating his education and athletics in middle school. Nick has supported Summit athletics during his years as a student, traveling around the country to attend games and encourage Summit athletes. Serving as a trustee to The Summit, Nick has continued to be very involved and committed to not only the board, but to the community, when he acted as co-chair for the “Leading the Way” campaign. He also served as the co-chair to the leading of characters society at The Summit. This program focuses on cultivating ethical leadership in students by emphasizing character development through a curriculum that incorporates values such as honesty, responsibility, and community service. Its goal is to produce well-rounded individuals who excel academically while also demonstrating strong moral character.
Sister Rose Ann Fleming ’50 Award: Marianne Cramer, head librarian at The Summit, has received The Sister Rose Ann Fleming ’50 Award. This award honors a community member who played a significant role in the advancement, development and success of female athletics at The Summit. She came to the Summit in 1986, bringing her son of five years old to attend the school, who stayed for 13 years and was later married at The Summit. Cramer emphasized the importance of being an ethical leader at The Summit, which she has done by acting as a role model and advisor to the many students she has taught over 38 years. Sister Rose Ann Fleming set an example for all educators, including Marianne, who was impressed with Fleming's work with the many athletes she managed at her time at Xavier University.