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 in 1983 and recognizes graduates for exceptional achievements in career and community service. Chris (Castleberry) '89 and Wayne Lippert '89 exemplify this award through their extensive leadership and contributions.
On the Buildings, Grounds & Technology (BGT) Committee, Wayne kept safety front and center. During his service we implemented a modern visitor-screening system, expanded campus-wide cameras, and added trained security personnel. Survey feedback showed that parents’ confidence in campus safety increased significantly.
Acting as a connector across committees, Wayne helped shape a forward-looking master plan that reimagines academic, arts, athletic and classroom spaces to advance our mission and five pillars. He pressed for decisive modernization transitioning IT to a managed services model that improved reliability, infrastructure and support. The bottom line: smoother operations and a better daily experience for students and faculty. On Business Affairs and Retirement, his disciplined lens sharpened long-range planning and sustainability.
Chris served as a trusted, first-contact voice for prospective families answering candidly, welcoming warmly and helping interest become commitment. Her presence supports retention by ensuring new families feel connected from day one. She has elevated parent philanthropy inviting families to contribute time, talent and resources so every student benefits. Chris models it; others follow.
Through admissions and advancement leadership, Chris helps families choose and stay at The Summit, while inviting others to invest alongside her. That consistency builds a durable culture of generosity.
The Lipperts invested in Middle School learning support, expanding coaching, intervention, and targeted instruction so students build confidence and arrive in Upper School ready to thrive. Their gift to the Class of 1989 Pond turned more of our grounds into classrooms spaces now used for science investigations, reading circles, art, reflection, movement and collaboration linking wellness and academics in meaningful ways.
Their steadfast support strengthens the essentials: classroom resources, faculty growth and student programming the operational backbone of a great school. The security upgrades they championed screening, cameras, trained personnel allow students and teachers to focus, belong and excel. Parents have noticed; feedback reflects greater peace of mind.
Chris and Wayne's joyful, steady and genuine commitment inspires others and strengthens the community. The Summit is immensely grateful for their servant leadership.
Chris (Castleberry) '89 and Wayne Lippert '89
2025 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 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Farrell Ackley Award: Jerry Hilton '91, current social studies teacher and coach, was given the Farrell Ackley Award, which recognizes individuals who have been an outstanding model of athletic success, while consistently exemplifying the values of honesty, character, discipline and loyalty that the late teacher and coach Farrell Ackley found to be important. Hilton, who was once one of Ackley’s students, has been a coach and teacher at the school for 18 years. He has coached basketball and track and is currently coaching cross country.
“Jerry was my history teacher and what made Jerry special to me was his compassion for me as a basketball player and student,” Johnson said. “Jerry provided so much wisdom and support for me throughout high school.”
Hilton said the best coaches set up the athlete for success but coaches them through failure. “Competition forces you to be honest with yourself, he said. “As human beings, many of us have a tendency not to be honest with ourselves. We think we know things. We think we can do things. A lot of times, we think we're better than we are and we don't need to improve. But when you're out in competition, sometimes you lose. That is the brutal honesty that helps growth because it teaches you what do you need to do to improve.”
Silver Knights Victory Award: Dr. Robin Cotton, a retired Cincinnati physician who is considered a leader in the field of pediatric otolaryngology, was given the Silver Knights Victory Award which recognizes athletic benefactors who have supported Summit athletics through a spirit of service, loyalty, time and resources. Dr. Cotton and his wife, Cindi, are the parents of Colin Cotton, a 2011 graduate who won two state championships through Summit’s running programs. Longtime supporters of the school, the Cottons endowed the Cotton Family Endowed Cross Country Coach Fund.
“The Cottons have helped us maintain and establish a program that has seen tremendous growth and recognition across the city and state of Ohio," said Kurtis Smith, Cross Country Varsity Head Coach. “Due to their philanthropy towards our program, we have been able to keep our athletes experiencing a well-rounded experience year-round within our running program. Their time and dedication to our program has had ripple affects to other programs as families see the impact that they can have through their time and philanthropy efforts. We are forever in debt to them and their sacrifices to our community.”
Dr. Cotton said there was a symbiosis between his son, “a stellar runner,” and Kurtis Smith, “a great coach” which created a culture around running at The Summit. “One of the things that I really like about Summit is its athletic development and the fact that it came with no cut-system where everyone can participate,” Dr. Cotton said. “We found Kurtis to be an extremely inspirational man in many ways. And the athletic director, Greg Dennis, has done wonderful things for that school. We were happy to participate in one small arm in the development of the athletic program at Summit.”
Sister Rose Ann Fleming ’50 Award: Dr. Patricia White, who served as School Counselor, College Counselor, Interim Head of School and Upper School director in her 15 years at The Summit, was awarded the Sister Rose Ann Fleming ’50 Award. The award is presented to a person who played a significant role in advancement, development and success athletics, particularly female athletes, but also made an impact on all levels.
Kevin Johnson, Jr., a 2013 graduate who now serves as Head Basketball Coach and Alumni Engagement Gifts Officer, said Dr. White made his high school experience memorable. “Pat had compassion and love for all students,” he said. “If you were struggling academically she would figure out a plan, if you were struggling with your mental health, she would go out her way to make sure you were well, and she always pushed us to be our best self. Pat saw something in me and knew I could benefit by being at Summit.”
In everything she did at The Summit, Dr. White said she brought the teaching of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur to celebrate the divine dignity of every child. “I just worked from the academic angle with the coaches to make sure that the kids were really prepared. I worked closely with the coaches so that we developed the total child.”