Predetermined molds run contrary to everything we believe in at Christ School.
Boys are given the freedom to maturate into young men of character at their own pace and in their own unique ways. Still, there is great worth in identifying prospective students who represent our ideals in all aspects of their educational experience through the Krieger Leadership Scholars program.
Four KLS finalists and their families were on campus February 26-27 to interview and learn more about the school, and of that group, this year’s winners are Thomas Wright ’30 of Simpsonville, S.C., and Court Beason ’30 of Durham, N.C.
Both of the boys have accepted the endowed scholarships and will join the student body for the 2026-27 academic year.
“This scholarship means everything to me, not just due to the academic and sports aspect, but also because I am excited for what the brotherhood will do for me in helping me become a better man,” Thomas said.
“I am very honored to be a recipient of this scholarship,” Court said.
“This scholarship is an amazing academic opportunity as well as a chance to join the brotherhood with everyone who has graduated before me and my class! Christ School is such a special place and I can’t wait to come back and become part of the Greenie legacy.”
Interviewers for this year’s KLS selection process were a panel made up of Matt Seely '14, Will Battle ’09, Karyn Herterich P’04, former Board of Trustees Chairman Bert Scott P’08, Sean Scott ’08, Jack Smallpage ’06, Doug Wilkins P’05, Assistant Head of School Lisa Darling, John Manganiello P’29, and former faculty member Mary Dillon.
The KLS program was founded in 2023 and is a merit scholarship named for former Headmaster Paul Krieger P’09, P’12, and his wife, Beth Krieger P’09 P’12, who led the school through a 21-year period of unprecedented prosperity and growth before retiring in 2021. One full domestic boarding scholarship and one partial boarding scholarship are awarded each year to new applicants entering the 8th, 9th, or 10th grade. KLS Scholars retain their scholarship throughout their time at Christ School.
Wait McCormick '26 will be the first KLS Scholar to graduate in May; Wait plans to attend Wake Forest University in his hometown of Winston-Salem, N.C.