Senior Honored with Class of ’75 Make Me Smile Award

At the Upper School Recognition Ceremony during announcements on Friday, April 24, the Upper School community continued a meaningful tradition with the presentation of the Class of ’75 You Make Me Smile Award. Chance Odom ’26 is this year’s recipient. Created in 2005 by the Class of 1975 in memory of two classmates, John Hogg ’75 and Cove Anderson ’75, the award recognizes a senior whose personal warmth, good cheer and humor leave a lasting impact on the Upper School community. Selected by the Student Media staff via a vote and commemorated with a full-page yearbook tribute, the recipient of this award is someone who will always be remembered with a smile. 

Odom’s selection was notable because he received more votes than any nominee in the award’s history. Staff members described Odom as someone who consistently lifts others up, offering a kind word to everyone he interacts with, and making them feel seen. This year, Odom wrote a memory about every single senior for their senior yearbook. In addition, in the Falcon Quill senior wills section, Odom left something for underclassmen: “I leave you my unending desire to see the good in everybody.” 

“This statement epitomizes why Chance is receiving this award,” said Lisa Wallace, Student Media Teacher. “He is a joyful presence, a generous heart and someone who truly makes others feel valued.”