Maclay School is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Head of School Scholarship, awarding full tuition andeducational expenses to two exceptional incoming Upper School students: Brayden Byrom and Chiara Lemmon.

Established in 2021 through a transformational $5 million endowed gift, the Head of School Scholarship is one of the most comprehensive merit-based scholarship programs of its kind in the country. The award provides full tuition, technology, books, trips, and fees, with a total value exceeding $100,000 over four years. Two scholarships are awarded annually, supporting up to eight scholars concurrently in the Maclay Upper School.

“Maclay has a long history of cultivating scholar-leaders who shape our campus culture and contribute meaningfully beyond it,” said James Milford, Head of School. “Brayden and Chiara exemplify the academic curiosity, character, and drive this scholarship was created to support. We are excited to welcome them into a distinguished and growing community of Head of School Scholars.”

Meet the 2026 Scholars

Brayden Byrom, an 8^th grader from Holy Comforter Episcopal School, is known for his strong academic performance and deep intellectual curiosity, particularly in mathematics. Brayden is also a talented musician and has been in the advanced School of Rock band for three years at HCES. He was recently selected All-State in guitar.  He is dedicated athlete who competes in tennis tournaments and is a former competitive gymnast. Brayden’s teachers and family describe him as disciplined, motivated, and eager to grow, both academically and personally. His well-rounded interests and commitment to excellence reflect the qualities of a true Maclay scholar.

Brayden shared, “As Tom Lehrer, a famous musician, once said, ‘Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it.’ Here at Maclay, I’m going to give my all at everything I do, taking all the wonderful opportunities Maclay provides, and turning them into successes and growth.”

Chiara Lemmon is homeschooled and brings an extraordinary breadth of talents and accomplishments. A highly self-directed learner, Chiara has studied multiple academic subjects well ahead of grade level. She is an accomplished cellist and pianist, performs with regional youth orchestras, and balances her artistic pursuits with competitive swimming, equestrian activities, and entrepreneurship. She recently won her second regional concerto competition for her age group and will perform a cello concerto with the Big Bend Community Orchestra in April.  Chiara founded and operates a regenerative agriculture egg business and teaches piano lessons, demonstrating initiative, leadership, and service-mindedness beyond her years. She aspires to explore the intersection of classical music and STEM fields, including biology.

“I am very excited to join the Maclay community to learn from the school’s dedicated teachers and to interact with academically driven peers,” Chiara shared. “I look forward to exploring new academic subjects and diving deeper into topics that I find fascinating.”

About the Head of School Scholarship

The Head of School Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, strong character, meaningful involvement in their school and community, and exceptional promise to contribute to the life of Maclay School. Scholars are selected through a highly competitive process that includes academic assessment, faculty interviews, and a holistic review of each candidate’s achievements and potential.

Each year’s recipients join a growing legacy of Head of School Scholars whose impact is felt across classrooms, arts programs, athletic teams, and community initiatives. The scholarship reflects Maclay’s commitment to expanding access to excellence and investing in students who will shape the future of the school and the broader community.