For 2026 salutatorian James Shallow, Bonner & Prendie was more than a family tradition — it was a place where he challenged himself academically, built lifelong friendships through football, and learned the value of discipline and hard work.
We recently sat down with James to reflect on his B&P experience and what comes next after graduation.
Why did you choose Bonner & Prendie?
Coming into high school, I knew I wanted to play football. My brother had gone to Malvern Prep, but most of my family went to Bonner & Prendie. My sister, my parents, and a lot of my extended family all came here, so it naturally felt like the right fit for me.
Do you have other family members who attended Bonner & Prendie?
Yes — a lot of them. My sister Meredith graduated in 2024, and both of my parents, Michael and Monique Shallow, graduated in 1988. On both sides of my family, there are a lot of Bonner & Prendie alumni.
What has been your favorite part about being a student at Bonner & Prendie?
I appreciated that if you wanted to challenge yourself academically, you had the opportunity to do it.
Freshman year, I realized I could push myself more, so I worked hard to move into the top classes. From there, I just kept going.
I’ve always liked being busy and challenging myself. If I feel like I’m leaving something on the table, it bothers me.
What has been your favorite class?
I’ve always loved math. Algebra and geometry came naturally to me, but I actually enjoyed calculus this year because it challenged me.
Mr. Matt McShane pushed us hard, and I’m grateful for that.
Is there a teacher or staff member who had a big impact on you?
Coach Jack Muldoon ‘75 definitely had a big impact on me. He really looks out for the football players and genuinely cares about us.
Mr. Matt McShane also stood out because of how much he invests in students and wants them to succeed.
And Mr. Martin Watson is someone I respect a lot because he’s authentic and straightforward. Everyone is held to the same standard in his class, and if you put in the work, you earn the results.
What’s one of your favorite Bonner & Prendie memories?
A lot of my favorite memories revolve around football.
Winning the state championship was incredible, but going to Ireland sophomore year was probably my favorite experience. We traveled around Dublin and played a football game there, which was something I’ll always remember.
What are you most excited about as the 2026 salutatorian?
It’s definitely an honor because it’s something people respect.
A lot of people don’t necessarily expect me to be salutatorian, so it’s funny hearing people say they didn’t see it coming. It’s a cool accomplishment, and I’m proud of it.
Have you started thinking about your graduation speech?
I’m just starting to work on it, but a lot of it centers around faith and the idea that God has a plan for everyone.
I want to connect that message to both school and athletics and how different experiences shape you over time.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’ll be attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to study mechanical engineering.
I’m also planning to enroll in the Air Force ROTC program. It helps financially, but I also think structure and discipline are important, especially now that football is ending.
Looking back, what stands out most about your experience at Bonner & Prendie?
I’m really grateful for the friendships and relationships I built here, especially through football.
A lot of the guys I played with are people I know I’ll stay close with long after high school, and I can’t wait to see what everyone accomplishes in the future.