INTERLOCHEN, MI / ACCESS Newswire / October 15, 2026 / The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) has named Megan Walton, retired Vice Provost of Student Life at Interlochen Center for the Arts, one of four recipients of the Burch Ford Kaleidoscope Award, a national award that celebrates outstanding work in student and residential life.

The honor caps a career of more than 25 years that Walton spent as an educator and student life leader. She retired at the end of the 2026 Interlochen Arts Camp season after four years at Interlochen, where she was the institution's first Vice Provost of Student Life.

"Megan devoted her career to helping young people feel known, supported, and empowered to grow," said Camille Colatosti, Provost of Interlochen Center for the Arts. "Her impact at Interlochen extended far beyond the programs she led. She helped strengthen a culture in which the experiences students have outside the classroom are understood as an essential part of their education. We are thrilled to see her extraordinary career and commitment to young people recognized by TABS."

Presented to boarding school professionals whose work in student and residential life reflects commitment, creativity, and excellence, the Burch Ford Kaleidoscope Award recognizes a spirit of vocation and devotion to service, along with the ability to inspire others and lead with integrity.

Walton came to Interlochen in July 2022 to oversee life outside the classroom for the young artists of Interlochen Arts Academy and Interlochen Arts Camp. In her role as Vice Provost of Student Life, she directed the Student Affairs team, whose responsibilities included Residence Life, Health Services, Recreation and Wellness, student government, and student clubs and organizations. She also led the full cabin life team at Interlochen Arts Camp.

During her time at Interlochen, Walton advocated a holistic model of student development, one that put relationships at the center of residential learning. Her approach grew from the conviction that education engages both the "mind and heart," and that the bonds educators form with students can shape their growth and the contributions they go on to make in the world.

Walton's work at Interlochen was the culmination of a career dedicated to young people. Prior to Interlochen, she held a variety of roles in boarding and day school communities, working as an administrator, teacher, mentor, coach, counselor, and advisor. Her most recent position before coming to Interlochen was assistant head of school at Besant Hill School in Ojai, California.

The award's namesake, the late Mary Burch Tracy Ford, was a pioneering boarding school educator. She was the first full-time counselor at Groton School, served as Dean of Students at Milton Academy, and spent 15 years as Head of Miss Porter's School. TABS created the award to honor educators who continue Ford's legacy of service, creativity, courage, and commitment to students.

The TABS Board selection committee chose Walton as one of four educators to receive this year's award.

About Interlochen Center for the Arts

The nonprofit Interlochen Center for the Arts is a recipient of the National Medal of Arts and the only organization in the world that brings together a 3,000-student summer camp program; a 550-plus-student fine arts boarding high school; a year-round source of expert online arts education for children, teens, and adults; opportunities for adults to engage in fulfilling artistic and creative programs; two 24-hour, listener-supported public radio services (classical music and news); more than 600 arts presentations annually by students, faculty, and world-renowned guest artists; a robust hospitality division that curates on-campus lodging, dining, and transportation services; and a global alumni base spanning nine decades, including leaders in the arts and all other endeavors. For information, visit Interlochen online at www.interlochen.org.

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SOURCE: Interlochen Center for the Arts