News

North Shore Country Day is proud to celebrate a special connection between two Raiders across generations.

Joshua Lemons ’26 was recently named one of three recipients of the inaugural Jim “Duke” Davis Memorial Award, a scholarship recognizing high school senior athletes who demonstrate exceptional character, commitment and sportsmanship. The award was established by the Davis family in memory of Jim “Duke” Davis ’64, a former NSCD Alumni Board member and beloved member of the Winnetka community who passed away this past year.

The Duke Memorial Award honors student-athletes who embody four core values that defined Jim Davis’ life: strength in body and character; loyalty to teammates and community; effort in every rep, every play, every day; and kindness on and off the field.

When asked to nominate a student, Athletic Director Patrick McHugh immediately thought of Josh.

“Josh is the kind of young man who notices when someone is struggling and does something about it,” McHugh wrote in his nomination. “His kindness isn’t a performance; it’s simply who he is, on the court and off it.”

Throughout his time at North Shore, Josh balanced a rigorous academic schedule, a long daily commute from Zion, varsity basketball and a part-time job, all while remaining a dependable teammate and positive presence in the community. Coaches and classmates alike know him as someone who consistently puts the team first and approaches every challenge with humility and determination.

McHugh added, “Josh embodies everything this award was created to recognize: the strength to keep showing up when life is hard, the loyalty that puts the team first always, the effort that never wavers and the kindness that makes everyone around him better.”

The award serves as a fitting tribute to Jim Davis’ legacy while celebrating the values that continue to define North Shore students today.

Congratulations to Josh on this well-deserved honor and to the Davis family for creating a meaningful legacy that will inspire student-athletes for years to come.