The “Monsignor Grimes Soaring Eagle Award” was presented for the first time to the award’s namesake, Monsignor Kenneth Grimes, at a March 27, 2010, presentation.  Named for the beloved former principal of Bishop Watterson High School, recipients are selected by the Bishop Watterson Athletic Association for their extraordinary dedication and service to the athletic program and the young men and women it serves.

The stunning eagle trophy was presented to Monsignor Grimes at the Athletic Association’s Spring Social, held at Little Bear Golf and Country Club.  Athletic Association officials Chet Chaney, President, along with Dave Ganim and Tony Ceritelli, Spring Social Chairmen, and Principal Marian Hutson, gave the award to Monsignor Grimes, a steadfast supporter of the school and its athletics.

Monsignor Grimes graduated from Columbus St. Charles Preparatory School in 1949. St. Charles College, 1953 and was ordained at Mount Saint Mary’s Norwood in 1957.  His first assignment was St. Francis de Sales Church Newark in 1957-60.  He moved to pastor at Columbus Our Lady of Peace Parish from1960-1964, and during that time he taught at Bishop Watterson High School and served as Athletic Director and baseball coach in 1961. After that he taught at Bishop Ready, 1964-65.  In 1965, he completed his master’s degree from The Ohio State University. From 1965-1970, he served as principal at Notre Dame High School in Portsmouth.  He was the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese in 1970-1978, and returned to Bishop Watterson as principal from 1971 through 1976.  He has served as chaplain for the Ohio State House of Representatives from 1973-1995.  Co-Pastor at Columbus St. Agatha Parish, 1978-1986 and pastor at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 1986-2006.  Monsignor Grimes has retired and is in residence at St. Andrew Parish, 2006-Present.  In 2005, Monsignor Grimes became an Honorary Member of the Bishop Watterson High School Alumni Hall of Fame.