June 9 was an evening of appreciation, with faculty, administrators, staff, students, and alumni paying tribute to two longtime Williston Northampton School senior administrators retiring at the end of the month.
Assistant Head of School Ann Pickrell and Academic Dean Greg Tuleja posted a combined 79 years at the school, she 40 years and he 39. Their challenges and accomplishments were summarized in an article in the spring 2022 issue of the Williston Bulletin.
Many in attendance spoke reverentially about Pickrell and Tuleja, who were also inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame and given alumni awards during the event.
Denny Grubbs, former head of school, delivered remarks, as did Tim Murphy, a member of the class of 1996. “It has always been Ann’s conviction that Williston is the best place in the world for kids to live and learn and grow,” he said. “Having Ann in my corner, not only when I was a student, but in my career, has been one of the greatest gifts of my life.”
Director of Athletics Mark Conroy also spoke of their influence on sports at Williston and inducted them into the Athletic Hall of Fame (more on Ann’s induction, and Greg’s from Reunion). The two, longtime friends and colleagues, each also offered tributes to the other. Here is Ann speaking about Greg and here is Greg talking about Ann.
Before the close of the event, Head of School Robert W. Hill III toasted the two and conferred upon them the Distinguished Service award (more on Ann’s award and Greg’s award from Reunion), recognizing their deep and lasting contributions to the school.
The entire Williston community wishes them all the best in their next chapter and will miss them.
See photos of the event on Flickr.